Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a decadent Southern dessert that combines rich chocolate flavor with the nutty crunch of pecans and the irresistible creaminess of a butter cake.
This indulgent treat features a chocolate cake base topped with a luscious cream cheese layer, studded with pecans and baked to gooey perfection. Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or cooled and cut into bars, it’s a crowd-pleaser that satisfies any sweet tooth.
Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving something rich and comforting, this dessert is as easy to make as it is delicious to eat.
If you’re looking for a rich, indulgent dessert that’s guaranteed to impress, this Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is the answer. With its buttery chocolate base, creamy cheesecake-like filling, and crunchy pecans throughout, it’s a show-stopping treat perfect for holidays, potlucks, or when you’re simply craving something decadent.
Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Description
Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a decadent Southern dessert that combines a rich chocolate cake base with a creamy, buttery filling and a generous topping of toasted pecans.
The texture is irresistibly soft and gooey in the center, with a slightly crisp top that adds contrast. Sweet, nutty, and indulgent, this dessert is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or whenever you're craving something truly over-the-top.
Each bite delivers a perfect blend of fudgy chocolate, buttery richness, and crunchy pecans. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray. For easy removal and cleaner slicing, consider lining the pan with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir until a soft dough forms. It will be thick, similar to a cookie dough. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Set aside.
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In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Add in the eggs and melted butter and mix until fully combined and creamy.
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Next, add vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and gradually mix in the powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and no lumps remain. Fold in the chopped pecans with a spatula or spoon.
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Pour the gooey filling over the chocolate crust in the baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly over the surface.
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Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes. The center should still jiggle slightly when done — don’t overbake! The edges will be set, and the center will have a slightly cracked, glossy top that firms up as it cools.
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Allow the cake to cool in the pan at room temperature for at least 1 hour. For best results, refrigerate it for an additional hour or until fully chilled. This helps the gooey layer firm up and makes slicing much easier.
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Once chilled, cut into squares using a sharp knife. For extra indulgence, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 25g39%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Cholesterol 90mg30%
- Sodium 300mg13%
- Total Carbohydrate 50g17%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 35g
- Protein 6g12%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake: Tips, Tricks, and Serving Ideas
Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a luscious, rich dessert that combines a buttery cake base with a creamy, gooey topping filled with chocolate and crunchy pecans. It’s an indulgent treat perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime you want a decadent dessert.
Understanding the Cake
This cake has two main layers:
- Base layer: Usually a dense, buttery yellow cake or cream cheese mixture.
- Topping: Gooey butter filling, loaded with melted chocolate and chopped pecans, creating a sticky, sweet contrast with a crunchy texture.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients
For smooth mixing and even baking, make sure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can cause lumps and uneven texture. - Choose Good-Quality Chocolate and Pecans
Use high-quality semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate for the best flavor. Fresh, toasted pecans add crunch and depth. Toasting pecans lightly on a dry skillet for 3-5 minutes enhances their flavor. - Don’t Overmix
When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, making the cake tough rather than tender. - Line Your Pan with Parchment Paper
Ooey gooey butter cake is sticky by nature. Lining your baking pan with parchment paper (and greasing it lightly) makes it much easier to remove the cake without breaking. - Baking Time is Key
The cake should be baked until the edges are set and golden but the center remains soft and gooey. Insert a toothpick near the edges to test doneness — it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. If you bake too long, you’ll lose that signature gooey texture. - Cool Completely Before Cutting
This cake is very soft when warm. Let it cool completely in the pan to firm up. You can also refrigerate it for an hour to make slicing neater.
Tricks to Elevate Your Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
- Add a pinch of espresso powder to the chocolate layer to deepen the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee.
- Swirl in caramel sauce or cream cheese frosting on top for added richness and an extra layer of indulgence.
- Mix in mini chocolate chips for pockets of melty chocolate throughout the gooey layer.
- Use chopped toasted pecans and a sprinkle of sea salt on top to balance sweetness with a hint of saltiness.
- For a seasonal twist, add a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice in the base or topping.
Serving Suggestions
- Cut into small squares because this cake is rich and dense—little bites go a long way!
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a classic combo.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel sauce before serving for extra decadence.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea to cut through the richness.
- For parties, consider serving with fresh berries on the side to add a pop of freshness.
Estimated Servings
A typical 9x13-inch pan of Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake yields about 12 to 16 servings, depending on how large you cut the pieces. Because it’s so rich, smaller portions are often preferred.
Tips for Success
- Toasting the pecans before folding them into the batter enhances their nutty flavor. Simply bake them at 350°F for 5–7 minutes on a tray.
- Use room-temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth filling with no lumps.
- Do not overbake! The gooey texture is what makes this dessert so delicious. Slightly underbaked is better than overdone.
- Refrigerate leftovers — this cake keeps well for up to 5 days in an airtight container. You can also freeze individual slices.
Flavor Variations
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Add 1/4 cup of melted peanut butter to the filling and swirl with a knife before baking.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce on top before serving.
- Espresso Twist: Add 1 tsp of instant espresso powder to the chocolate base for a mocha depth.
- Bourbon Pecan: Soak the pecans in 1–2 tablespoons of bourbon for 15 minutes before adding them to the batter.
Perfect For:
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas dessert tables
- Birthdays
- Potlucks
- “Just because” treats
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is everything its name promises: rich, soft, buttery, gooey, nutty, and chocolaty. It strikes the perfect balance between a brownie and cheesecake bar, with added crunch and flavor from pecans.
It’s easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and practically melts in your mouth. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this dessert is forgiving and incredibly rewarding.
Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a showstopper dessert that combines texture, flavor, and pure indulgence.
Its balance of gooey, crunchy, buttery, and chocolaty elements makes it a favorite for many. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be sure to bake a cake that’s moist, flavorful, and irresistibly gooey every time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake?
This dessert is a rich, decadent cake featuring a buttery, gooey filling layered over a chocolate cake base. It typically includes chopped pecans for a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness. The "ooey gooey" refers to its moist, soft, and slightly sticky texture, making it a favorite at potlucks and gatherings.
How do you make it?
The cake usually starts with a moist chocolate cake base made from scratch or a box mix. The “butter cake” topping is made with cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, combined until smooth and spread over the baked cake base.
Chopped pecans are sprinkled on top before baking. After baking, the cake is allowed to cool slightly before slicing.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake actually tastes better the next day after the flavors meld. Store it covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Before serving, you can bring it to room temperature or warm it briefly to revive the ooey gooey texture.
Is it difficult to make?
Not at all! This cake is beginner-friendly, especially if you use a cake mix for the base. The ooey gooey topping is simply mixed in one bowl and spread on top. The recipe requires basic baking skills and common ingredients. It’s a great choice if you want an impressive dessert without complicated techniques.
