If you have a sweet tooth and love desserts that bring a perfect balance of rich chocolate and buttery goodness, the Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is going to be your new favorite indulgence. This luscious cake combines the fudgy texture of a chocolate crust with a creamy, buttery filling studded with crunchy pecans and melty chocolate chips, creating an irresistible treat that feels both decadent and comforting. Whether it’s for a family gathering or just a special treat after dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that fills your kitchen with the most inviting aromas.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe means gathering a handful of simple ingredients that each play a vital role in making this cake truly spectacular. From the chocolate cake mix that forms the sturdy base to the creamy cream cheese that creates the signature ooey gooey texture, every ingredient has a purpose in building layers of flavor and texture you’ll savor in every bite.
- Chocolate cake mix: Provides a rich, chocolatey crust that holds the filling beautifully and bakes up moist and tender.
- Melted butter: Adds a deep buttery flavor while helping the crust crisp up just right.
- Eggs: Used in two parts—one for the crust and two for the creamy filling—to bind and create a smooth texture.
- Cream cheese (softened): The star of the filling that delivers that famous ooey gooey richness and creaminess.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling without graininess, ensuring a smooth, velvety finish.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity and adds a warm, inviting aroma.
- Chopped pecans: Bring a delightful crunch and a toasty, nutty contrast to the softness.
- Chocolate chips: Melt into pockets of gooey, chocolatey heaven throughout the cake.
How to Make Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing a 9×13 baking dish. This step is crucial because it ensures that your cake won’t stick to the pan, making it easier to slice into perfect squares later on. Having everything ready up front helps keep the process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Create the Chocolate Crust
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Stir these together until the mix is evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form a solid, uniform crust. This crust is the sturdy foundation that supports the luscious gooey filling, so make sure it’s well pressed in.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese along with the remaining two eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. The goal here is to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency without lumps. This mixture is where the magic happens—once baked, it becomes the irresistibly rich and ooey gooey layer of the cake that everyone will rave about.
Step 4: Fold in the Pecans and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold chopped pecans and chocolate chips into the cream cheese mixture. These add texture, crunch, and bursts of chocolate that complement the softness of the filling perfectly. Be careful not to overmix—you want those nuts and chips evenly distributed but not broken down.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
Pour your luscious cream cheese filling over the chocolate crust in the pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly from edge to edge, ensuring each slice will have a balanced ratio of crust and filling. This layering is what makes the Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe so wonderfully indulgent.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the cake in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You want the top to look set but still slightly jiggle when you gently shake the pan—it’s this delicate gooey center that sets this recipe apart from your typical cake. The edges will firm up more, offering a delightful contrast to the luscious interior.
Step 7: Cool Before Serving
Once out of the oven, allow the cake to cool for about 10 to 15 minutes right in the pan. This brief rest lets the filling settle and makes cutting into neat squares much easier. Plus, it’s a perfect excuse to resist diving in immediately and admiring your masterpiece for a moment.
How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving, a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can add an extra visual and flavor pop. Fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side also pairs wonderfully, balancing the cake’s richness with a cool, creamy contrast.
Side Dishes
This decadent cake is often best enjoyed on its own, but fresh berries or a lightly dressed green salad with a citrus vinaigrette can provide a refreshing counterpoint if you’re serving a larger spread. The tartness of fruit cuts through the buttery sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try layering small squares of the cake in clear glass parfait cups with whipped cream and toasted pecans for an elegant dessert presentation. Another idea is to warm individual slices slightly and serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. After that, it’s best to keep it refrigerated to maintain freshness, where it will last about 4 to 5 days while preserving the ooey gooey texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen, they’ll keep well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring back the cake’s irresistible gooeyness, reheat slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This helps the filling soften up and the chocolate chips become melty again—pure bliss in every bite.
FAQs
Can I use homemade chocolate cake mix instead of boxed?
Absolutely! Homemade chocolate cake mix works just fine. Just make sure the batter is thick enough to press into a crust. The boxed mix is a shortcut, but fresh from-scratch ingredients can add a personal touch.
Are the pecans necessary in this cake?
While pecans add wonderful texture and flavor, you can omit them if you have nut allergies or prefer a smoother filling. You might substitute with toasted coconut flakes or extra chocolate chips for a different twist.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free, this cake can easily fit into a gluten-free diet without compromising that ooey gooey texture you love.
What’s the best way to cut and serve this cake?
Use a sharp knife warmed in hot water and wiped dry between cuts to get neat squares without dragging the filling. Serve warm or at room temperature for optimal ooey gooey enjoyment.
Is this cake good for special occasions?
Definitely! Its rich flavor and unique texture make it an excellent choice for birthdays, holidays, or anytime you want to impress with a homemade dessert that feels both indulgent and comforting.
Final Thoughts
The Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is one of those magical treats that bring people together, wrapped in layers of chocolate, butter, and love. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is straightforward yet produces a show-stopping dessert that will soon become a beloved classic in your home. Don’t wait to try it — your next perfect dessert moment is just a batch away!
Print
Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 to 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A decadent Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake combining a rich chocolate cake crust with a creamy, buttery pecan and chocolate chip filling. Perfectly gooey in the center, this dessert balances textures and flavors for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
Filling
- 3 large eggs (divided)
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make Crust: In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Stir until well combined, then press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust layer.
- Prepare Filling Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining 2 eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Add Pecans and Chocolate Chips: Fold the chopped pecans and chocolate chips into the cream cheese mixture evenly.
- Assemble Cake: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust and spread it out evenly to cover the base completely.
- Bake: Bake 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 you gently tap the dish.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for 10-15 minutes before cutting into squares to serve.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to ensure a creamy filling.
- The cake should be slightly gooey in the center for the perfect ooey gooey texture.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts if preferred.
- For easier cutting, chill the cake slightly after cooling.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
