Name: Gooey Chocolate Pecan Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz); 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted); 1/2 cup milk; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup chopped pecans; 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk; 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling); Nonstick cooking spray

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You’re in for an irresistible treat with this Gooey Chocolate Pecan Cake—a show-stopping dessert that brings together melt-in-your-mouth chocolate, crunchy pecans, sticky-sweet caramel, and a rich, gooey center. Whether it’s a festive gathering or just a cozy night in, this decadent cake will instantly become your signature indulgence. Simple to make yet extraordinary in flavor, the Gooey Chocolate Pecan Cake is pure bliss in every bite—trust me, your friends and family are going to ask for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gooey Chocolate Pecan Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in how a handful of straightforward pantry staples come together to create something truly magical. Each ingredient brings wonderful flavor, texture, or gooeyness to the table—let’s look at what you’ll need and why it matters for your cake.

Chocolate cake mix: The base for that soft, deeply chocolaty crumb—using a mix makes everything quick and foolproof.
Unsalted butter (melted): Adds moisture and richness, ensuring every bite is velvety.
Milk: Makes the batter smooth and prevents the cake from feeling dry.
Large eggs: Essential for structure and binding, while also giving that bakery-style tenderness.
Vanilla extract: A little splash goes a long way to round out the chocolate and caramel flavors.
Chopped pecans: The perfect nutty crunch to balance all the gooey elements.
Sweetened condensed milk: The secret to that luscious, gooey center you’ll crave.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Extra melty pockets of chocolate goodness throughout the cake.
Caramel sauce: Swirled in and drizzled on top for an irresistible sticky-sweet finish.
Nonstick cooking spray: Makes sure every slice releases cleanly from the pan (and saves on cleanup!).

How to Make Gooey Chocolate Pecan Cake

Step 1: Get Your Pan and Oven Ready

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While the oven heats up, generously spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This simple step ensures your Gooey Chocolate Pecan Cake releases perfectly—no sticking, no fuss, just gorgeous cake on your plate.

Step 2: Mix Up the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together until you have a smooth, thick batter that smells heavenly. This quick mixing is where the magic begins, creating that ultra-moist, rich base for your gooey layers.

Step 3: Add the Pecans

Fold in the chopped pecans gently. This way, every slice of your cake gets those irresistible crunchy bits that play so well with the gooey texture—plus, they look beautiful dotted throughout the bake.

Step 4: Layer and Top

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth the surface. Now, the fun part: drizzle the sweetened condensed milk evenly across the top, followed by a generous swirl of caramel sauce. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over everything so you’re guaranteed pockets of molten chocolate in every bite.

Step 5: Bake Until Gooey Perfection

Slide your creation into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You want a set cake around the edges, but a gorgeously gooey center. If you’re going for extra gooeyness, err on the side of a slightly underbaked middle. Let your Gooey Chocolate Pecan Cake cool just a bit before digging in—it sets up slightly while staying fabulously soft in the center.

How to Serve Gooey Chocolate Pecan Cake

Garnishes

Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top just before serving for an irresistible, glossy finish. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes the Gooey Chocolate Pecan Cake over the top. Even a shower of chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of powdered sugar will make your cake look bakery-worthy.

Side Dishes

This dessert is rich and decadent all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with something cool and creamy—think a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream. Fresh berries or a tangy fruit compote offer a bright, juicy counterpoint to all that sweetness, creating a balanced finish to your dessert course.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking the Gooey Chocolate Pecan Cake in individual ramekins for an elegant dinner party twist—bake a bit less so they’re extra gooey in the center. Or slice into neat bars, nestle them into cupcake liners, and serve on a big platter for a crowd-pleasing, potluck-friendly option. You can even stack cubes of cake with whipped cream and berries to build playful parfaits.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Gooey Chocolate Pecan Cake tightly or place in an airtight container once completely cool. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, and it’ll keep at room temperature for a day or two, or in the fridge for up to a week.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later (good luck!), this cake freezes surprisingly well. Slice into portions, wrap each in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to two months. When a chocolate craving hits, simply thaw on the counter or in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

To restore that irresistible gooey texture, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. If you’ve frozen slices, allow them to come to room temperature before reheating. The cake will taste freshly baked and even more decadent, especially with a little extra caramel on top.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Dessert

Absolutely! While pecans give a lovely buttery crunch, walnuts or even chopped hazelnuts work nicely if you’re looking to try something different. Each nut brings its own unique flavor and texture to the Gooey Chocolate Pecan Cake.

Do I have to use box cake mix?

Nope! If you prefer homemade, any rich chocolate cake recipe will work as the base. The box mix is just a handy shortcut that guarantees consistent texture and lets you focus on those gooey, flavorful layers.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the regular cake mix for your favorite gluten-free chocolate cake mix—the rest of the ingredients are already gluten-free. Just double-check your mix for any special instructions on liquid ratios.

Is the cake supposed to be runny in the center?

Gooey is the goal, but not raw! The cake should be set along the edges and soft (almost molten) in the very center. Letting it cool a bit helps everything come together while keeping that signature gooey texture the Gooey Chocolate Pecan Cake is famous for.

How do I know when the cake is done?

You’re looking for a set top and slightly jiggly middle—it will firm up more as it cools. If you insert a toothpick near the edge, it should come out clean; in the center, it should be sticky but not liquid.

Final Thoughts

Whether you bake it for a celebration or just because, the Gooey Chocolate Pecan Cake promises pure dessert delight every time. Every bite is a mix of melty chocolate, nutty crunch, and caramel bliss—I can’t wait for you to make it and watch it disappear!

Gooey Chocolate Pecan Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the decadent delight of this Gooey Chocolate Pecan Cake that combines the richness of chocolate, the nuttiness of pecans, and the sweetness of caramel in every gooey bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1/2 cup milk
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans

Toppings:

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)
Nonstick cooking spray

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Mix the batter: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in the chopped pecans.
Prepare the cake: Pour the batter into the baking dish, smooth the top, then drizzle the sweetened condensed milk, caramel sauce, and chocolate chips over it.
Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until set but gooey in the center. Let it cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with more caramel sauce if desired.