Rich Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe to Savor

My kitchen always buzzes with excitement when I whip up this delectable chocolate pecan ooey gooey butter cake that promises pure indulgence.

Sweet aromas instantly fill every corner with irresistible warmth.

Layers of rich chocolate and crunchy pecans create a dessert masterpiece that melts in your mouth.

Southern baking traditions shine through each decadent slice of this classic treat.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with nutty crunch, making each bite a delightful experience.

Comfort and nostalgia dance together in this irresistible cake that demands immediate attention.

You won’t be able to resist cutting a generous slice and savoring every single crumb.

Ingredients Needed for Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

• Chocolate Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides rich chocolate flavor and structure for the cake.
• Melted Butter: Adds moisture and helps bind the cake base together.
• Pecans: Provides a nutty crunch and enhances the overall texture of the cake base.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, rich, and tangy layer that gives the cake its signature gooey texture.
• Eggs: Helps to set the cream cheese layer and provides structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor and complements the chocolate.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer and helps create a smooth consistency.
• Cocoa Powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor and adds richness to the topping.

• Extra Pecans: Can be sprinkled on top for additional crunch and visual appeal.

How to Make Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Pecan Base

• Chocolate cake mix
• Melted butter
• Egg
• Chopped pecans

Press this rich mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer that will serve as the cake’s foundation.

Step 3: Whip Creamy Filling

• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar
• Cocoa powder

Beat these components together until they form a luxurious, well-blended cream.

Step 4: Layer the Filling

Gently pour the cream cheese mixture over the chocolate pecan base, spreading it carefully to create an even, tempting layer across the entire dish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a set top that still maintains a delightful gooey center.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature. This resting period helps the layers settle and makes cutting into perfect squares much easier. Slice and serve this indulgent dessert to eager guests.

Insider Baking Tips for Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

• Prevent Sticking Smartly: Generously grease the baking dish with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy cake removal and clean slicing.
• Master the Gooey Center: Remove the cake when the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly for that perfect ooey-gooey texture.
• Customize Nut Preferences: Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds if desired, or skip nuts entirely for a smooth chocolate base.
• Chill for Cleaner Cuts: Refrigerate the cake for 1-2 hours before serving to help it firm up and make cutting easier and neater.
• Control Sweetness Level: Reduce powdered sugar by 1/4 cup if you prefer a less sweet dessert, maintaining the cake's rich chocolate flavor.

Tasty Variations for Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Pecan Delight: Replace cake mix with gluten-free chocolate cake mix, ensuring all other ingredients remain the same for celiac-friendly option.
• Nutty Almond Variation: Swap pecans for sliced almonds and use almond extract instead of vanilla for a different nutty flavor profile.
• Vegan Chocolate Dream: Use dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based butter, egg replacer, and vegan chocolate cake mix to create a completely plant-based version of the dessert.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute powdered sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia blend, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the cake's rich texture.

Pairing Suggestions for Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

• Sip Robust Red Wine: Complement the cake's decadent chocolate flavor with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that matches its intense richness.
• Brew Smooth Coffee: Enhance the dessert's deep chocolate notes with a hot espresso or dark roast coffee, creating a classic indulgent combination.
• Match Dessert Liqueur: Elevate the experience with a chocolate-based liqueur like Godiva or Baileys Irish Cream, which amplifies the cake's sweet, gooey texture.
• Chill Vanilla Milkshake: Balance the rich chocolate with a cold, creamy vanilla milkshake that provides a smooth, refreshing contrast to the dense cake.

Storage Advice to Keep Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Fresh

• Store covered in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Slice cake into individual portions, wrap each piece separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Keeps frozen for 2-3 months.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. For best texture, let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.
• Transfer frozen slice to refrigerator overnight. Remove plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.

FAQs About Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

• Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, you can substitute the chocolate cake mix with yellow or white cake mix for a different flavor profile.

• How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The top should look set but still have a slight jiggle in the center. A toothpick inserted near the edge will come out clean while the middle remains gooey.

• Do I need to refrigerate the cream cheese mixture before mixing?

No, use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and a smoother texture. Just ensure it’s softened but not melted.

• Are pecans necessary for this recipe?

Pecans add great crunch and flavor, but you can omit them or replace with walnuts if you prefer or have a nut allergy.

Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake: Why It’s a Treat

• Satisfy Sweet Cravings: Indulge in a decadent chocolate dessert that combines rich cake mix with creamy cream cheese, delivering an irresistible treat for chocolate lovers.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Blend ingredients in two easy steps, making this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want a delicious dessert without complex techniques.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Ideal for potlucks, family celebrations, and casual get-togethers, this crowd-pleasing cake serves multiple people and impresses with its gooey chocolate texture.
• Customizable Delight: Add extra pecans or a sprinkle of powdered sugar to personalize the dessert, making it adaptable to different tastes and occasions.

Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sinful chocolate pecan ooey gooey butter cake blends Southern comfort with rich, indulgent flavors. Layers of creamy decadence melt together, promising a sweet escape that will transport you to dessert paradise.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) melted butter
• 1 egg
• 1 cup (120 grams) chopped pecans

Cream Cheese Layer:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
• 16 ounces (454 grams) powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup (30 grams) cocoa powder

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Combine chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and one egg in a medium mixing bowl. Fold in chopped pecans until evenly distributed. Firmly press this crumbly mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even base layer.
3. Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese until silky and smooth. Gradually incorporate remaining eggs, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder, blending until the mixture becomes uniform and creamy.
4. Gently cascade the cream cheese mixture over the initial cake layer, carefully spreading it to ensure complete and even coverage across the entire surface.
5. Position the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The top should appear set with a subtle jiggle in the center, indicating the characteristic ooey-gooey texture.
6. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature. This resting period helps the layers settle and makes cutting into clean, defined squares easier.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and even baking.
• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the cake base.
• For a gluten-free version, swap the chocolate cake mix with a gluten-free alternative and check all ingredient labels carefully.
• Chill the cake for an hour before serving to help it set and make slicing easier, creating cleaner and more attractive pieces.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 409 kcal
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 177 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg