👉Pecan OoeyCake – Recipes on a Budget

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. The combination of a soft, chocolatey crust with a creamy, pecan-studded filling offers a delightful contrast in textures and flavors, ensuring every bite is pure bliss. Follow these detailed steps to make your own irresistible cake, and enjoy a soothing and seamless cooking experience.

Ingredients Overview

For the Crust:

1 box (15.25 oz) Chocolate cake mix: This forms the base of your cake, providing a rich chocolate flavor and a firm yet tender texture.
1/2 cup Unsalted butter, melted: Adds moisture and richness to the crust, ensuring it binds well.
1 Large egg: Helps to hold the crust together, adding structure and stability.

For the Filling:

8 oz Cream cheese, softened: Creates a creamy and smooth filling, balancing the sweetness with a slight tang.
2 Large eggs: Provide structure to the filling, helping it to set properly.
1/4 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor without adding extra sweetness.
1 tsp Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor, adding depth and warmth.
1/2 cup Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps achieve the gooey texture.
4 cups Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens the filling and contributes to its smooth, creamy consistency.
1 cup Pecans, chopped: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, complementing the chocolate perfectly.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the cake from sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Make the 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. This will serve as the firm base for your gooey filling.

Step 3: Prepare the 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 to add a crunchy texture to the gooey filling.

Step 4: Assemble Pour the filling over the crust, spreading it out evenly. Ensure that the filling reaches all edges of the baking dish for uniform gooeyness in every bite.

Step 5: 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 desired gooey texture. The cake should have a slight jiggle in the center when you remove it from the oven.

Step 6: Cool Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the baking dish. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cake to set properly.

Step 7: 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! 🍫🍰

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the cake in the refrigerator for up to a week. Ensure it is well-covered to prevent it from drying out.

Reheating:

Room Temperature Serving: If stored in the refrigerator, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Warm Serving: For a warm, gooey treat, microwave individual squares for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the cake.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? Using salted butter can slightly alter the taste. If you use salted butter, you may want to reduce any additional salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.

2. Can I substitute the pecans with another type of nut? Yes, you can use walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts. Each will add a unique flavor and texture to the cake.

3. What if I don’t have cream cheese? Mascarpone cheese can be a good substitute, though it has a milder flavor.

4. Can I make this cake gluten-free? Yes, by using a gluten-free chocolate cake mix, you can make this recipe suitable for those with gluten intolerance.

5. How do I know when the cake is done baking? The edges should be set, and the center should still be slightly gooey. It should have a slight jiggle when you move the dish.

6. Can I add other mix-ins to the filling? Certainly! Chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or dried fruits can be delicious additions.

7. Can I use a different size baking dish? You can, but it will alter the baking time. A smaller dish will result in a thicker cake that needs more time, while a larger dish will require less baking time.

8. How can I make the crust firmer? You can bake the crust alone for 5-10 minutes before adding the filling, ensuring it sets well.

9. Can I freeze this cake? Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

10. Why is my filling not setting properly? Ensure you follow the recipe measurements accurately and bake at the correct temperature.

11. Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the filling? You can, but it will affect the texture and sweetness. Experiment with reducing by small amounts to find your preferred level.

12. What can I do if my cake mix is too dry? Add a tablespoon of milk or water at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

13. How can I make the cake more gooey? Slightly underbake the cake, ensuring the center remains a bit jiggly when you take it out of the oven.

14. Can I add a frosting on top? The cake is rich enough on its own, but you can add a light glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.

15. What can I serve with this cake? Vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream pairs wonderfully with this rich cake.

16. How can I tell if my cream cheese is softened enough? Leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes; it should be easily spreadable.

17. Can I use low-fat cream cheese? You can, but it may alter the texture slightly, making the filling less creamy.

18. How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the baking dish? Ensure the dish is well-greased or use parchment paper for easy removal.

19. What type of cocoa powder is best? Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor without additional sweetness.

20. Can I make this recipe into cupcakes? Yes, adjust the baking time accordingly, typically around 20-25 minutes.

Culinary Secrets for Achieving Perfection

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all dairy products are at room temperature for a smoother, creamier filling.
Quality Cocoa Powder: Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor.
Do Not Overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid a dense, tough crust.
Gradual Sugar Addition: Adding sugar gradually ensures a smooth, lump-free filling.
Proper Preheating: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to achieve even baking.
Parchment Paper: Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner cuts.
Chill the Cake: For a firmer texture, chill the cake before cutting and serving.
Gentle Mixing: Stir in pecans gently to maintain their texture.
Use a Spatula: A rubber spatula helps to scrape down the bowl and ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
Test for Doneness: Look for set edges and a slightly jiggly center to avoid overbaking.
Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting to maintain its shape.
Butter Quality: Use high-quality butter for a richer flavor.
Avoid Skipping Steps: Follow each step carefully for the best results.
Proper Measuring: Measure ingredients accurately to maintain the recipe’s balance.
Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature.
Gentle Pressing: When making the crust, press it down gently but firmly to create an even base.
Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the baking time to prevent drying out the cake.
Nut Distribution: Ensure the pecans are evenly distributed throughout the filling for consistent texture.
Flavor Enhancements: Add a pinch of salt to the filling to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Love and Patience: Take your time and enjoy the process. Cooking with love makes all the difference.