Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with our Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake! This decadent treat combines the rich flavors of chocolate and pecans with a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s perfect for any celebration or special occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something sweet, this irresistible cake will surely delight your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

Bottom Layer:

• 1 box (18 oz.) brownie mix
• 1 egg
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• Water (if needed)

Pecan Pie Filling:

• 3 eggs
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• ¼ cup salted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups pecans, coarsely chopped

Top Layer:

• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 3 eggs
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 3 1/3 cups powdered sugar

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F and grease a 9 x 13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. For the bottom layer, mix the brownie mix, ½ cup melted butter, and 1 egg in a bowl until the batter is thick. If necessary, add a bit of water to make it blend together, but keep the mixture thick. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
3. To make the pecan pie filling, whisk together 3 eggs, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, melted butter, and light corn syrup in a bowl. Fold in the coarsely chopped pecans and spread the mixture over the brownie bottom layer.
4. For the top layer, beat together cream cheese, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl on low speed. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Spoon this over the pecan filling, spreading it evenly.
5. Bake the cake for 55-75 minutes. It should be slightly jiggly in the center but firm to the touch. If the top starts to brown too much, tent with foil to prevent over-browning.
6. Let the cake cool on a wire rack before serving. This cake is best enjoyed once fully cooled to allow the layers to set perfectly.

Prep Time and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 70 minutes
• Total Time: 90 minutes
• Servings: 12

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips:

• Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing for the best presentation. This ensures the layers set properly, giving you clean, neat slices.
• Serve the cake on its own for a rich, indulgent treat or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance its gooey texture.
• Garnish each slice with extra chopped pecans or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra touch of flavor and decoration.
• This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.

Storage Tips:

• To store leftover Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cake’s gooey texture will remain intact, but chilling it will help it hold its shape for easier slicing.
• For longer storage, you can freeze the cake. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil, then store them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen slices will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
• When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the cake at room temperature for a couple of hours, or reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds to return the gooey texture.

Variations

1. Add a Chocolate Layer:
For an extra chocolatey twist, add a layer of melted chocolate chips between the brownie mix base and the pecan filling. This will create a luscious chocolate layer that blends perfectly with the gooey layers above.

2. Nut-Free Option:
If you have nut allergies or prefer a nut-free dessert, simply omit the pecans and use crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits as a base for the bottom layer. You can also substitute with other toppings like mini marshmallows or a sprinkle of toffee bits.

3. Spice It Up:
For a cozy fall flavor, try adding a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the brownie mix and the top layer cream cheese filling. The spice complements the chocolate and pecans beautifully, creating a comforting dessert perfect for colder weather.

4. Use Dark Chocolate:
For a richer, more intense chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate brownie mix instead of the regular one. This will give the cake a deeper, more complex flavor profile that balances well with the sweetness of the pecans and the gooey filling.

5. Caramel Swirl:
For a touch of decadence, swirl some caramel sauce into the top cream cheese layer before baking. The caramel will melt into the cake while it bakes, adding a rich, buttery sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate and pecans.

6. White Chocolate Version:
Swap out the chocolate brownie mix for a white chocolate mix and use white chocolate chips in the top layer. This variation gives the cake a lighter, sweeter taste while still maintaining that signature gooey texture.

7. Salted Caramel Pecan Topping:
Add an extra layer of flavor by topping the cake with a drizzle of salted caramel after baking. This will contrast the sweet and salty notes, giving your cake an irresistible, gourmet touch.

8. Coconut Pecan Butter Cake:
For a tropical twist, mix some shredded coconut into the pecan filling or sprinkle it over the top after baking. This adds a chewy texture and a sweet, nutty flavor that complements the pecans perfectly.

9. Raspberry or Cherry Filling:
Incorporate some fruit into the filling for a fruity contrast to the rich chocolate and pecans. A layer of raspberry or cherry preserves spread on top of the brownie base before adding the pecan filling gives the cake a burst of fruity flavor.

10. Gluten-Free Version:
For those with gluten sensitivities, substitute the brownie mix with a gluten-free brownie mix, and use gluten-free flour in place of regular flour in the filling. You can also check if your corn syrup is gluten-free to ensure the entire cake is safe for those with gluten restrictions.

These variations allow you to customize your Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake to suit your tastes and dietary preferences, making it an even more versatile dessert for any occasion.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake can be made a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

2. Can I freeze Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake?
Absolutely! Let the cake cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

3. What’s the best way to reheat this cake?
To enjoy it warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This softens the layers and enhances the gooey texture.

4. Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?
Yes! Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts are great substitutes if you prefer a different nut flavor. You can also mix nuts for a unique twist.

5. Can I make this cake without cream cheese?
The cream cheese is essential for the top layer’s gooey and rich texture. However, you could experiment with mascarpone or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if needed.

6. Can I substitute light corn syrup in the recipe?
If you don’t have corn syrup, you can use honey, maple syrup, or golden syrup as a substitute. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture.

7. What’s the best way to tell if the cake is done?
The cake should be slightly jiggly in the center but firm around the edges. A toothpick inserted near the edge should come out with moist crumbs, not raw batter.

8. Can I use store-bought brownie mix for the base?
Yes, store-bought brownie mix is perfect for this recipe. Follow the package instructions to prepare the base, ensuring it remains thick enough to spread in the pan.

9. Can I make this cake without a mixer?
While a stand mixer or hand mixer makes blending the layers easier, you can mix by hand using a whisk or spatula. Ensure all ingredients are well-combined for the best results.

10. Can I add chocolate chips to the top layer?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips to the cream cheese mixture or sprinkling them on top before baking adds an extra layer of chocolatey goodness to the cake.

These FAQs should help address common questions and provide helpful tips for making this rich and decadent dessert a success!

This Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is a true indulgence, bringing together the rich, comforting flavors of chocolate, butter, and pecans in a smooth, gooey texture that everyone will love. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Serve it up at your next gathering and watch it disappear in no time!

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