Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this heavenly Gooey Butter Pecan Cake, featuring a rich, buttery base topped with crunchy pecans and a gooey layer that melts in your mouth. This easy-to-make dessert combines the warmth of pecans with a velvety texture, making it a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving feast. Impress your guests with this comforting classic that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Freya Cooper

Created by

Freya Cooper

Last updated on 2025-12-02T15:53:55.152Z

This cake is a nostalgic favorite, combining the rich flavors of butter and pecans into a delightful dessert.

Why You'll Love It

  • Easy to make with simple ingredients
  • Decadently rich and gooey texture
  • Perfect for holidays and special occasions
  • Everyone loves the combination of butter and pecans

A Classic Dessert with a Twist

Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is not your average dessert; it blends the rich flavors of a butter cake with a unique gooey topping that is almost like a custard. This delightful combination is not only a visual treat but also provides a textural contrast between the base and the topping. As guests sink their forks into the cake, they'll be greeted with a satisfying mouthful of creamy goodness that pairs beautifully with the crunchy pecans sprinkled throughout. It's a classic dessert that offers a delightful twist, making it a perfect showcase for your baking skills during family gatherings or festive occasions.

This cake has roots in traditional Southern cooking, known for its indulgent and comforting dishes. The incorporation of pecans complements the buttery goodness, giving each bite an earthy richness that elevates the dessert. Not only is this cake visually appealing, but its flavors transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Southern hospitality, where warm desserts are always welcomed and cherished.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you are hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, a birthday bash, or a simple family gathering, this Gooey Butter Pecan Cake fits right in. Its rich flavor profile and gooey texture make it appealing to both adults and children alike. It stands as a centerpiece dessert that invites conversation and compliments from everyone at the table, ensuring that it will be a hit at any gathering you host.

Furthermore, its ease of preparation means you won’t spend hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients readily available, whipping up this decadent cake can be done in no time. This cake allows you to spend less time baking and more time enjoying the festivities with your loved ones, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While the cake is delicious on its own, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can take it to the next level. The cold creaminess perfectly contrasts the warm, gooey texture of the cake, making each bite a delightful experience. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding caramel sauce or even a drizzle of chocolate for an extra layer of flavor.

For those who enjoy experimenting, you can modify the recipe slightly to cater to different tastes. For example, substitute walnuts for pecans if you prefer a different nutty flavor or try adding a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warming spice note. These simple variations can provide exciting new experiences every time you make this beloved dessert.

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 1 box butter cake mix
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted

For the Gooey Layer

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Prepare all ingredients at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

Make the Cake Base

In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, one egg, and melted butter. Mix until well combined and spread evenly in the prepared baking pan.

Prepare the Gooey Layer

In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until combined. Fold in chopped pecans.

Combine Layers and Bake

Pour the gooey layer over the cake base. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the edges are golden brown. The center will remain gooey.

Cool and Serve

Allow to cool before slicing. Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of ice cream.

Enjoy your delicious gooey butter pecan cake!

Tips for the Best Results

To ensure your Gooey Butter Pecan Cake turns out perfectly every time, make sure to properly measure your ingredients, particularly the powdered sugar, as it can greatly affect the texture of the gooey layer. Sifting the sugar beforehand can also help eliminate lumps, ensuring a smooth consistency.

It's also important to allow the cake to cool completely before slicing it. This helps the gooey layer set slightly, preventing it from falling apart when served. If you’re eager to serve it warm, consider chilling it in the refrigerator for a short time before slicing to firm it up just enough.

Storage and Shelf Life

If you have leftovers, store your Gooey Butter Pecan Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to five days, making it a convenient dessert for meal prep or sweet treats throughout the week. The flavors will continue to meld as it sits, creating an even more delicious experience when enjoyed the next day.

For longer storage, consider freezing portions of the cake. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy this indulgent cake even weeks later with just a quick thaw. It's a simple and effective way to have a delightful dessert at your fingertips whenever a craving strikes.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just warm it up before serving.

→ Can I use different nuts?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes for pecans.

Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this heavenly Gooey Butter Pecan Cake, featuring a rich, buttery base topped with crunchy pecans and a gooey layer that melts in your mouth. This easy-to-make dessert combines the warmth of pecans with a velvety texture, making it a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving feast. Impress your guests with this comforting classic that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration35 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Freya Cooper

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: easy

Final Quantity: 8-10 servings

What You'll Need

For the Cake

  1. 1 box butter cake mix
  2. 1 egg
  3. 1/2 cup butter, melted

For the Gooey Layer

  1. 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  2. 2 eggs
  3. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  4. 4 cups powdered sugar
  5. 1 cup chopped pecans

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

Step 02

In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, one egg, and melted butter. Mix until well combined and spread evenly in the prepared baking pan.

Step 03

In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until combined. Fold in chopped pecans.

Step 04

Pour the gooey layer over the cake base. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the edges are golden brown. The center will remain gooey.

Step 05

Allow to cool before slicing. Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of ice cream.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 350
  • Total Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 30g
  • Protein: 3g