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
Scale
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
