Velvety Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Indulgent Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Decadent desserts have a special way of bringing joy to the table, and this chocolate pecan ooey gooey butter cake recipe promises pure indulgence.

Southern kitchens understand the magic of rich, melt-in-your-mouth treats that make hearts skip a beat.

Every slice delivers a symphony of textures with deep chocolate notes and crunchy pecans dancing together.

The dense, gooey center creates an irresistible contrast against the tender cake base that’ll make mouths water.

Creamy, sweet, and utterly addictive, this dessert transforms ordinary moments into delightful celebrations.

One bite reveals layers of flavor that speak directly to comfort and happiness.

What You’ll Need For Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

For Cake Base:
  • Chocolate Cake Mix: Provides the foundational layer with rich chocolate flavor and easy preparation.
  • Egg: Binds the base ingredients together and adds structure to the crust.
  • Melted Butter: Creates a rich, tender texture and enhances the overall moistness of the cake base.
For Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Delivers a tangy, creamy base that gives the cake its signature gooey texture.
  • Eggs: Help bind the filling and create a silky, smooth consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the filling's flavor profile.
  • Melted Butter: Contributes richness and helps create a luxurious, velvety texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps achieve the signature smooth, glossy finish.
  • Cocoa Powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor and adds a deep, complex taste.
  • Chopped Pecans: Provide a delightful crunch and nutty undertone to the creamy filling.
For Finishing:
  • Powdered Sugar: Optional topping that adds a touch of sweetness and elegant presentation.

Kitchen Must-Haves For Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

  • Large mixing bowls: Essential for combining cake base and filling ingredients.
  • Electric mixer: Perfect for beating cream cheese and creating smooth, creamy filling.
  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Ideal for preparing and baking the entire dessert.
  • Spatula: Helps spread filling evenly across cake base.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Parchment paper or cooking spray: Ensures easy cake removal and prevents sticking.
  • Knife: Used for cutting cake into neat squares when serving.
  • Sifter or fine mesh strainer: Optional for dusting powdered sugar on top.

How To Make Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

  • Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen and get ready for a sweet adventure. Set the oven to a cozy 350F and give your baking dish a light butter massage to prevent sticking.

  • Chocolatey Foundation

Create a rich base by mixing chocolate cake mix with egg and melted butter. Press this dreamy mixture into the baking dish, forming a smooth, even layer that promises deliciousness.

  • Creamy Filling Magic

Whip the cream cheese until silky smooth. Introduce eggs and vanilla, blending until they become best friends. Gradually fold in melted butter, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder, creating a luxurious mixture. Sprinkle in pecans for a nutty surprise.

  • Cake Assembly

Gently pour the creamy filling over the chocolate base, spreading it with love to create a perfect blanket of sweetness.

  • Baking Transformation

Let the cake bake for 40-45 minutes. Watch for the edges to set while the center remains wonderfully gooey – a sign of pure indulgence.

  • Serving Pleasure

Once cooled, dust with a whisper of powdered sugar. Slice into squares of pure bliss and enjoy at room temperature or slightly warmed.

Smart Tips For Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

  • Pecan Chocolate Comfort Tricks: Make It Perfect Every Time
  • Cream Cheese Magic: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smoother, lump-free filling. Let it sit out 30 minutes before mixing to guarantee silky texture.
  • Baking Sweet Spot: Check cake at 35 minutes to prevent over-baking. The center should jiggle slightly like soft pudding – this guarantees that signature gooey texture everyone loves.
  • Nutty Enhancements: Toast pecans before adding to intensify their rich, buttery flavor. Spread nuts on a baking sheet and toast at 350F for 8-10 minutes until fragrant.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular cake mix with gluten-free chocolate cake mix. Use certified gluten-free ingredients to make this decadent dessert accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Make-Ahead Brilliance: This dessert tastes even better the next day. Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to develop and become more intense. Bring to room temperature before serving for maximum deliciousness.

Serving Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe With Ease

  • Sweet Ice Cream Pairing: Top each slice with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent dessert experience that balances the warm, gooey cake.
  • Nutty Crunch Topping: Sprinkle extra chopped pecans or toasted almonds over each serving to add a delightful crunch and enhance the nutty flavor profile.
  • Chocolate Drizzle Delight: Create an indulgent presentation by drizzling warm chocolate sauce or caramel over the cake squares right before serving to elevate the dessert's richness.
  • Coffee Companion: Serve alongside a hot espresso or rich coffee to complement the cake's intense chocolate and pecan flavors, creating a perfect after-dinner treat.

Storing Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe Right

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: 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 flavors.
  • Freezing Magic: Slice cake into individual portions, wrap each square separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Frozen cake stays delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before enjoying.
  • Room Temperature Tips: Keep cake covered at room temperature for 1-2 days maximum. Place on countertop in sealed container away from direct sunlight or heat sources to maintain texture and flavor quality.
  • Serving Temperature Hack: For best taste experience, remove cake from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving. Letting it reach slightly cool room temperature enhances its rich, gooey texture and allows flavors to fully develop.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 425 kcal

Servings: 11

Print
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Velvety Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Velvety Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe


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4.5 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Southern chocolate pecan ooey gooey butter cake delivers rich, indulgent comfort on a plate. Creamy, chocolatey layers promise delightful sweet moments you won’t forget.


Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Foundation Creation: Merge chocolate cake mix, egg, and melted butter into a cohesive dough. Press uniformly across the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring complete coverage and a compact base.
  2. Cream Cheese Transformation: Whip softened cream cheese until ultra-smooth. Integrate eggs and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly to create a silky foundation for the decadent layer.
  3. Flavor Enrichment: Incorporate melted butter into the cream cheese mixture. Gradually introduce powdered sugar and cocoa powder, whisking until achieving a luxurious, velvety texture. Fold in chopped pecans, distributing evenly to guarantee nutty bursts throughout the filling.
  4. Assembly and Layering: Pour the pecan-infused cream cheese mixture over the chocolate base, using a spatula to spread into a seamless, complete covering that conceals the initial foundation.
  5. Baking Precision: Slide the assembled cake into an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 40-45 minutes, monitoring for set edges while maintaining a seductively molten center.
  6. Cooling and Finishing: Remove from oven and allow complete cooling within the baking pan. This resting period enables flavor melding and filling stabilization. Before serving, optionally dust with a delicate powdered sugar veil. Slice into generous squares and serve at room temperature or gently warmed for ultimate indulgence.

Notes

  • Manage Moisture Levels: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth blending, preventing lumps and guaranteeing a silky, consistent filling texture.
  • Control Baking Time Precisely: Watch cake closely during final 10 minutes of baking; gooey center should look slightly underdone but edges must be set to achieve perfect butter cake consistency.
  • Prevent Pecan Sinking: Lightly coat chopped pecans in flour before folding into cream cheese mixture, preventing them from settling at bottom during baking and ensuring even distribution.
  • Optimize Cooling Strategy: Allow cake to cool completely in pan, which helps filling set properly and intensifies flavor development, resisting temptation to remove or slice prematurely.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 425
  • Sugar: 39 g
  • Sodium: 295 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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