Brownie Pecan Pie Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Introduction

I recently baked the Brownie Pecan Pie Ooey Gooey Butter Cake for a family gathering, and it was an instant hit. My relatives couldn’t stop talking about how the combination of rich brownie, sticky pecan pie filling, and smooth ooey gooey butter cake created an unforgettable dessert. Each bite was a perfect blend of textures—from the fudgy brownie base to the crunchy pecans, with the creamy, gooey top that had everyone coming back for more. This dessert was not only delicious but also a crowd-pleaser that disappeared faster than I could imagine. If you’re looking for a sweet treat that will wow your guests, this is definitely one to try!

Ingredients

For the Brownie Layer:

• 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
• 1 cup chopped pecans

For the Pecan Pie Layer:

• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

For the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 4 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.

Prepare the Brownie Layer:

1. Follow the instructions on the brownie mix box to prepare the brownie batter.
2. Once mixed, stir in the chopped pecans.
3. Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven and set it aside.

Make the Pecan Pie Layer:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the light corn syrup, granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
2. Stir in the chopped pecans.
3. Pour this mixture over the partially baked brownie layer, spreading it evenly.

Prepare the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Layer:

1. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and melted butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
3. Gradually add the yellow cake mix and powdered sugar, mixing until smooth and fully incorporated.

Assemble and Bake:

1. Pour the ooey gooey butter cake batter over the pecan pie layer, spreading it out evenly.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly gooey.

Cool and Serve:

1. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the baking dish.
2. After it has cooled, cut it into squares and serve.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Servings: 12-16 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories (depending on the size of servings)
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 35g
• Protein: 4g

(Note: These values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve as a Dessert: Cut into squares and serve on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Pair with Coffee or Tea: This cake makes a wonderful pairing with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
• For Special Occasions: Serve this dessert at family gatherings, potlucks, or holiday parties for an indulgent treat everyone will enjoy.
• Top with Whipped Cream: For extra sweetness, add a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
• Serve Warm: For a cozy dessert, warm a slice in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Pecans: For the best flavor, ensure that the pecans are fresh. Toasting them lightly before adding them to the layers can also bring out their natural richness.
2. Avoid Overbaking: The ooey gooey butter cake layer should be slightly set in the center but still soft. Overbaking can result in a dry texture.
3. Customize the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the pecan pie layer by 1/4 cup.
4. Chill the Cake: For an even more decadent texture, let the cake cool overnight in the fridge before serving. This will make the layers set perfectly.
5. Substitute for Different Flavors: Consider adding chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the brownie layer for extra flavor.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Lovers: Add chocolate chips to the brownie mix or sprinkle them on top of the pecan pie layer for extra decadence.
• Nut-Free Version: For a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans and use another type of topping, such as chocolate or caramel drizzle.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pecan pie layer for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix and make sure the brownie mix is also gluten-free for a gluten-free version of this cake.
• Coconut Variation: Add shredded coconut to the ooey gooey butter cake layer for a tropical twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Holiday Gatherings: This dessert is perfect for holiday celebrations such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
• Gift-Bag Dessert: Package slices in cellophane bags as a sweet homemade gift for friends and family.
• With Ice Cream or Sorbet: Add a scoop of your favorite ice cream or sorbet on top for an indulgent dessert.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze the cake for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. To serve, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat slices in the microwave or oven.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, this cake can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.

2. What can I use instead of corn syrup? You can substitute the light corn syrup with honey or maple syrup, though it will alter the flavor slightly.

3. Can I use a different type of cake mix? Yes, you can try using a chocolate cake mix or a spice cake mix for a different flavor profile.

4. Can I add more pecans to the cake? Absolutely! You can add more chopped pecans to either the pecan pie layer or the ooey gooey butter cake layer for extra crunch and flavor.

5. How do I know when the cake is done? The cake is done when the top is golden brown, and the center is slightly gooey but not liquid. You can test it by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean but with a bit of goo, it’s ready.

6. Can I make this cake without the brownie layer? Yes, you can skip the brownie layer and still have a delicious pecan pie ooey gooey butter cake, though the texture will be a bit different.

7. What’s the best way to cut this cake? Let the cake cool completely before cutting it into squares. Use a sharp knife to get clean cuts.

8. Can I use a different type of butter? Yes, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand, but it may make the cake a little saltier.

9. How should I store leftover cake? Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

10. Can I make this cake gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free brownie mix and cake mix to make a gluten-free version of this recipe.

Conclusion

The Brownie Pecan Pie Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is an indulgent dessert that brings together the best of brownies, pecan pie, and ooey gooey butter cake in one delicious, crowd-pleasing treat. With its rich layers and melt-in-your-mouth textures, this cake is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a potluck, or just a special occasion, this cake will impress everyone with its sweet and nutty flavors. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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