Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

The Enchanting Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

My latest kitchen adventure involves this decadent chocolate pecan ooey gooey butter cake that promises pure indulgence.

Sweet magic happens when rich chocolate meets crunchy pecans in a dessert so irresistible.

Bakers searching for a show-stopping treat will adore this melt-in-your-mouth creation.

Layers of creamy, dense texture combine with deep chocolate notes that dance across your palate.

Serving something so luxurious that guests cannot help but ask for the recipe.

Each bite promises a delightful contrast between smooth cake and toasted nutty crunch.

Come ready to impress everyone at your next gathering with this seriously delectable dessert.

Why Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe Is A Must-Try

  • Indulge in Decadent Layers: This recipe offers a rich, multi-textured dessert with a crumbly chocolate cake base and a luxuriously creamy, gooey filling that melts in your mouth.
  • Effortless Baking Magic: With a simple cake mix base and straightforward mixing method, even novice bakers can create an impressive dessert that looks and tastes professionally made.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Chocolate Comfort: The combination of chocolate, cream cheese, and crunchy pecans creates a crowd-pleasing treat perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend dessert cravings.
  • Quick and Convenient Delight: From start to finish, this recipe takes less than an hour to prepare, making it an ideal last-minute dessert for unexpected guests or spontaneous sweet tooth moments.

Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe Ingredient Guide

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Cake Mix: A quick and easy foundation for the cake, providing rich chocolate flavor and structure.
  • Egg: Binds the base ingredients together, adding moisture and helping to create a solid crust.
  • Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a crisp, golden base.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Provides a creamy, tangy base for the filling, creating a luxurious texture.
  • Eggs: Helps to set the filling and create a smooth, custard-like consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet note.
  • Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, glossy filling.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling and contributes to its silky texture.
  • Cocoa Powder: Deepens the chocolate flavor and adds a rich, dark color.
  • Chopped Pecans: Introduces a nutty crunch and classic Southern flavor contrast.
Garnish Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar: Optional topping for a sweet, decorative finish.

Steps To Make Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a generous coating of cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy release.

Step 2: Create the Chocolatey Base

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in:
  • Chocolate cake mix
  • Egg
  • Melted butter

Blend these ingredients until they form a rich, dense dough. Press this delectable mixture firmly and evenly across the bottom of your prepared pan, creating a solid foundation for your decadent dessert.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

In a separate large bowl, start by:
  • Beating cream cheese until silky smooth
  • Adding eggs and vanilla extract
  • Mixing until perfectly combined
Gradually incorporate:
  • Melted butter
  • Powdered sugar
  • Cocoa powder

Whisk until the mixture becomes luxuriously creamy and dreamy. Fold in chopped pecans for that irresistible nutty crunch.

Step 4: Layer the Cake

Carefully pour the luscious filling over the chocolate base. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring every inch is covered with this sinful mixture.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for those telltale signs: set edges with a slightly jiggly center. The gooey middle is what makes this cake absolutely magical!

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the cake rest and cool completely in the pan. When ready to serve, sprinkle with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar. Slice into generous squares and prepare for pure bliss.

Pro Tip: This cake is heaven served at room temperature or slightly warmed. Each bite promises a symphony of chocolate, nuts, and creamy goodness that will make taste buds dance with joy!

Top Tips For Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

  • Prevent Sticky Mess: Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and quick cleanup, ensuring your cake comes out perfectly without sticking.
  • Master the Gooey Texture: Don't overbake! Remove the cake when edges are set but center remains slightly jiggly to maintain that signature ooey-gooey consistency.
  • Enhance Pecan Flavor: Lightly toast pecans before adding to the filling to intensify their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to your dessert.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular cake mix with gluten-free version and use dairy-free cream cheese for a delicious alternative that accommodates different dietary restrictions.
  • Boost Chocolate Intensity: Sprinkle extra cocoa powder or drizzle melted dark chocolate on top for chocolate lovers seeking a more decadent dessert experience.

How To Store And Reheat Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Chocolate pecan butter cake freezes wonderfully for 2-3 months without losing its delicious texture.
  • Thaw: Transfer frozen cake slices to the refrigerator overnight. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore soft, gooey consistency.
  • Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. For crisp edges, briefly warm in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes, which helps maintain the cake's original delightful texture.

What Goes Well With Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

  • Brew Rich Coffee Companions: Pair this decadent chocolate pecan butter cake with a robust espresso or dark roast coffee. The deep, bold coffee flavors will beautifully complement the cake's intense chocolate and nutty undertones, creating a luxurious dessert experience.
  • Elevate with Creamy Vanilla Scoop: Top each slice with a generous scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream. The cool, smooth vanilla will balance the cake's rich warmth, providing a delightful temperature and flavor contrast that enhances every bite.
  • Match with Sweet Dessert Wine: Serve alongside a glass of sweet port or chocolate dessert wine. These fortified wines have deep, complex notes that mirror the cake's indulgent chocolate character, making each sip and bite a harmonious celebration of sweetness.
  • Create Nutty Beverage Harmony: Blend a homemade pecan-infused bourbon or whiskey cocktail to accompany the cake. The nutty alcohol notes will echo the pecan pieces within the dessert, creating a sophisticated and cohesive tasting experience.

Ideas To Switch Up Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

  • Caramel Pecan Paradise: Drizzle rich caramel sauce over the cooled cake and sprinkle extra toasted pecans for added crunch and depth of flavor.
  • Mocha Magic Upgrade: Mix instant espresso powder into the filling for a robust coffee undertone that complements the chocolate base.
  • Nutty Chocolate Crunch: Swap regular pecans with candied pecans and add dark chocolate chips throughout the filling for extra texture and intense chocolate notes.
  • Berry Chocolate Fusion: Top the cooled cake with fresh raspberries or blackberry compote to introduce a tangy contrast against the rich chocolate and nutty background.

Answers About Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

  • What makes this chocolate pecan ooey gooey butter cake different from other desserts?

This cake is a decadent twist on traditional butter cake, featuring a rich chocolate base and a creamy, gooey filling packed with pecans. It combines the best of a cake and a custard-like dessert in one indulgent treat.

  • Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Absolutely! You can swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or even skip nuts entirely. The recipe is flexible and will still taste delicious with your preferred nut or no nuts at all.

  • Is this recipe considered a beginner-friendly dessert?

Yes, this cake is super easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and basic mixing steps, even novice bakers can create a impressive-looking dessert that tastes like it came from a bakery. The recipe requires minimal technical skills.

  • How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

Look for set edges with a slightly jiggly center. When you remove the cake from the oven, the filling should still have a soft, gooey texture. If the entire cake looks firm, you’ve likely overbaked it and might lose that signature creamy consistency.

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Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Dreamy chocolate pecan ooey gooey butter cake melts hearts with pure Southern comfort. Smooth chocolate richness meets nutty pecan crunch, promising pure indulgence that will transport dessert lovers straight to sweet bliss.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients:

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 ounces/432 grams)
  • ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg

Filling Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cups (500 grams) powdered sugar
  • ½ cup (50 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (120 grams) chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Prepare the foundation by combining chocolate cake mix, egg, and melted butter into a dense, uniform dough. Press this mixture firmly and evenly across the bottom of a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking vessel.
  2. Create a luscious cream cheese mixture by whisking softened cream cheese until silky smooth. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract, blending until perfectly integrated.
  3. Gradually fold melted butter into the cream cheese base, then gently introduce powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Whisk until the mixture achieves a velvety, luxurious consistency.
  4. Fold chopped pecans into the cream cheese mixture, distributing them evenly to ensure a nutty crunch in every bite.
  5. Delicately cascade the pecan-studded filling over the chocolate base, using a spatula to spread it into a uniform layer that completely covers the initial cake foundation.
  6. Position the assembled cake in a preheated oven set to 350°F (175°C). Bake for approximately 40-45 minutes, watching for set edges while maintaining a seductively gooey center.
  7. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool entirely within its baking pan, enabling the filling to stabilize and intensify its rich flavors.
  8. Before serving, optionally dust the surface with a delicate veil of powdered sugar. Cut into generous squares and present at room temperature or slightly warmed for maximum indulgence.

Notes

  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth, lump-free filling that blends perfectly with other ingredients.
  • Use high-quality cocoa powder to enhance the deep chocolate flavor and create a rich, decadent texture in the filling.
  • Chop pecans coarsely to provide delightful crunch and distribute nutty flavor throughout the cake’s gooey layers.
  • For gluten-free option, swap chocolate cake mix with gluten-free cake mix and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 367
  • Sugar: 37 g
  • Sodium: 290 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 52 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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