Description
This Gooey Chocolate Pecan Cake is a luscious baked dessert featuring a rich chocolate cake crust layered with semi-sweet chocolate chips and crunchy pecans, topped with a smooth cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk mixture that bakes into a delightfully gooey center. Perfect for holiday celebrations or any chocolate lover’s treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust & Topping
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs, divided
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Make the Crust: In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix until a thick dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust layer.
- Add Chocolate Chips and Pecans: Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped pecans evenly over the crust to create a flavorful topping layer.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, the remaining 2 eggs, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Pour and Spread Cream Cheese Layer: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of the chocolate chips and pecans, spreading it out gently to cover the entire surface.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The edges should be set, while the center remains slightly gooey to achieve the perfect texture.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 12 squares. Serve and enjoy your decadent gooey chocolate pecan cake.
Notes
- For extra richness, substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips or add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the top after baking.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
