Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

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This Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is a rich, indulgent dessert with a buttery base and a sweet, creamy topping loaded with toasted pecans. Made with simple ingredients like yellow cake mix and cream cheese, it’s the perfect combination of crunch and gooeyness. Each bite delivers layers of soft cake, luscious cream filling, and nutty pecan goodness — ideal for holidays, potlucks, or anytime you crave a sweet Southern-style treat.

Why You’ll Love This Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

• Combines the ease of cake mix with homemade flavor

• Features a buttery, gooey cream cheese filling

• Loaded with toasted pecans for texture and flavor

• No frosting needed—just slice and serve

Ingredients Breakdown

Cake Layer

• 1 box yellow cake mix – Forms a quick and flavorful base with a tender crumb.

• 1 egg – Helps bind the crust together.

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – Adds moisture and rich buttery flavor to the base.

Gooey Butter Pecan Topping

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened – Provides the signature gooey texture and tangy depth.

• 2 large eggs – Add structure and richness to the topping.

• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor with warm, sweet notes.

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – Deepens the richness and helps create a silky topping.

• 2 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the gooey layer.

• 1 cup chopped toasted pecans – Adds a nutty crunch and roasted flavor that complements the sweetness perfectly.

Tips and Tricks

• Don’t overbake! The center should be slightly gooey when you remove it from the oven—this is key to its texture.

• Use toasted pecans for extra flavor depth.

• Want a richer finish? Dust with powdered sugar after cooling.

Variations and Customizations

• Add a bourbon twist: Mix 1 tbsp bourbon into the cream cheese layer for a Southern flair.

• Make it chocolatey: Use a chocolate cake mix base and fold chocolate chips into the topping.

• Try walnuts or a pecan-walnut blend if preferred.

Pairing Suggestions

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

• Storage Instructions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days

• Refrigerate for longer storage (up to 5 days)

• Freezer-friendly: Wrap slices tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Popular Questions

Can I use homemade cake mix?

Yes! Use your favorite yellow cake mix recipe as the base.

Why is my butter cake too firm?

It was likely overbaked. Pull it out while the center still jiggles slightly.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

It’s not recommended—full-fat cream cheese provides the best texture and richness.

Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12–16 servings 1x

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Description

A Southern dream! Buttery yellow cake meets creamy, pecan-studded filling—baked into a golden, gooey-sweet masterpiece

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 box yellow cake mix

• 1 large egg

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 1 cup chopped toasted pecans

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Make the Cake Base

In a mixing bowl, stir together the yellow cake mix, egg, and melted butter until a thick dough forms.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust layer.

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3. Prepare the Gooey Topping

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Beat until combined.
Gradually add in the powdered sugar and continue beating until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

4. Add the Pecans

Fold in the toasted chopped pecans using a spatula.

5. Assemble and Bake

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake base and spread it out evenly.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is mostly set but still slightly gooey.

6. Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing.
Serve at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

• This cake travels well for events and bake sales.

• Easily doubles for large gatherings—just use a bigger pan and increase baking time slightly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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