Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that combines rich cream cheese, buttery cake layers, and crunchy toasted pecans. This indulgent treat is perfect for holiday gatherings, family celebrations, or any time you crave a luxurious yet easy-to-make dessert. The buttery, gooey center pairs beautifully with the lightly crisp edges and toasted pecans, creating a texture contrast that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. If you’re searching for easy dessert recipes, simple family favorites, or cozy holiday baking ideas, this gooey butter pecan cake delivers on all fronts.
This cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a showstopper. With its rich, creamy filling and tender crumb, it’s the ultimate comfort food that tastes like it took hours to make but comes together effortlessly. Perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any festive occasion, this recipe proves that you can have a bakery-quality dessert without spending all day in the kitchen. Its buttery aroma, sweet pecans, and melt-in-your-mouth texture make it irresistible to both kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Quick and easy dessert that’s perfect for beginner bakers.
• Budget-friendly ingredients that you likely already have on hand.
• Perfect for holiday meal prep or family gatherings.
• Gooey, rich, and buttery—classic comfort food everyone loves.
• Toasted pecans add a delightful crunch and depth of flavor.
• Can be served for brunch, dessert, or even a special snack.
Ingredient Breakdown
Salted Butter (7 tablespoons total) – Used in both the cake base and frosting layer, butter provides richness and moisture. It’s essential for that classic gooey texture and enhances the flavor of the pecans.
Chopped Pecans (1 1/4 cups) – Toasted pecans add crunch and nutty flavor, elevating this dessert into a show-stopping holiday treat. Pecans pair beautifully with the buttery, sweet cake layers.
Cream Cheese (8 ounces) – Creates the gooey, creamy layer that defines this cake. Cream cheese adds a tangy richness that balances the sweetness.
Eggs (1 whole egg + 1 egg yolk) – Bind the cake and gooey layers together, giving the dessert structure while keeping the center moist.
Icing Sugar (2 1/2 cups) – Sweetens the gooey butter layer and helps achieve a silky, smooth texture.
All-Purpose Flour (1 cup + 2 tablespoons) – Forms the base of the cake, giving it structure without weighing it down.
Granulated Sugar (3/4 cup) – Sweetens the cake base and helps the crumb brown evenly during baking.
Vanilla Essence (1 1/2 teaspoons) – Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the pecans and butter.
Buttermilk (1/2 cup) – Adds moisture and a slight tang to the cake base, making it tender and flavorful.
Heavy Cream (1/2 cup) – Enriches the butter layer, making it luxuriously smooth and gooey.
Salt (1/4–1/2 teaspoon) – Balances sweetness and enhances the natural flavors of butter and pecans.
Pro Tips
• Toast your pecans in the oven for 5–8 minutes at 350°F to enhance their nutty flavor before adding to the cake.
• Use room temperature butter and cream cheese for smooth mixing and a uniform gooey layer.
• Avoid overmixing the batter once the flour is added to keep the cake tender and light.
• Let the cake cool completely before slicing to prevent the gooey layer from spreading too much.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter—perfect for holiday variations.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free Variation: Use plant-based butter, cream cheese, and heavy cream alternatives.
• Nut-Free Version: Omit pecans or replace with toasted sunflower seeds.
• Chocolate Twist: Fold in chocolate chips into the gooey layer for extra decadence.
• Caramel Drizzle: Top with a homemade caramel sauce for a richer dessert experience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Gooey Butter Pecan Cake warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a festive presentation. Ideal for holiday brunch spreads, Christmas dessert tables, or family gatherings, this cake also works well with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or spiced tea. It’s versatile enough for both casual and elegant occasions.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the cake base and gooey layer ahead of time, then refrigerate overnight before baking for enhanced flavors.
• Storing Leftovers: Keep covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap cooled slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 325°F oven for 5–10 minutes to restore gooey texture.
Cultural or Historical Notes
Gooey butter cake originated in St. Louis, Missouri, as a local bakery favorite. Traditionally made with a dense, buttery base and a rich, sweet topping, it’s evolved into numerous variations, including this pecan version. Combining Southern comfort flavors with a holiday twist, Gooey Butter Pecan Cake embodies festive, indulgent American baking traditions that make it perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any special occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the cake and refrigerate until ready to bake. Baking it fresh before serving ensures the best gooey texture.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I make this recipe healthier?
You can use reduced-fat cream cheese, substitute part of the sugar with natural sweeteners, or use a lighter flour blend, but it will slightly change the texture.
Can I freeze Gooey Butter Pecan Cake?
Yes, wrap cooled slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.
What substitutions can I use for allergies?
Use dairy-free butter, cream cheese, and cream alternatives; replace pecans with seeds or omit entirely for nut-free variations.
Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan with salted butter.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add the whole egg and egg yolk, mixing well, then gradually incorporate icing sugar.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans gently.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool before slicing and serving.
