Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake 
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of our Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake. This dessert features a buttery base topped with a gooey chocolate and pecan filling, creating a luscious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Follow these steps to make your own irresistible cake.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) Chocolate cake mix
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, melted
- 1 Large egg
For the Filling:
- 8 oz Cream cheese, softened
- 2 Large eggs
- 1/4 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups Confectioners’ sugar
- 1 cup Pecans, chopped
Directions:
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted unsalted butter, and egg. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- Prepare Filling: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs, unsweetened cocoa powder, and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined. Gradually add the melted butter and mix until smooth. Slowly add the confectioners’ sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until the filling is smooth and creamy. Stir in the chopped pecans.
- Assemble: Pour the filling over the crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly gooey. Avoid overbaking to maintain the gooey texture.
- Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the baking dish.
- Serve: Cut the Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake into squares. Serve at room temperature or chilled. Enjoy the rich, chocolatey, and gooey goodness in every bite!
This Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any dessert table. Whether for a party, a family gathering, or just a treat for yourself, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Secrets to Achieve the Perfect Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Creating the perfect Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake involves attention to detail and a few key tips to ensure it turns out rich, decadent, and absolutely delicious. Here are 20 secrets to help you achieve perfection:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially the cream cheese, eggs, and butter, are at room temperature. This helps them blend smoothly and creates a uniform texture.
- High-Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality chocolate cake mix, butter, cream cheese, and pecans. The better the ingredients, the richer and more flavorful your cake will be.
- Properly Grease the Pan: Grease your baking dish thoroughly or line it with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking and make it easier to remove.
- Mix the Crust Well: Make sure the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and egg are mixed thoroughly for the crust. Press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of the baking dish.
- Cream the Cheese Properly: Beat the cream cheese until it’s completely smooth before adding other ingredients. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth filling.
- Gradual Addition of Sugar: Add the confectioners’ sugar gradually to the filling mixture to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth consistency.
- Don’t Overmix the Filling: Mix the filling ingredients just until combined to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause cracks in the cake.
- Use Fresh Pecans: Freshly chopped pecans have a better flavor and texture. Toasting them lightly before adding them to the filling can enhance their flavor.
- Layer Evenly: Spread the filling evenly over the crust to ensure uniform baking and a balanced ratio of crust to filling.
- Avoid Overbaking: Bake until the edges are set and the center is still slightly gooey. Overbaking can result in a dry cake. The center should jiggle slightly when you shake the pan.
- Water Bath Method: If you’re concerned about cracks, you can place a pan of water on the lower oven rack to create steam, which helps prevent the top from cracking.
- Cooling Time: Allow the cake to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting. This helps set the gooey filling and makes it easier to cut clean slices.
- Chill Before Serving: For cleaner slices and a firmer texture, chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
- Decorative Toppings: Garnish with additional pecans, a dusting of confectioners’ sugar, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a beautiful presentation.
- Flavor Enhancements: Add a splash of bourbon or a teaspoon of espresso powder to the filling for an extra depth of flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The cake can also be frozen for longer storage.
- Reheat Gently: If you prefer the cake warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds.
- Serve with Ice Cream: Pairing a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream enhances the dessert experience.
- Experiment with Mix-ins: Add chocolate chips, toffee bits, or caramel swirls to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
- Follow Recipe Precisely: Follow the recipe measurements and instructions precisely for the best results. Baking is a science, and accuracy is key.
Popular Questions and Answers:
- Can I use a different type of cake mix?
- Yes, you can use any cake mix flavor, but chocolate works best for a rich, gooey texture.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Can I freeze this cake?
- Yes, you can freeze it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Can I substitute the pecans?
- Yes, you can use walnuts or almonds, or leave them out entirely if you prefer.
- Do I need to refrigerate the cake before serving?
- It’s not necessary, but refrigerating can make it easier to cut clean squares.
- Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
- Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best texture, but low-fat can be used.
- What can I use instead of unsalted butter?
- You can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe.
- Can I add other mix-ins to the filling?
- Yes, you can add chocolate chips or toffee bits for extra texture and flavor.
- How do I know when the cake is done?
- The edges should be set, and the center should still be slightly gooey.
- Can I use a different size baking dish?
- Yes, but you may need to adjust the baking time accordingly.
- How can I make the cake less sweet?
- Reduce the amount of confectioners’ sugar in the filling.
- Can I add a frosting or glaze?
- The cake is rich enough without additional frosting, but you can drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce if desired.
- What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch baking dish?
- You can use a similar-sized dish; just watch the baking time.
- Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
- Yes, a hand mixer works fine for this recipe.
- Do I need to line the baking dish with parchment paper?
- It’s optional, but it makes removing the cake easier.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Is there a substitute for confectioners’ sugar?
- No, confectioners’ sugar is necessary for the texture and sweetness of the filling.
- Can I use margarine instead of butter?
- Butter is preferred for flavor and texture, but margarine can be used if necessary.
- What can I use if I don’t have vanilla extract?
- You can substitute with another extract like almond or maple, but the flavor will be different.