If you crave a truly decadent treat, look no further than Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter. This rich, chocolatey dessert bar combines a fudgy cake base with a luscious, gooey cream cheese layer and a generous sprinkle of pecans for irresistible crunch. Every bite is a celebration of textures and flavors, making this recipe a beloved favorite for gatherings, potlucks, or those moments when you deserve something extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter is its simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role in creating those dreamy layers. From the chocolate cake mix to the creamy filling with pecans, every component brings something essential to the table.
- Chocolate cake mix (1 box, 15.25 ounces): The shortcut base delivers deep chocolate flavor and a fudgy texture with minimal effort.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup total, melted): Butter adds richness and helps create that signature gooeyness both in the base and the topping.
- Large eggs (3 total): Eggs bind the base and help the gooey layer set just enough while staying irresistibly soft.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): This is the secret to the creamy, tangy gooey layer that sets these bars apart.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A touch of vanilla brings warmth and depth to the filling.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/2 cup): Intensifies the chocolate flavor and gives the gooey layer its dramatic color.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups): Ensures the gooey topping is perfectly sweet and melts into that glossy, irresistible finish.
- Pecans (1 cup, chopped): Pecans add a nutty crunch that balances all the sweetness and gooeyness beautifully.
How to Make Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. A well-greased pan is essential for easy removal later and ensures every piece of your Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter comes out cleanly, with those gorgeous layers intact.
Step 2: Mix and Press the Chocolate Base
In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, 1/2 cup melted butter, and 1 large egg. Stir until a thick, sticky dough forms. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This forms the rich, chewy foundation that will hold up the gooey layer above.
Step 3: Prepare the Gooey Layer
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth and creamy. Add 2 large eggs and the vanilla extract, then mix until well combined—no lumps allowed! Sprinkle in the cocoa powder and beat again, then gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low to avoid a sugar cloud. Finally, pour in the remaining 1/2 cup melted butter and mix until the filling is thick and glossy. Fold in the chopped pecans, making sure they’re distributed throughout the batter.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the gooey chocolate pecan mixture over the pressed cake base. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, reaching every corner. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes—look for set edges and a center that’s still a bit jiggly. That’s where the magic happens! Don’t overbake, as the center should stay soft and gooey. Let the Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter
Garnishes
The finishing touches can really make your Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter pop! Try a light dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For extra crunch and a pretty presentation, sprinkle a few extra chopped pecans or mini chocolate chips on top before serving.
Side Dishes
Since these bars are so rich, pair them with something light—think fresh berries or a tart fruit salad. A cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk is the perfect match for balancing all that sweet, chocolatey goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, cut the Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter into bite-size squares and pile them high on a decorative platter. You can also layer them in mason jars with whipped cream for a fun dessert parfait, or wrap individual pieces in parchment paper for a charming homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter bars covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. The flavors only deepen as they sit, making that gooey texture even more irresistible!
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully. Place cooled, cut squares in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months, ready to pull out whenever a chocolate craving strikes.
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven gooeyness, warm individual squares in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. If reheating a larger batch, cover loosely with foil and heat in a low oven until just warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts will work beautifully in this recipe if you want to switch things up or need to use what you have on hand.
Do I have to use chocolate cake mix, or can I make my own?
If you prefer homemade, a from-scratch chocolate cake base works, but using a boxed mix saves time and still delivers delicious, reliable results every time.
How do I know when the Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter is done baking?
Look for set edges and a center that’s still slightly jiggly. The bars will continue to set as they cool, giving you that signature soft, gooey texture.
Can I make Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter ahead for a party?
Definitely! These bars are even better the next day. Make them a day in advance, store tightly covered, and slice just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Is this dessert gluten free?
As written, it’s not gluten free due to the cake mix. However, you can substitute your favorite gluten free chocolate cake mix to make a gluten free Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter dessert!
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter is a true showstopper that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you serve it at a celebration or sneak a square as a well-deserved treat, you’ll fall in love with its rich, gooey goodness. Give this recipe a try and let it become your new go-to for chocolatey indulgence!
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Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter, a luscious dessert featuring a fudgy chocolate cake base layered under a creamy, buttery cocoa and cream cheese filling generously studded with crunchy pecans. Perfectly gooey and satisfying, this Southern-inspired treat is ideal for gatherings or a special sweet craving.
Ingredients
For the base layer:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the gooey layer:
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir until a thick dough forms, then press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create the base layer.
- Make the gooey layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gradually beat in the unsweetened cocoa powder, then add the powdered sugar in portions, beating continuously. Finally, stir in the melted butter until the mixture is smooth and thick. Gently fold in the chopped pecans to distribute evenly.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the creamy gooey mixture evenly over the chocolate cake base layer in the pan. Spread with a spatula for uniform thickness. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is still slightly jiggly—do not overbake to maintain the gooey texture.
- Cool and serve: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the dessert to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice into 16 squares and serve to enjoy the perfect gooey and crunchy chocolate pecan flavor.
Notes
- The center should stay soft and gooey; avoid baking until completely firm.
- For extra crunch and visual appeal, sprinkle additional chopped pecans or mini chocolate chips on top before baking.
- Use fresh, softened cream cheese for the best creamy texture in the gooey layer.
- Allow the bars to fully cool before slicing to maintain clean edges.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
