Imagine a dessert so decadent it should come with a warning label. Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake isn’t just a mouthful to say—it’s a mouthful of pure, unapologetic bliss. This isn’t your grandma’s cake (unless your grandma is a sugar wizard).
It’s rich, buttery, and packed with enough chocolate and pecans to make you forget your name. Why settle for boring desserts when you can have a slice of heaven that sticks to your ribs—and your teeth? Let’s get to the good stuff.
What Makes This Recipe So Good
This cake is the lovechild of a brownie and a pecan pie, with a personality disorder.
The gooey center is like molten happiness, while the crispy edges give it texture. The pecans add a nutty crunch, and the chocolate? Well, chocolate makes everything better.
It’s also stupidly easy to make—no fancy techniques, just dump, mix, and bake. If you’ve ever wanted to impress people with minimal effort, this is your golden ticket.
Ingredients
Gather these. Trust me, you’ll want all of them:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (yes, boxed.
We’re keeping it simple.)
- 1 large egg (for the base)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (because salted butter is for cowards)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (don’t skip this—it’s the “ooey” in ooey gooey)
- 2 large eggs (for the filling)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (the good stuff, not the imitation nonsense)
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar (diabetes? Never heard of her.)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or dark if you’re fancy)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (because texture matters)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps, and you’ll be a dessert hero:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Or don’t. Live dangerously.
- Make the base: Mix the cake mix, 1 egg, and melted butter until it forms a dough. Press it into the baking dish like you’re punishing it.
- Make the filling: Beat the cream cheese until smooth.
Add 2 eggs and vanilla, then slowly mix in the powdered sugar. Stir in chocolate chips and pecans.
- Assemble: Pour the filling over the base. Spread it evenly, unless you’re into chaotic baking.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes.
The center should still jiggle slightly—this isn’t a cake, it’s a lifestyle.
- Cool for at least 30 minutes. Or don’t, and burn your tongue like a rebel.
Storage Instructions
Store this masterpiece in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days. If it lasts that long.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week, but microwave slices for 10 seconds to restore the gooeyness. Freezing? Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw at room temp or in the microwave.
Benefits of This Recipe
Besides being delicious, this cake is easy AF. It’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, or drowning your sorrows. The combo of protein (eggs, nuts) and sugar means it’s basically a health food.
IMO. It’s also customizable—swap nuts, chocolate, or even the cake mix flavor. Plus, it makes you look like a baking genius with zero effort.
Win-win.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t be that person who ruins perfection:
- Overbaking: The center should be jiggly, not set. It firms as it cools.
- Cold cream cheese: Soften it, or you’ll have lumpy filling. Nobody wants that.
- Skimping on pecans: They’re not just garnish—they’re essential for texture.
- Using margarine: Just… no.
Butter or bust.
Alternatives
Feeling adventurous? Try these swaps:
- Cake mix: Use chocolate or spice cake mix for a twist.
- Nuts: Walnuts or almonds work if pecans aren’t your thing.
- Chocolate: White chocolate chips or peanut butter chips for a different vibe.
- Add-ins: Coconut flakes, caramel swirls, or a dash of bourbon (for adults only).
FAQ
Can I use homemade cake mix instead of boxed?
Sure, if you enjoy extra work. The boxed mix saves time and works perfectly.
But if you’re a purist, go for it—just match the quantities.
Why is my cake too dense?
You overmixed the base. It should be crumbly, not smooth. Also, check your oven temp—underbaking can cause density too.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yep!
Use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are GF. The texture might be slightly different, but it’ll still taste amazing.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
The edges should be golden, and the center should jiggle slightly when shaken. If it’s fully set, you’ve gone too far.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely.
Use a larger baking dish or two 9×13 pans. Adjust baking time—check at 45 minutes and go from there.
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is the dessert equivalent of a mic drop. It’s easy, indulgent, and guaranteed to disappear faster than your motivation to diet.
FYI, you’ve been warned: one slice is never enough. Now go bake it, and prepare for the compliments (and recipe requests) to roll in.