Do you have a soft spot for sweet, decadent desserts? If you answered yes, then you are in for a treat! Introducing the Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, a mouthwatering, indulgent cake that blends the perfect balance of rich chocolate, creamy filling, and crunchy pecans. This dessert is an absolute crowd-pleaser and is guaranteed to satisfy even the most demanding sweet tooth.
Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing something special to a family gathering, or simply treating yourself, this chocolate pecan butter cake is the perfect dessert choice. It’s incredibly easy to make, and the result is a stunning, gooey treat that everyone will rave about.
So, let’s dive into the delightful world of Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake and discover how to make this irresistible dessert from start to finish!
Why You’ll Love This Cake
There are a few key reasons why this cake is an instant favorite among dessert lovers. First, it’s ridiculously simple to make, yet it tastes as if you spent hours in the kitchen preparing it. Second, it’s the ultimate combination of textures—crispy on the outside with a deliciously gooey, creamy center, thanks to the amazing cream cheese filling. The chocolate cake base adds a rich, deep flavor, and the pecans on top add a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the smooth filling.
Best of all, this cake is versatile—perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening at home with a cup of coffee or celebrating a birthday or holiday, this cake will become a favorite in no time. It’s one of those desserts that everyone will ask for again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Before we get into the step-by-step directions, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need for this delicious cake. Don’t worry—these are easy-to-find ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
For the Cake Base:
- 1 box (15.25 oz/432g) chocolate cake mix: This is the foundation of your cake, offering a rich, chocolaty flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling. The cake mix makes the process quick and easy.
- 1 large egg: The egg helps to bind the ingredients together and gives the base a nice structure.
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted: This adds moisture and richness to the base, ensuring that the cake is soft and flavorful.
For the Filling:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened: The cream cheese gives the filling its creamy, smooth texture. It’s the key ingredient that makes this cake so irresistible.
- 2 large eggs: These help to set the filling, ensuring it has the right consistency.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a wonderful hint of flavor to the filling and enhances the richness of the cream cheese.
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted: This adds richness and helps create the perfect gooey filling.
- 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar: This gives the filling its sweetness and ensures it has the right creamy consistency.
- ½ cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder: The cocoa powder brings in the rich chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with the rest of the ingredients.
- 1 cup (120g) chopped pecans: These nuts add crunch and depth of flavor, perfectly complementing the rich chocolate and smooth filling.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s dive into the directions. These simple steps will guide you through the process of creating a Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake that will have everyone begging for more.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake will bake evenly. While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. You want to make sure the cake won’t stick to the dish, so a good greasing will make the process much easier later on.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Base
In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, egg, and melted butter. Stir these ingredients together until a thick dough forms. This dough will serve as the base of your cake.
Next, press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Use your fingers or a spatula to press the dough down gently so that it covers the entire bottom of the dish. It’s important to make sure the base is uniform, as it will provide the structure for the creamy filling.
Step 3: Make the Filling
Now, let’s move on to the creamy, gooey filling! In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this, as it will make the process much easier.
Once the cream cheese is smooth, add the eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated evenly.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder to the mixture. Beat until the filling is smooth and creamy. The combination of powdered sugar and cocoa powder will give the filling its sweetness and rich chocolate flavor.
Finally, fold in the chopped pecans. These will add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy filling.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Cake
Once your cake base and filling are ready, it’s time to assemble everything! Pour the cream cheese filling over the cake base. Use a spatula to spread it evenly so that the filling covers the entire base.
Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the top of the cake. This will give the cake a beautiful texture and an added layer of flavor.
Bake the cake in your preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is still slightly gooey. The gooey center is what makes this cake so special, so don’t worry if it’s not completely firm—it should have a soft, pudding-like texture in the middle.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely. This will allow the filling to set and the flavors to meld together. If you cut into it too soon, the gooey filling might be too runny.
Once cooled, slice the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy the rich, decadent flavors with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat!
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How to Make Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a luscious dessert with a rich chocolate base and a creamy, buttery filling topped with crunchy pecans. It’s indulgent, irresistible, and perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
For the Cake Base:
- 1 box (15.25 oz/432g) chocolate cake mix
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar
- ½ cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup (120g) chopped pecans
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. -
Prepare the Cake Base:
In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, egg, and melted butter. Stir until a thick dough forms. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. -
Make the Filling:
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter, mixing until well combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, beating until the mixture is smooth and creamy. -
Assemble and Bake:
Pour the cream cheese filling over the cake base, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly gooey. -
Cool and Serve:
Let the cake cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your rich and decadent Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Notes
- This cake is best enjoyed once it has cooled completely for the perfect gooey texture.
- If you want an extra chocolatey kick, add some mini chocolate chips to the filling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 52g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Chocolate pecan cake, gooey butter cake, chocolate butter cake, pecan dessert, decadent butter cake
Tips and Variations for Perfect Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Use High-Quality Ingredients
To elevate the flavors in this cake, be sure to use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder, cream cheese, and butter. The better the ingredients, the more delicious the end result will be!
Customize the Cake Base
Feel free to experiment with different cake mixes to create variations of this dessert. If you’re not a fan of chocolate cake, try using a vanilla cake mix or red velvet cake mix for a different flavor profile. The gooey filling pairs well with many different types of cake.
Add Extra Toppings
For a fun twist, try adding extra toppings like whipped cream, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. These add even more layers of flavor and make your cake look extra indulgent.
Make It Ahead of Time
This cake can easily be made ahead of time. Simply prepare the cake as directed and store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. This gives the flavors even more time to develop, and you can enjoy it whenever you’re ready for a delicious dessert!
Nutritional Information
If you’re curious about the nutritional information, here’s a breakdown of the cake per serving (approximately 12 servings):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 39g
While this cake is indulgent, it’s perfect for a special treat or when you’re craving something rich and satisfying.
FAQs: All About Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
1. How do you know when gooey butter cake is done?
To know when your gooey butter cake is done, look for the edges to be set and slightly golden. The center should still have a slight wobble when you gently shake the pan. If the cake looks firm around the edges but slightly gooey in the middle, it’s ready to come out of the oven. The cake will firm up as it cools, ensuring that perfect gooey texture!
2. What does gooey butter cake taste like?
Gooey butter cake has a rich, sweet, and creamy flavor with a perfect combination of textures. The cake base offers a soft, dense, and slightly fudgy chocolate layer, while the filling is smooth, buttery, and slightly tangy from the cream cheese. The pecans add a nutty crunch that complements the overall sweetness and gooeyness. It’s a delightful indulgence for chocolate lovers!
3. How do you make a butter cake mix chocolate?
To make a chocolate butter cake using a cake mix, simply swap in a chocolate cake mix for the regular yellow cake mix. For this recipe, the chocolate cake mix serves as the base. If you’re experimenting, you can add cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor or mix in melted chocolate for extra decadence. This makes for a perfectly chocolatey twist on a classic butter cake!
4. Do gooey butter cookies need to be refrigerated?
While gooey butter cake doesn’t need refrigeration, it’s a good idea to refrigerate any leftovers. Chilling helps the flavors to meld together and gives the cake a firmer texture for easy slicing. If you prefer your cake warm, just let it cool for a bit, and you’ll still get that gooey center without needing refrigeration. However, for the best storage, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Conclusion: A Heavenly Dessert That Will Wow Your Guests
The Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is everything you could want in a dessert: rich, decadent, gooey, and full of flavor. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion, and the best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make. With its irresistible combination of chocolate, cream cheese, and pecans, this cake will quickly become a family favorite.
Give it a try the next time you want to impress your friends and family with a dessert that looks as stunning as it tastes. Don’t forget to pair it with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence!
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share your creation on social media! And for more delicious ideas, check out these other recipes you’re sure to enjoy:
Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!