If you have a sweet tooth and love desserts that are rich, indulgent, and packed with flavors, then you are going to adore this Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe. This dessert is the ultimate crowd-pleaser with its luscious cream cheese topping that oozes gooey goodness over a perfectly spiced chocolate pecan crust. Every bite delivers a decadent combination of smooth, nutty, and chocolaty textures that melt in your mouth, making it impossible to eat just one bar. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or just craving a special treat, this recipe is a keeper that’s as straightforward as it is heavenly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the key to nail the texture and richness of these bars. Each component, from the chocolate cake mix to the chopped pecans, plays a crucial role in the final masterpiece, bringing depth in flavor, a little crunch, and that signature ooey gooey vibe.
- Chocolate cake mix: The base of our crust, it provides rich chocolate flavor and a sturdy yet tender foundation.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Melted to add moisture and help bind the crust together for a perfect bite every time.
- Large eggs (3 total): Eggs add structure; one in the crust and two in the creamy topping help it hold its ooey gooey texture.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup): For a delightful crunch and nutty contrast to the smooth cream cheese layers.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The star of the topping that makes these bars irresistibly creamy and rich.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, sweet aroma.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups): Gives the topping its signature sweetness without graininess, resulting in a velvety smooth finish.
How to Make Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, one egg, and chopped pecans. Mix until everything is blended together smoothly. Then, press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared dish. This chocolate pecan crust creates a crunchy and flavorful base that balances beautifully with the creamy topping.
Step 2: Make the ooey gooey topping
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s silky smooth with no lumps. Next, add the remaining two eggs and vanilla extract; mix these in well. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, beating continuously until the mixture looks luscious and creamy. This topping is key to getting that gooey texture that makes this recipe so special and decadent.
Step 3: Assemble and bake
Pour the cream cheese mixture over your prepared crust and use a spatula to spread it in an even layer. Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’re aiming for a golden top with a set but slightly wobbly center. This ensures the topping is perfectly gooey instead of dry. Once baked, allow it to cool completely, which helps firm up the bars enough to cut cleanly without losing that signature gooey charm.
How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of flair, sprinkle chopped pecans or dust a little powdered sugar over the bars once cooled. You can even drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce for an irresistible finishing touch that amps up the visual appeal and flavor complexity. Whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes a wonderful companion too.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars with classic accompaniments like fresh berries or a simple cup of coffee or milk. The rich sweetness pairs beautifully with the tartness of fruits and the bitterness of freshly brewed coffee. If you want to balance the decadence, a crisp green salad with a citrus dressing offers a refreshing bite alongside these indulgent bars.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice these chocolate pecan ooey gooey butter bars into bite-sized squares for parties or elegant gatherings. You can also layer them in dessert parfaits with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, or even use cookie cutters for festive shapes during holidays. Presentation makes sharing this treat even more special and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bars keep beautifully when stored in an airtight container. You can leave them at room temperature if you prefer a softer, gooier texture, or refrigerate them for a firmer bite that slices cleanly. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy these decadent bars.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars later, they freeze exceptionally well. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.
Reheating
To bring back that warm gooey feel, reheat your bars gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, or in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 to 7 minutes. Just be careful not to overheat, as the topping can dry out. Reheating revives the luscious cream cheese topping to its perfect ooey gooey state.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts can be great substitutes. They’ll change the flavor profile slightly but still add that satisfying crunch which complements the creamy topping beautifully.
Is it necessary to use a boxed chocolate cake mix?
While the boxed mix simplifies the recipe and ensures consistent results, you can try making the crust from scratch with your favorite chocolate cake recipe. Just make sure the dough is thick enough to press into a crust.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
You can if you use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix. Just verify all other ingredients are gluten-free as well. The texture might be slightly different, but the ooey gooey happenstance remains delicious.
How do I get the topping perfectly gooey and not overbaked?
Keep an eye on the baking time and test for doneness by looking for a golden top with a slightly jiggly center. Oven temperatures can vary, so you might want to start checking at 40 minutes to avoid drying out the topping.
Can I add chocolate chips to the topping?
Yes! Adding 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese mixture before baking adds extra bursts of chocolatey goodness that complement the pecans wonderfully. It’s a delicious upgrade if you want more chocolate indulgence.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe is one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug on a plate—rich, indulgent, and full of comforting flavors. It’s easy enough for weeknight baking but special enough for celebrations. If you’re looking to wow your friends or family with a show-stopping treat that melts in your mouth, these bars are the way to do it. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire.
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Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe
- 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 these Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Bars, a rich and decadent dessert featuring a chocolate cake mix crust topped with a creamy, gooey cream cheese and powdered sugar layer, studded with crunchy pecans for texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Topping
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crust: In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, 1 large egg, and chopped pecans. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a firm crust layer.
- Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the remaining 2 eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Assemble: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust layer in the baking dish. Spread the topping evenly to cover the crust completely for an even bake.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is slightly set but still retains a gooey texture.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the dish before cutting into 16 squares. Serve chilled for a firmer texture or at room temperature for extra gooeyness.
Notes
- For an extra decadent twist, stir in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese topping before baking.
- These bars are very rich, so serving in small squares is recommended.
- Store bars chilled for a firmer texture or at room temperature for a gooier consistency.
