Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Introduction

When I first made the Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, I had no idea it would quickly become one of the most requested desserts in our house. It’s a combination of chocolate, cream cheese, pecans, and gooey butter that’s impossible to resist. The rich, fudgy crust paired with the creamy, slightly gooey filling creates a dessert that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to make. My family devoured it in no time, and even those who typically avoid rich desserts found themselves coming back for more. It’s the perfect treat for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy night in with a sweet craving.

Ingredients

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• ½ cup melted butter
• 3 large eggs (divided)
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• ½ cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cake once it’s done baking.
2. Prepare the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared 9×13 dish, forming a crust.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining 2 eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for achieving the velvety, gooey filling that’s the hallmark of this cake.
4. Add Pecans and Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips. These two ingredients give the cake extra texture and flavor, adding crunch and bursts of chocolate that balance the creamy filling perfectly.
5. Assemble the Cake: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly across the surface. Be sure to cover the entire crust with the creamy filling to ensure each slice gets that delightful gooey texture.
6. Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is set but still slightly gooey in the center. A little jiggle in the middle is perfectly fine, as this will help create that signature ooey-gooey texture.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes before cutting it into squares. You can serve it warm for an extra gooey experience, or let it cool completely for a more set version. Either way, it’s delicious!

Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximate)

• Servings: 12
• Calories per Serving: ~480 kcal
• Total Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 160mg
• Carbohydrates: 63g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 51g
• Protein: 5g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve

• Warm with Ice Cream: Serve the Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
• Top with Whipped Cream: For an extra touch, top each serving with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
• Garnish with Extra Pecans: Sprinkle extra chopped pecans on top of each slice to add more crunch and flavor.
• Serve with Coffee: This dessert pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee, which helps balance out the sweetness and complements the chocolate flavor.
• Chill and Serve Cold: Alternatively, you can chill the cake in the fridge for a few hours and serve it cold. The texture will firm up slightly, making it perfect for slicing into neat squares.

Additional Tips

1. Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: To ensure your cream cheese blends smoothly into the filling, make sure it’s softened to room temperature before mixing it with the other ingredients.
2. Add a Drizzle of Caramel: For extra richness, consider drizzling a little caramel sauce on top of the cake after it’s baked. The sweetness of the caramel pairs perfectly with the chocolate and pecans.
3. Experiment with Cake Mix: You can try using a different flavor of cake mix, like yellow or vanilla, to change up the flavor profile while keeping the gooey texture. Chocolate cake mix, however, is the most popular choice.
4. Don’t Overbake: Be sure not to overbake the cake! A slightly gooey center is the secret to its soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. If the top starts to brown too much, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
5. Store Leftovers Properly: If you have any leftovers, be sure to store them in an airtight container. This cake stays gooey and delicious for a couple of days after baking.

Recipe Variations

• Caramel Swirl: Add a caramel swirl to the cream cheese mixture before baking for a sweet contrast to the chocolate flavor. Simply swirl the caramel sauce into the filling after spreading it over the crust.
• Nut-Free Version: For those with nut allergies, you can leave out the pecans and substitute with more chocolate chips for an all-chocolate version.
• Mint Chocolate Version: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the cream cheese mixture and swap the chocolate chips for mint chocolate chips for a festive variation of this cake.
• White Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake: Use white chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate chips for a different flavor and color contrast. White chocolate complements the richness of the cake wonderfully.

Serving Suggestions

• With Fruit: Serve alongside fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a fruity contrast that helps balance the sweetness of the cake.
• For a Party: This cake makes a great dessert for gatherings. Serve it on a platter with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or whipped cream for an elegant touch.
• As a Gift: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a homemade gift that’s perfect for holidays or birthdays.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze the Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake for up to 3 months. After baking, let the cake cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To thaw, let it sit at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
• Storage: If you plan to store it in the fridge, cover the cake with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It should keep for about 3-4 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds to restore its gooey texture.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
   Yes! You can use vanilla or even red velvet cake mix for a unique twist.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
   Yes, you can bake it ahead and store it in the fridge or freezer for later. Just reheat before serving.
3. Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?
   Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds would also work well in this cake.
4. What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?
   You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the texture may not be as rich and creamy.
5. How do I know when the cake is done?
   The top should be set, but the center should still be slightly gooey. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean but with a few crumbs attached.
6. Can I add more chocolate chips?
   Yes, if you’re a chocolate lover, feel free to add more chocolate chips to the batter or cream cheese mixture.
7. What if I don’t have a 9×13 pan?
   If you don’t have a 9×13 pan, you can use an 8×8 pan, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time and check it a little earlier.
8. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
   Yes, you can use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix to make this cake gluten-free.
9. What can I do if my cake is too dry?
   If you find that your cake is too dry, try adding a little more butter or cream cheese next time to keep the filling gooey and rich.
10. Is this cake suitable for kids?
    Yes! It’s a family-friendly dessert, and the rich, chocolatey flavor is sure to be a hit with kids.

Conclusion

The Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers. With its decadent layers of cake and creamy filling, it’s a dessert that can easily be the star of any occasion. Whether you enjoy it warm with ice cream or chilled for a firmer texture, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy evening at home, it’s one treat you’ll want to keep on hand. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to dessert!

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