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Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Incorporate cocoa and sugar: Stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder, then gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well until fully incorporated and smooth.
  5. Add butter and pecans: Pour in the melted butter and mix until well combined. Fold in the chopped pecans gently to distribute them evenly.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.