If you have a sweet tooth and love desserts that are rich, decadent, and bursting with flavor, the Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to treat. This luscious cake features a fudgy chocolate crust layered with a luxuriously creamy, buttery center studded with toasted pecans and chocolate chips that add the perfect crunch and melty chocolate surprise. It’s a dessert that impresses with every bite, whether you’re serving it for a cozy family gathering or just indulging yourself on a lazy weekend. Trust me, once you try this Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe, you’ll want to keep the ingredients stocked for whenever that sweet craving hits.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this cake just right starts with simple, easy-to-find ingredients that each play a key role in building the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the moist chocolate cake mix to the creamy richness of the cream cheese and the buttery crunch of pecans, each component is essential.
- Chocolate cake mix: Provides the deep cocoa flavor and sturdy base for the crust that holds everything together.
- Melted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the crust, making it tender but slightly crisp.
- 3 large eggs (divided): Eggs bind ingredients and add structure to both the crust and the creamy layer.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Creates the smooth, creamy, ooey-gooey filling that’s the heart of this cake.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups): Sweetens the filling while contributing to its velvety texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, inviting note.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that balances the sweetness.
- Chocolate chips (½ cup): Melt into gooey pockets of chocolate throughout the cake.
How to Make Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly. Meanwhile, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish well — you’ll want to prevent any sticky situations when it comes time to serve.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix with the melted butter and one of the eggs. Stir everything until it’s well incorporated, then press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your greased baking dish. This creates that perfect chocolatey foundation for your ooey gooey topping.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining two eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This luscious filling is what makes this cake so irresistibly gooey and rich.
Step 4: Add Pecans and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in your chopped pecans and chocolate chips into the cream cheese mixture. This step is where you add extra texture and bursts of melty chocolate that elevate the cake from delicious to unforgettable.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
Pour the cream cheese mixture on top of your prepared chocolate crust. Spread it out evenly with a spatula to cover every corner. This layering creates that signature ooey gooey contrast.
Step 6: Bake
Bake the cake in your preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. The top should be set but still slightly gooey in the center, which you can check by a gentle tap — the center should jiggle just a bit. This is exactly the right texture to look for.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let your cake cool for about 10 to 15 minutes. This helps it settle and makes cutting neat squares much easier. Now you’re ready to enjoy every rich, decadent bite of your homemade Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe!
How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Add a touch of elegance or playfulness by garnishing your cake with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or even a sprinkle of chopped pecans on top. These simple finishing touches boost the presentation and add an extra layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For those who love a fruity contrast, serve alongside fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries to balance the richness with a bit of brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or potlucks, consider cutting the cake into bite-sized squares and serving on a platter lined with parchment paper. You can even bake it in mini muffin tins for individual servings, perfect for sharing and easy portion control.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cake is best stored covered in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese layer fresh. Use an airtight container or tightly wrap the cake with plastic wrap. It will stay delicious for up to 4 days, though I bet it won’t last that long!
Freezing
If you want to prepare this cake in advance or save some for later, freeze leftover pieces wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Frozen, it will maintain its gooey texture and flavor for up to 2 months — just thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
To get that soft and gooey sensation back, warm your cake squares in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Avoid overheating, to preserve the creamy texture. A warm piece of this cake fresh from the microwave is a real treat.
FAQs
Can I use homemade chocolate cake batter instead of a cake mix?
Absolutely! While the boxed cake mix keeps this recipe quick and foolproof, a homemade chocolate cake batter can work wonderfully too, especially if you want to add a personal touch or skip processed ingredients.
Do I have to use pecans? What about other nuts?
Pecans add a lovely buttery crunch, but you can substitute walnuts, almonds, or even toasted hazelnuts. Each nut will give the cake a slightly different flavor and texture profile, so feel free to experiment!
Is this cake very sweet? Can I reduce the sugar?
This cake is on the sweeter side, which complements the rich cream cheese layer, but if you prefer less sweetness, try reducing the powdered sugar by half a cup. Keep in mind, it may slightly affect the texture of the filling.
Can I make this cake dairy-free or vegan?
Modifying this recipe for dairy-free or vegan diets takes some experimentation. Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives, and use egg replacers instead of eggs. Though it won’t be exactly the same, it can be a tasty alternative.
What is the best way to cut this cake without it sticking?
Use a sharp knife warmed in hot water, then dried before slicing. This helps the blade glide cleanly through the gooey layers and prevent crumbs or filling from sticking to the knife.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe enough for anyone who loves rich, decadent desserts that feel like a warm hug. With its perfect balance of fudgy crust, creamy filling, and crunchy pecans, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time. Give it a try — I’m positive it will become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation!
Print
Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulgent and rich Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake combines a fudgy chocolate cake crust with a creamy, sweet cream cheese layer studded with crunchy pecans and melty chocolate chips. Perfectly baked to achieve a slightly gooey center, this decadent dessert is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Crust: In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Stir thoroughly until well combined, then press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with the remaining 2 eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Pecans and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the chopped pecans and chocolate chips into the cream cheese mixture, distributing them evenly throughout.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the prepared chocolate cake crust, spreading carefully to cover the entire surface.
- Bake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is set but still slightly gooey in the center. The center should jiggle slightly when gently tapped.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for 10-15 minutes before cutting into squares to serve. This resting time helps the layers to set properly while maintaining a luscious ooey gooey texture.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and a smoother layer.
- To prevent the crust from sticking, be sure to grease the baking dish well or line it with parchment paper.
- Allowing the cake to cool slightly before cutting ensures cleaner slices and a better texture.
- For extra flavor, consider toasting the pecans lightly before folding them into the cream cheese layer.
- This cake is best enjoyed within 2-3 days and can be stored covered at room temperature or refrigerated.
