Description
This indulgent Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake features a rich chocolate cake crust topped with a creamy, fudge-flavored cream cheese layer. Baked to perfection, it offers a gooey, decadent dessert perfect for celebrations or anytime you crave a luscious chocolate treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust Ingredients
- 15.25 ounce box dark chocolate fudge cake mix
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 large egg
Filling Ingredients
- 8 ounce cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 pound powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish Options
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
- Ice cream
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Fresh mint
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish thoroughly and set it aside to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crust Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dark chocolate fudge cake mix, 1/2 cup melted salted butter, chopped pecans, and 1 large egg. Stir these ingredients together until they are well incorporated, forming the base crust mixture.
- Press the Crust: Evenly press the crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, making sure it is compact and uniform to create a stable base layer for the filling.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth using a hand or stand mixer. Add the remaining 2 eggs and continue beating for about 30 seconds until well combined.
- Add Sugar and Cocoa: Incorporate the powdered sugar and cocoa powder into the cream cheese mixture. Beat until the filling is creamy, smooth, and fully blended.
- Blend in Butter and Vanilla: Pour in the remaining 1/2 cup melted butter along with the vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, and blend until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Assemble the Layers: Spread the creamy chocolate filling evenly over the prepared crust layer in the baking dish, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
- Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Bake until the center is set but still slightly gooey, indicating the signature texture of the cake.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar if desired. Cut the cake into squares or bars, and serve with fresh berries, whipped cream, ice cream, or fresh mint to enhance the presentation and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth filling.
- Do not overbake; the center should remain slightly gooey for the perfect texture.
- Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
- Storing the cake covered in the refrigerator helps maintain its moisture and texture for up to 4 days.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature according to preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
