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
Scale
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.
