The moment you take a bite of this Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved treat for any occasion. These bars boast a luscious, fudgy crust paired with a rich, creamy, nut-studded topping that oozes irresistible decadence. The combination of chocolate and pecans creates a perfect harmony of deep flavor and satisfying texture. If you’re searching for a dessert that feels like a warm hug and packs a serious chocolate punch, this recipe will quickly become your new go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the gooey goodness fool you: the ingredients here are straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of taste, texture, and that signature buttery richness you crave.
- Chocolate cake mix: The base of the crust, providing structure and a chocolatey foundation.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture for the dreamiest texture.
- Unsalted butter: Melted to add richness and a tender crumb to both layers.
- Cream cheese: Creates the luxe, creamy layer that defines the “ooey gooey” sensation.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a subtle warmth that balances the deep chocolate flavor.
- Chopped pecans: Toasted or fresh, they add a crunchy, nutty contrast to the softness.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Boosts the chocolate intensity without extra sweetness.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the topping to velvety perfection.
How to Make Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust Layer
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan—this will ensure your bars slide out easily after baking. In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, one large egg, and the melted butter until a thick, dense dough forms. Press this mixture evenly along the bottom of your pan to create a rich, chocolatey base that sets the stage for the gooey layer on top.
Step 2: Whip Up the Ooey Gooey Topping
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until silky smooth. Add the remaining eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and well combined. Then, stir in the cocoa powder to deepen the chocolate flavor. Gradually add powdered sugar, blending it fully into the mixture for the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Pour in melted butter and mix well to incorporate richness; finally fold in those lovingly chopped pecans for a fantastic crunch in every bite.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Spread your luscious ooey gooey topping evenly over the chocolate crust, smoothing it out so every corner is perfectly covered. Place the pan in the oven and bake for around 40 to 45 minutes. Keep an eye on it—the edges should be set firmly, while the center retains a delightful jiggle. This slight wobble is key to achieving that signature gooeyness that makes this Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe so irresistible.
Step 4: Cool and Slice
Patience is a virtue here! Let the bars cool completely in the pan. This resting time allows the layers to set just enough to slice cleanly without losing any of the soft, gooey middle. You can serve these bars at room temperature for a soft texture or chilled if you prefer them a little firmer.
How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar not only adds a pretty finishing touch but also a slight sweetness that complements the rich chocolate and nuts. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a drizzle of warm chocolate or caramel sauce can elevate your presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
These bars stand strong on their own but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a classic dessert duo. Fresh berries can add a bright contrast that balances the richness while keeping the experience refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut into bite-sized squares for a delightful finger food option at parties, or serve as a stacked dessert with alternating layers of ice cream and sauce for a fun twist. For a more elegant touch, present these buttery bars on a rustic wooden board with scattered pecans and chocolate shavings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for about a week. Make sure to keep them well covered to preserve their moist, gooey texture.
Freezing
Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing them in the freezer; this doubles the protection against freezer burn. Frozen bars will keep for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
If you prefer your bars warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. This melts the butter layer slightly and revives that ooey gooey delight. Avoid overheating to keep the perfect texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use homemade chocolate cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer a homemade cake mix, just be sure it’s a chocolate version similar in flavor and texture to the boxed mix. This will keep the crust layer just as rich and tender.
Should I toast the pecans before adding them?
Toasting pecans is a brilliant step that enhances their nutty flavor and adds a lovely crunch to the bars. Simply toast them lightly in a dry skillet for a few minutes until fragrant, then cool before folding them in.
Is it necessary to chill the cream cheese before mixing?
Yes, using softened cream cheese ensures a smooth, lump-free topping layer. Take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start baking so it reaches room temperature.
Can I substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans?
Definitely! Walnuts or almonds work beautifully as alternatives, giving a slightly different but equally delicious nutty texture and flavor.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for set edges with a center that’s still a little jiggly. This tells you the gooey layer is perfectly baked — not dry, yet safely cooked. Don’t overbake, or you’ll miss out on that signature ooey gooey charm.
Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe is an absolute treasure for chocolate lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike. It’s comforting, irresistibly rich, and surprisingly simple to make. Once you try this recipe, you’ll have a new favorite to share with family and friends — trust me, it’s worth every delicious bite!
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Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter bars, a delightful dessert featuring a fudgy chocolate cake crust layered with a creamy, gooey, chocolate cream cheese topping studded with pecans. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for an irresistible sweet treat, these bars offer a perfect balance of chocolate flavor and nutty crunch.
Ingredients
For the Crust Layer:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the Ooey Gooey Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Make the crust layer: In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, 1 egg, and melted butter. Stir thoroughly until a thick dough forms. Press this evenly into the bottom of the greased baking pan to form the crust.
- Prepare the gooey topping: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the 2 eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and fully combined.
- Incorporate cocoa and sugar: Stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder, then gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Add butter and pecans: Pour in the melted butter and mix until well combined. Fold in the chopped pecans gently to distribute them evenly.
- Assemble and bake: Spread the gooey layer evenly over the prepared crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center remains slightly jiggly—avoid overbaking to maintain the gooey texture.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 16 bars. Serve at room temperature or chilled for firmer texture. Optionally dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Toast the pecans beforehand to enhance their flavor and add extra crunch.
- Dust the finished bars with powdered sugar for an appealing presentation.
- Do not overbake; the center should stay soft to achieve the classic gooey texture.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated for longer freshness.
