The Ultimate Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Sweet memories of childhood baking come flooding back with this decadent chocolate pecan ooey gooey butter cake that melts in your mouth.

Grandma’s kitchen never smelled this incredible.

Layers of rich chocolate and crunchy pecans create a dessert that feels like pure indulgence.

Soft, gooey textures blend perfectly with deep cocoa notes and nutty crunch.

Comfort and luxury dance together in each delightful bite.

Creamy, velvety, and irresistibly smooth, this cake promises to become your new favorite dessert.

You won’t be able to resist trying this mouthwatering treat right now.

Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Highlights

• Indulge in Decadence: Chocolate and pecans combine for a rich, sinful dessert that promises pure indulgence with every bite.
• Simplify Baking Magic: Anyone can create this showstopping cake with basic ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and celebrations where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Treat: Serve warm or cool, making it adaptable for different occasions and preferences, from casual get-togethers to special dessert moments.

Ingredients for Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

• Chocolate Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides rich chocolate flavor and structure for the cake.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the crust ingredients together.
• Egg: Provides binding and helps create a stable crust layer.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, tangy, and creamy filling that gives the cake its signature gooey texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps create a silky consistency.
• Eggs: Contribute to the structure and richness of the filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.

• Pecans, Chocolate Chips: Add delightful crunch, nutty flavor, and extra chocolate sweetness to complement the creamy filling.

How to Bake Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13 baking dish and coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Chocolatey Base

• Chocolate cake mix
• Melted butter
• One egg

Mix until the ingredients form a rich, dense dough. Press this mixture firmly and evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a delectable foundation.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

• Softened cream cheese
• Remaining eggs
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Beat until the mixture transforms into a silky, smooth consistency.

Step 4: Enhance with Crunch and Sweetness

• Chopped pecans
• Chocolate chips

Distribute these delightful morsels throughout the filling for bursts of texture and flavor.

Step 5: Layer the Cake

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the chocolate crust, ensuring an even spread that completely covers the base.

Step 6: Bake to Gooey Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top sets but maintains a slightly jiggly center. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Indulge

Let the cake rest in the pan for 15 minutes. Cut into squares and serve either warm or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.

Tips for Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

• Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the pan to create a solid base that holds together when serving.
• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
• Look for a slightly jiggly center with set edges – this ensures the signature ooey-gooey texture without underbaking.
• Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, bringing to room temperature before serving to maintain its delicious texture.
• Sprinkle extra chopped pecans or drizzle melted chocolate on top just before serving for added crunch and visual appeal.

Variations on Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

• Gluten-Free Pecan Chocolate Butter Cake: Replace regular cake mix with a gluten-free chocolate cake mix to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities. Use almond flour for extra texture and nutty flavor.
• Vegan Chocolate Pecan Cake: Substitute cream cheese with cashew cream, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and swap butter with coconut oil. Select dairy-free chocolate chips for a completely plant-based version.
• Nutty Alternative Cake: Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty profile. Use dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips to create unique flavor combinations.
• Lower-Sugar Healthier Version: Reduce powdered sugar quantity, use monk fruit sweetener, and incorporate Greek yogurt for added protein and reduced calories. Select dark chocolate with higher cocoa content for less sugar impact.

Pairing Ideas for Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

• Brew a rich, dark roast coffee to complement the cake's intense chocolate and nutty flavors. The bold coffee cuts through the sweetness and enhances the dessert's richness.
• Scoop cold, creamy vanilla ice cream alongside the warm cake. The contrast between hot and cold temperatures creates a luxurious sensory experience that highlights the cake's gooey texture.
• Select a sweet port wine or late harvest Riesling to match the cake's decadent profile. These wines provide a delicate sweetness that harmonizes perfectly with the chocolate and pecan notes.

Storage Instructions for Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Wrap individual cake squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add 5-10 seconds if needed. Avoid overheating to prevent toughening the texture.

FAQs

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

Look for a set top with a slightly jiggly center. A toothpick inserted should come out with some batter but not completely liquid. The edges will be lightly golden and pulling away from the pan sides.

• Can I use a different type of chocolate cake mix?

Yes, you can substitute with other cake mix flavors like devil’s food or milk chocolate. Just ensure the mix is standard size for best results.

• What happens if I overmix the cream cheese filling?

Overmixing can incorporate too much air, causing the filling to rise and crack during baking. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a smooth, creamy texture.

Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Rich chocolate pecan ooey gooey butter cake delivers pure Southern dessert bliss with its irresistible layers of creamy indulgence. Melted chocolate and buttery pecans create a mouthwatering symphony that promises sweet comfort in every delectable bite you’ll savor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Base:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) melted butter

Filling and Topping:

• 1 (8 ounces/226 grams) package cream cheese, softened
• 4 cups (454 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (100 grams) chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup (85 grams) chocolate chips

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment at 350°F, positioning the rack in the center and coating a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray to ensure smooth cake removal.
2. Create the chocolate crust by thoroughly blending cake mix, melted butter, and one egg until a cohesive, slightly sticky dough forms. Firmly press this mixture across the entire bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even, compact base.
3. Craft the luscious filling by vigorously whipping cream cheese until smooth, then gradually incorporating remaining eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the texture becomes silky and uniform.
4. Enhance the filling by delicately folding chopped pecans and chocolate chips throughout the cream cheese mixture, distributing them evenly to ensure a consistent flavor profile in each bite.
5. Carefully pour the pecan-studded cream cheese mixture over the chocolate crust, using a spatula to spread it uniformly and prevent any air pockets or uneven surfaces.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, watching for a set top with a slight jiggle in the center. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted near the edge comes out clean, but the middle remains slightly soft and gooey.
7. Remove from the oven and let the cake rest for 15-20 minutes, allowing it to stabilize and set. Slice into generous squares and serve either warm or at room temperature for optimal enjoyment.

Notes

• Ensure cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature for smoother, lump-free filling that blends perfectly with other ingredients.
• Chop pecans into smaller pieces to distribute more evenly throughout the cream cheese layer, creating consistent nutty texture in every bite.
• For gluten-free version, swap chocolate cake mix with gluten-free alternative and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.
• Consider toasting pecans briefly before adding to enhance their rich, nutty flavor and provide a deeper, more complex taste profile in the dessert.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 45 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg