If you’re a chocolate lover with a sweet tooth, this Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is about to become your new favorite dessert. With its rich, fudgy base, luscious creamy filling, and crunchy pecan topping, this cake is indulgent, decadent, and downright irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, potluck, or just a cozy night in, this easy-to-make dessert is guaranteed to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a holiday, a birthday, or a weekend treat, this cake fits the bill.
- Simple Ingredients – Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up on short notice.
- Easy to Make – With a boxed cake mix base, this recipe takes minimal effort for maximum reward.
- Rich and Decadent – The combination of chocolate, cream cheese, and pecans creates a mouthwatering experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking dish – For baking the cake.
- Mixing bowls – To mix the cake base and filling.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer – For a smooth and creamy filling.
- Spatula – For spreading the filling evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure accuracy.
- Oven – Preheated to 350°F (175°C).
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Base
In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, egg, and melted butter. Mix until a thick dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In another large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Gradually beat in the melted butter, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder until smooth and creamy. Stir in the chopped pecans.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Pour the filling over the cake base, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 5: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center will remain slightly gooey. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
Step 6: Serve
Dust with additional powdered sugar if desired. Slice into squares and serve at room temperature or slightly warmed.
Tips and Tricks
- Use room-temperature ingredients – This ensures even mixing and a smoother texture.
- Don’t overbake – The center should be slightly gooey for the best texture.
- Toast the pecans – Toasting enhances their nutty flavor and adds extra crunch.
- Add a drizzle – Try drizzling melted chocolate or caramel over the top before serving.
Variations & Substitutions
- Nut-Free Version: Omit the pecans or swap them with chocolate chips for extra richness.
- White Chocolate Twist: Replace the cocoa powder with white chocolate chips for a unique flavor.
- Coffee Infused: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the filling to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them properly to keep them fresh:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap slices individually and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Food & Drink Pairings
- Beverages: Pair this rich dessert with a glass of cold milk, a cup of espresso, or even a sweet dessert wine like Port.
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or salted caramel gelato makes a perfect complement.
- Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream balances out the deep chocolate flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes! This cake actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store it in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before serving.
Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely! While chocolate cake mix gives it a deep chocolate flavor, you can experiment with devil’s food, German chocolate, or even red velvet for a fun twist.
What if I don’t have a hand mixer?
No problem! You can mix the filling by hand using a whisk and some elbow grease, but a hand or stand mixer makes it much easier and smoother.
Why is my cake too runny?
If your cake is too runny, it may have been underbaked. The center should still be gooey but not liquid. Make sure to bake it for the full time and allow it to cool before slicing.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! You can double the ingredients and bake in two separate pans for a larger crowd.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a chocolate lover’s dream! With its fudgy base, creamy chocolate filling, and crunchy pecans, it’s the ultimate indulgence. Whether you’re making it for a party, family dinner, or just a sweet treat for yourself, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
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