This Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is rich, buttery, and irresistibly soft, with a gooey cream cheese layer and plenty of crunchy pecans. It is an easy dessert that is perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or whenever you want something extra indulgent.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup chopped pecans
For the Gooey Topping
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a thick dough forms. Stir in the chopped pecans.
Press the cake mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter, then mix until well combined.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth and creamy. Fold in the chopped pecans.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake layer.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is still slightly gooey. Do not overbake.
Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. The center will continue to set as it cools while remaining deliciously soft and gooey.
Serving
Cut into squares and serve as is, or top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and extra pecans for an indulgent dessert.
