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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cake Assembly: Delicately pour the filling over the cake base, using a spatula to distribute evenly and ensure complete coverage.
- 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.
- 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