Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12–16 servings
Description
This Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is unapologetically rich, layered with a fudgy chocolate cake base and a velvety, buttery cream cheese filling. With crunchy pecans folded in, every bite delivers gooey, nutty indulgence. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or whenever a chocolate craving hits hard.
Ingredients
For the Cake Base:
- 1 box (15.25 oz / 432g) chocolate cake mix
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup (120g) chopped pecans
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
Prepare the Cake Base:
In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, egg, and melted butter. Stir until a thick dough forms. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Make the Filling:
In another large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually add the melted butter, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder. Beat until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Stir in the chopped pecans.
Assemble the Cake:
Pour the filling over the cake base and spread evenly with a spatula.
Bake:
Bake for 40–45 minutes. The edges should be set while the center remains soft and gooey—do not overbake. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.
Serve:
Dust with additional powdered sugar, if desired. Slice into squares and serve at room temperature or slightly warmed.
Notes
Toasting the pecans before adding them enhances their flavor and crunch.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
This cake freezes well: wrap individual squares tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.