Decadent Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Decadent desserts have a special magic that transports us to pure bliss, and this chocolate pecan ooey gooey butter cake captures that essence perfectly.

Rich layers of chocolatey goodness meld with crunchy pecans in a sinful treat that melts hearts.

Buttery textures create a luxurious experience that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Each slice promises a symphony of flavors that dance between sweet and nutty.

The cake’s soft, gooey center contrasts beautifully with its slightly crisp edges.

Creamy chocolate swirls and toasted pecans elevate this dessert from ordinary to extraordinary.

You won’t be able to resist diving fork-first into this irresistible masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 12

Ingredients for Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

• Chocolate Cake Mix: Provides the foundational layer with rich chocolate flavor and easy preparation. Choose a high-quality mix for better taste and texture.
• Egg: Binds the base ingredients together and adds structure. Select fresh, room-temperature eggs for smooth mixing.
• Melted Butter: Enhances moisture and creates a tender cake base. Use unsalted butter for better control of salt content.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a luxurious, tangy base for the filling. Ensure it's softened at room temperature for smooth blending.
• Eggs: Provides richness and helps set the filling. Use large eggs at room temperature for best results.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the flavor profile. Choose pure vanilla extract for the most authentic taste.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the filling. Sift to prevent lumps for a silky texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor and adds depth. Use Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother taste.
• Melted Butter: Contributes to the creamy, rich texture of the filling. Use high-quality butter for best flavor.

• Pecans: Provides crunch and nutty flavor to contrast with the soft filling. Toast lightly for enhanced nuttiness.
• Powdered Sugar: Optional finishing touch for added sweetness and elegant presentation. Sift for even coating.

Tools to Prepare the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Just Right

• Large mixing bowls: Essential for combining cake base and filling ingredients.
• Electric mixer: Crucial for beating cream cheese and creating smooth, creamy filling.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect size for spreading cake base and pouring filling.
• Spatula: Helps spread filling evenly and smooth the top of the cake.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Parchment paper (optional): Helps with easy cake removal and cleanup.

Baking Instructions for Chocolate Pecan Butter Cake

• Prepare the Base

Mix chocolate cake mix with egg and melted butter until a thick dough forms. Press the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

• Create the Creamy Filling

Whip softened cream cheese until silky smooth. Blend in eggs and vanilla extract. Gradually mix in melted butter, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder until the mixture becomes luxuriously creamy. Fold in chopped pecans for a delightful crunch.

• Assemble and Bake

Pour the luscious filling over the cake base, spreading it gently with a spatula. Slide the dish into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The edges should look set while the center remains wonderfully gooey.

• Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. If desired, dust with a light snowfall of powdered sugar. Slice into decadent squares and serve at room temperature or slightly warm for maximum indulgence.

Flavor Tweaks and Additions for a Richer Slice

• Toast pecans in a dry skillet before adding to enhance their rich, deep flavor and create a more complex crunch.
• Prepare the cake a day in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and intensify overnight.
• Swap standard chocolate cake mix with a gluten-free alternative to make this dessert accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Replace cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and use coconut oil instead of butter for a lactose-free version.
• Experiment with different nut variations like walnuts or almonds, or add a splash of bourbon or coffee liqueur to the filling for an adult twist.

Serving the Ooey Gooey Cake Warm With Ice Cream

• Dessert Companions: Serve this rich chocolate pecan cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to balance its intense sweetness.
• Sweet Beverage Pairing: Complement the decadent cake with a hot espresso or smooth cold brew coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor profile.
• Elegant Presentation: Garnish individual slices with a light sprinkle of chopped pecans and a delicate drizzle of chocolate sauce for a restaurant-worthy appearance.
• Seasonal Twist: During holiday gatherings, add a festive touch by topping each slice with a small dollop of whipped cream and a few fresh raspberries for color contrast.

Butter Cake Storage Instructions for Later Enjoyment

• Store cake in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual cake squares in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving for best texture and flavor restoration.
• Keep cake at room temperature for 2-3 hours if serving within the same day. Ensure the area is cool and away from direct sunlight to maintain the cake's delicate consistency.
• Cut cake into uniform squares when completely cooled. Use a sharp knife wiped clean between each slice for neat, professional-looking portions. Separate layers with parchment paper when stacking in storage containers to prevent sticking.

Indulgent Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Indulgent chocolate pecan ooey gooey butter cake brings Southern comfort straight to your dessert table. Layers of rich chocolate and crunchy pecans create a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 box (15.25 oz/432g) chocolate cake mix
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (120g) chopped pecans
• 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar
• ½ cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat to 350F (175C). Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or line with parchment paper.
2. Cake Base Creation: Blend chocolate cake mix, egg, and melted butter in a mixing bowl until a cohesive dough forms. Firmly press the mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even, compact layer.
3. Filling Development: Whip cream cheese in a separate bowl until silky smooth. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly. Gradually fold in melted butter, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder until achieving a luxurious, velvety consistency. Gently fold chopped pecans throughout the mixture.
4. Cake Assembly: Delicately pour the filling over the cake base, using a spatula to distribute evenly and ensure complete coverage.
5. Baking Process: Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Look for set edges with a slightly jiggly center, indicating the perfect ooey-gooey texture.
6. Cooling and Serving: Remove from oven and allow cake to cool completely within the baking dish. Optional: Dust with additional powdered sugar before cutting into generous squares. Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed for maximum indulgence.

Notes

• Line the baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and clean slicing.
• Check cake at 35 minutes to avoid over-baking; center should remain slightly jiggly for signature gooey texture.
• Lightly toast pecans before adding to filling to intensify their nutty, rich taste and improve overall depth of flavor.
• Substitute gluten-free cake mix and almond flour for a celiac-friendly version, or use sugar alternatives for lower-carb adaptation.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg