Introduction
Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a decadent treat that’s perfect for chocolate lovers. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a family gathering, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. The combination of a rich, gooey cream cheese filling, a chocolatey cake crust, and crunchy pecans creates a dessert that is irresistible. It’s the perfect balance of textures – moist, chewy, and with just the right amount of sweetness. Everyone in my family couldn’t stop raving about it, and it has quickly become one of our go-to desserts for gatherings and special occasions. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, a birthday party, or just want something indulgent for yourself, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish to prepare for the cake batter.
- Prepare the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix everything together until it forms a dough-like consistency. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust layer.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining 2 eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Add Pecans and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips into the cream cheese mixture.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the chocolate cake crust in the baking dish, spreading it out evenly to cover the crust.
- Bake: Place the cake in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is set but the center is still slightly gooey. A toothpick should come out with some batter, but it shouldn’t be completely liquid.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Servings: 12
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 56g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 40g
- Protein: 5g
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
How to Serve
- Chilled or Room Temperature: This cake can be served either chilled or at room temperature. Chilling it will give it a denser texture, while serving it at room temperature will keep it gooey and soft.
- Topped with Whipped Cream: For an extra indulgence, top each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Drizzled with Caramel: Add a little extra richness by drizzling caramel sauce over each slice before serving.
- For Extra Crunch: Top with more chopped pecans for an added crunch and a bit of extra flavor.
Additional Tips
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure to soften the cream cheese before mixing. This helps ensure that the filling is smooth and creamy without any lumps.
- Do Not Overbake: Keep a close eye on the cake while baking. It’s meant to be a little gooey in the center. Overbaking it will result in a dry texture, so remove it from the oven when the center is still slightly jiggly.
- Use a Good Quality Chocolate Cake Mix: The quality of the cake mix can affect the final taste of the cake. Opt for a high-quality chocolate cake mix for the best flavor.
- Mix in Some Chocolate Sauce: For a richer chocolate flavor, mix in a couple of tablespoons of chocolate sauce or melted chocolate to the cream cheese filling.
- Top with Sea Salt: If you like a balance of sweet and salty, sprinkle a little bit of sea salt on top of the cake after baking. It adds a lovely contrast to the sweetness.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Variations: You can use a white or even a marble cake mix for a different twist on this dessert.
- Nut Variations: If you’re not a fan of pecans, try substituting with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor and texture.
- Coconut Twist: Add some shredded coconut to the cream cheese filling for a tropical twist.
- Extra Chocolate: For a double-chocolate version, sprinkle additional chocolate chips or chunks on top of the filling before baking.
- Berry Infusion: Add fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, to the cream cheese filling for a burst of fruity flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect for Parties: This cake is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday parties. It’s easy to make, serves a crowd, and everyone loves it.
- Ideal for Dessert Buffets: If you’re hosting a dessert buffet or a bake sale, this ooey gooey butter cake will surely stand out and become a hit among guests.
- Gift it: Consider packaging slices of this cake in a cute box or tin for a homemade gift that’s sure to be appreciated.
- Pair with Beverages: This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, a cold glass of milk, or even a dessert wine.
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing: This cake freezes well. Once it has completely cooled, cut it into slices and store in an airtight container or wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer to keep it for longer, refrigerate it for up to a week.
FAQ Section
- Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this cake a day or two ahead of time. It actually becomes even gooier and more flavorful as it sits. - Can I substitute the chocolate cake mix?
Yes, you can substitute with any flavor of cake mix that you like, though chocolate works best for this recipe. - How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix to make this recipe gluten-free. Just be sure to check the label for any additional gluten-containing ingredients. - Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts would be a good substitute for pecans. - Can I add more chocolate chips?
Absolutely! If you’re a chocolate lover, feel free to increase the amount of chocolate chips in the filling. - What if I don’t have a 9×13 pan?
If you don’t have a 9×13 baking dish, you can use an 8×8 or 9×9 dish, but make sure to adjust the baking time, as it might be slightly longer. - Is this recipe safe to make for someone with a nut allergy?
If you have a nut allergy, you can skip the pecans or replace them with other allergen-free ingredients. - Can I use a homemade cake mix instead of store-bought?
Yes, you can use homemade chocolate cake mix, though the texture may differ slightly. - How do I know when it’s done baking?
The top should be set and slightly golden, but the center should remain a little gooey. A toothpick should come out with a little bit of batter on it. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a larger pan if you need to serve more people.
Conclusion
Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is one of those desserts that will leave everyone asking for the recipe. Its combination of rich chocolate, creamy filling, and crunchy pecans makes it an unforgettable treat. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it as an indulgent treat after dinner, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With easy-to-find ingredients, a simple preparation process, and the promise of a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture, it’s no wonder this recipe has quickly become a favorite in my household. Try it out today – your taste buds will thank you!