Irresistible Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Nestled in my childhood memories, this chocolate pecan ooey gooey butter cake brings pure comfort and nostalgia.

Sweet aromas from grandma’s kitchen dance through my mind whenever I bake this decadent treat.

Southern charm meets creamy indulgence in every single slice.

Rich chocolate swirls mingle with crunchy pecans, creating a dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

Soft textures melt seamlessly across your palate with each luxurious bite.

Dense, velvety layers promise an experience that transcends ordinary cake expectations.

Instructions to Bake the Ooey Gooey Goodness

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm up the oven to 350F (175C). Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Create Cake Foundation

• Chocolate cake mix
• Egg
• Melted butter

Blend until a thick, rich dough emerges. Press the dough firmly and evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan.

Step 3: Craft Luxurious Filling

• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

• Melted butter
• Powdered sugar
• Cocoa powder

Blend until creamy and luscious. Fold in chopped pecans, creating a nutty texture.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Pour the filling over the cake base, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Slide into the preheated oven.

Step 5: Monitor Baking

Bake for 40-45 minutes. The edges should firm up while the center remains wonderfully gooey.

Step 6: Cool and Garnish

Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan. Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Cut into delectable squares. Enjoy at room temperature or slightly warm for maximum indulgence.

Expert Tips for the Most Decadent Cake

• Measure Accurately: Use precise measuring cups and spoons to ensure the perfect balance of ingredients, especially for the cake mix and powdered sugar.
• Soften Cream Cheese Properly: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to achieve a smooth, lump-free filling.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Watch the cake closely during baking – it should have slightly jiggly centers with set edges, preventing overbaking and maintaining the signature gooey texture.
• Toast Pecans for Extra Flavor: Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet before adding to the filling to enhance their nutty, rich taste and bring out deeper flavor notes.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap regular cake mix with gluten-free alternatives and use dairy-free cream cheese for a more inclusive dessert that everyone can enjoy.

Save and Serve Chocolate Pecan Cake Leftovers Right

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping it fresh and delicious.
• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for convenient storage up to 3 months.
• Warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated 325F oven for 10 minutes until slightly soft.
• Let frozen slices thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying the gooey chocolate goodness.

Pairing Flavors That Elevate This Dessert

• Cool, smooth vanilla ice cream perfectly balances the rich, warm chocolate and pecan flavors, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
• Robust espresso or dark roast coffee cuts through the cake's sweetness, enhancing the deep chocolate notes and providing a sophisticated palate cleansing effect.
• Drizzle a smooth bourbon-infused caramel sauce over the cake to amplify the nutty pecan undertones and add an extra layer of decadent complexity.
• Light, tangy whipped cream and bright raspberries offer a refreshing counterpoint to the dense, chocolatey cake, adding a burst of freshness and color.

Different Takes on Chocolate Pecan Butter Cake

• Gluten-Free Delight: Swap the chocolate cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and use almond flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the rich, gooey texture.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Replace pecans with sunflower seeds or omit nuts entirely for those with nut allergies, keeping the cake's decadent chocolate flavor intact.
• Vegan Chocolate Dream: Use dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based butter, and egg replacer to create a compassionate version that doesn't compromise on indulgence.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute powdered sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while preserving the cake's signature creamy consistency.

FAQs for Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

• Can I use a different type of nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds. Just chop them to a similar size for the best texture in the cake.

• Is this dessert very sweet?

The cake is quite rich and sweet due to the powdered sugar and chocolate cake mix. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the powdered sugar by 1/4 cup.

• How do I know when the cake is properly baked?

The edges should look set and slightly firm, while the center remains slightly jiggly. It will continue to set as it cools, creating the signature gooey texture.

• Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified to create a suitable alternative for those with gluten sensitivities.

What Draws People to Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

• Requires basic ingredients and simple mixing techniques, perfect for beginner bakers looking to impress.
• Delivers rich chocolate flavor with a gooey texture that satisfies sweet cravings for all ages, making it ideal for family gatherings or potluck desserts.
• Enjoy warm or at room temperature, dustable with powdered sugar, and adaptable for different occasions from casual movie nights to elegant dinner parties.

Sweet Ingredients for Chocolate Pecan Butter Cake

• Chocolate Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides rich chocolate flavor and structure for the cake.
• Egg: Binds the cake base ingredients together and adds moisture.
• Melted Butter: Creates a rich, tender texture and enhances the overall flavor.

• Cream Cheese: Soft and smooth base for the creamy filling, providing tangy richness.
• Eggs: Help set the filling and create a custard-like texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the filling's flavor profile.
• Melted Butter: Contributes to the rich, decadent filling.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps thicken the filling.
• Cocoa Powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor in the filling.

• Pecans: Chopped nuts that add crunch, texture, and nutty flavor to the cake.
• Powdered Sugar: Optional dusting for a classic, elegant finish.

Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sinful chocolate pecan ooey gooey butter cake delivers pure Southern comfort on a plate. Rich, indulgent layers melt together with nutty pecans, promising sweet bliss in each delectable bite you’ll savor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Base Ingredients:

• 1 box (15.25 ounces/432 grams) chocolate cake mix
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Filling Ingredients:

• 4 cups (500 grams) powdered sugar
• ½ cup (50 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (120 grams) chopped pecans

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by warming the oven to 350F (175C) and preparing a 9×13-inch dish with a light butter coating or parchment paper lining.
2. Create the foundational cake layer by blending chocolate cake mix with egg and melted butter until a dense, cohesive dough emerges.
3. Press the chocolate dough uniformly across the bottom of the prepared pan, ensuring an even surface for the rich filling.
4. Craft the decadent filling by whipping cream cheese until velvety smooth, then incorporating eggs and vanilla extract with gentle, thorough mixing.
5. Gradually integrate melted butter, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder into the cream cheese mixture, whisking until a luxurious, creamy consistency develops.
6. Fold chopped pecans into the filling, distributing them evenly throughout the luscious batter.
7. Delicately cascade the pecan-studded filling over the chocolate base, using a spatula to spread it into a perfectly level layer.
8. Position the assembled cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for set edges while maintaining a tantalizingly gooey center.
9. After removing from the oven, allow the cake to cool completely within the pan, letting the texture settle and flavors meld.
10. When ready to serve, optionally dust with a light snowfall of powdered sugar, then slice into squares and present at room temperature or gently warmed.

Notes

• Soften Cream Cheese Perfectly: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling that blends seamlessly.
• Prevent Cake Base Sticking: Use parchment paper with overhang for easy removal, or generously grease the pan with butter or cooking spray to guarantee clean slices.
• Customize Nut Options: Swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or toast them lightly beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the cake.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace the chocolate cake mix with a gluten-free alternative and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg