Butter Pecan Gooey Cake is a rich, sweet dessert made with butter pecan cake mix, cream cheese, eggs, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and chopped pecans.
The texture is soft and gooey in the center with a crunchy pecan topping. This cake is incredibly delicious and melts in your mouth.
You can make it by watching simple video tutorials online or reading easy recipes. The best time to feel inspired to make it is during holidays or cozy weekends.
Now I will guide you through how to make Butter Pecan Gooey Cake step by step.
Why We Love This Recipe
We love this Butter Pecan Gooey Cake because it’s the perfect blend of rich, buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
The soft, gooey cream cheese layer pairs beautifully with the crunchy pecans and buttery cake base, making every bite indulgent and satisfying.
Butter Pecan Gooey Cake easy to make with simple ingredients, yet impressive enough to serve for holidays, potlucks, or any special occasion.
How To Prepare Butter Pecan Gooey Cake?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
Servings (Yield): 15 servings
Calories (Estimate): 420 calories per serving
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula or spoon
- Oven
- Knife (for chopping pecans, if not pre-chopped)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 box butter pecan cake mix
- 3 large eggs, divided
- 1 (16 oz) box confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. In a large bowl, combine the butter pecan cake mix, 1 egg, and melted butter. Mix by hand until a thick dough forms.
2. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Set aside. In another bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese, remaining 2 eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, continuing to beat until creamy and well combined. Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top of the filling.
4. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center should still be slightly gooey. Do not over bake. Let cool before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Health Benefits
While Butter Pecan Gooey Cake is definitely a sweet indulgence, it does offer some nutritional perks thanks to its key ingredients.
Pecans provide heart-healthy fats, fiber, and important minerals like magnesium and zinc. Cream cheese adds a good source of protein and calcium, which supports bone health.
Using eggs contributes high-quality protein and essential vitamins like B12. Just keep in mind that this dessert is best enjoyed in moderation due to its sugar and fat content.
Additions And Variations For Butter Pecan Gooey Cake
✔ Chocolate Chips: Add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet or white chocolate chips to the filling for extra richness.
✔ Toasted Coconut: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded coconut over the top with pecans for added texture and flavor.
✔ Caramel Drizzle: After baking, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cooled cake for a sweeter finish.
✔ Pumpkin Twist: Mix 1/2 cup pumpkin puree and a dash of pumpkin spice into the cream cheese filling for a fall-inspired version.
When To Serve
This Butter Pecan Gooey Cake is perfect for dessert after dinner, especially during cozy family gatherings or holiday meals like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Butter Pecan Gooey Cake also makes a delicious treat for potlucks, birthday parties, or afternoon coffee breaks.
Because it’s rich and satisfying, it’s best enjoyed slightly chilled or at room temperature perfect any time you want a sweet, comforting indulgence!
How To Make This Cake Even More Delicious
1. Use Real Butter: Swap margarine or oil for high-quality unsalted butter for a richer, more buttery flavor.
2. Chill the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened but still cool—this helps create a smoother, creamier filling.
3. Add a Touch of Salt: Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking to enhance the sweetness and balance flavors.
4. Toast the Pecans: Lightly toast the pecans before sprinkling them on the cake to bring out their natural nutty aroma.
5. Drizzle Caramel Sauce: After baking, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cooled cake for an extra layer of gooey sweetness.
6. Use Fresh Vanilla: If possible, use pure vanilla bean paste or extract instead of imitation vanilla for a deeper, more natural flavor.
7. Serve with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Pair each slice with freshly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to elevate the dessert experience.
How To Store Leftovers
To store leftovers, let the Butter Pecan Gooey Cake cool completely. Then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.
Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days to maintain freshness. Before serving, you can warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back the gooey texture.
For longer storage, wrap the Butter Pecan Gooey Cake well and freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
FAQs About Butter Pecan Gooey Cake
Can I substitute the cream cheese with something else?
Yes, you can try using mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a slightly different texture and flavor, but cream cheese gives the best creamy gooey consistency.
What can I use if I don’t have an electric mixer?
You can mix the cream cheese filling by hand using a whisk or sturdy spoon—just make sure the cream cheese is very soft to make it easier.
How can I make this cake less sweet?
Reduce the confectioners’ sugar by about ¼ cup or add a little lemon zest to the filling to balance the sweetness with a subtle tang.
Can I add fruit to this recipe?
Absolutely! Fold in fresh or frozen berries like blueberries or raspberries into the cream cheese layer for a fruity surprise.
What’s the best way to cut this cake without it falling apart?
Use a sharp, clean knife warmed with hot water and wipe it dry between cuts to get neat slices without sticking or crumbling.
Conclusion
I very much enjoyed making this Butter Pecan Gooey Cake, and the rich, gooey texture with the crunch of pecans made every bite unforgettable.
I hope you are now inspired to try Butter Pecan Gooey Cake. Once you make it, take a moment to enjoy the warm, sweet aroma and creamy filling.
After tasting, I’d love to hear how delicious you found it. It’s a treat worth sharing, and I’m sure Butter Pecan Gooey Cake will become one of your favorites.
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Butter Pecan Gooey Cake
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula or spoon
- Oven
- Knife (for chopping pecans, if not pre-chopped)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 1 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
- 1 box butter pecan cake mix
- 3 large eggs divided
- 1 16 oz box confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. In a large bowl, combine the butter pecan cake mix, 1 egg, and melted butter. Mix by hand until a thick dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Set aside. In another bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese, remaining 2 eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, continuing to beat until creamy and well combined. Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top of the filling.
- Bake for 40 to 50 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center should still be slightly gooey. Do not over bake. Let cool before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!