If you have a sweet tooth and a love for rich, indulgent treats, then this Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe is about to become your new favorite dessert. Imagine fudgy, chocolatey bars with a perfectly gooey center and crunchy pecans nestled right in, all baked into one glorious pan. These bars are the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich flavors of chocolate and cream cheese with the delightful texture of toasted pecans, creating a treat that’s as impressive as it is easy to make. Trust me, once you try this Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe, you’ll find yourself craving them at every special occasion or cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great recipe starts with simple, quality ingredients that each bring something special to the party. In this Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe, the ingredients work together to create a luscious crust, a creamy, dreamy filling, and that perfect touch of crunch.
- Chocolate cake mix: This forms the rich, chocolatey base that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds moisture and richness to the crust, helping it hold together beautifully.
- Large eggs (3 total): Eggs bring structure and help both layers set perfectly, while keeping the filling super creamy.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup): For that toasty crunch and nutty depth that contrasts beautifully with the gooey filling.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): The star of the filling that gives that classic ooey gooey texture and tangy richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, adding a warm, comforting aroma.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups): Sweetens and lightens the filling, giving it that velvety smooth finish.
How to Make Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple preparation step ensures your bars bake evenly and release easily when ready. Proper greasing is key to keeping the gooey filling intact!
Step 2: Create the Chocolate-Pecan Crust
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, one egg, and chopped pecans. Mix everything until it looks like a thick, chocolatey batter loaded with crunchy nut bits. Press this evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, forming a sturdy and flavorful crust that will be the base of your decadent bars.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s perfectly smooth—that’s what lends the filling its irresistible texture. Add the remaining two eggs along with the vanilla extract and mix well to combine everything. Gradually stir in the powdered sugar, beating until the mixture is light, fluffy, and ready to spread. This luscious filling is the heart of the gooey magic.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cream cheese mixture over your chocolate-pecan crust and smooth it out evenly with a spatula. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the edges are set but the center remains deliciously gooey. Be careful not to overbake; you want that classic ooey gooey effect that makes these bars so special.
Step 5: Cool and Cut
Once baked, let your bars cool completely in the pan—this helps the filling set just enough to cut clean squares without losing any gooey goodness. When cool, slice into 12 generous servings and get ready to indulge!
How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair and flavor, sprinkle some additional chopped pecans on top just after baking while the bars are still warm, or dust with powdered sugar for a snowy, festive touch. A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce takes these bars to the next level if you want to impress your guests.
Side Dishes
These bars are wonderfully rich, so light accompaniments work best. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the intense chocolate and cream cheese flavors. Fresh berries or a simple fruit salad also offer a refreshing contrast to the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re bringing these to a party, try serving the bars in little mason jars layered with ice cream and berries for an elegant dessert parfait. Alternatively, stack a few bars on a fancy platter with chopped pecan garnish and edible flowers for a stunning presentation that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying these Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe favorites, wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days, making them perfect for quick snacks or last-minute desserts.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these bars if you want to prepare ahead or save some for later indulgence. Cut them into squares, layer with parchment paper to avoid sticking, and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen bars keep well for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating
To bring back that irresistible gooey texture, warm individual bars in the microwave for about 20 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Serve warm with your favorite ice cream or drizzle of sauce to recreate that freshly baked feeling anytime.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of nuts in the Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans add a lovely texture and flavor, walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes and will still give you that satisfying crunch.
What happens if I overbake the bars?
Overbaking will cause the filling to dry out and lose its signature gooey texture. Make sure to keep an eye on the bars and remove them while the center is still slightly soft but the edges are set.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, but you’ll need to use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so this swap should work seamlessly.
Is it necessary to soften the cream cheese?
Yes, softening the cream cheese makes it easier to beat smooth and helps create that light and fluffy filling that’s essential to the ooey gooey texture.
Can these bars be made ahead for a party?
Definitely! They taste fantastic made the day before and kept chilled. Just remember to serve them slightly warmed or at room temperature for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe feels like passing along a little piece of happiness. Rich, indulgent, and seriously addictive, these bars are perfect for any occasion where you want to impress without stress. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see just how effortlessly delicious homemade magic can be!
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Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Pecan Ooey Gooey Butter is a decadent American dessert that features a rich chocolate cake crust loaded with chopped pecans and a luscious, creamy cream cheese topping. Baked to perfection with a gooey center and crisp edges, it’s a perfect treat for holidays or any special occasion. Serve slightly warm with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent experience.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make crust mixture: In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, 1 large egg, and chopped pecans. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Press crust into pan: Evenly press the crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a solid base layer.
- Prepare cream cheese filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the remaining 2 large eggs and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly.
- Add powdered sugar: Gradually beat in the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture until it becomes light and fluffy with no lumps.
- Assemble the bars: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the prepared crust, spreading it out smoothly to cover the entire surface.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly gooey and not fully firm.
- Cool and serve: Allow the dessert to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 12 squares for serving. For best results, serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Do not overbake; the center should stay gooey for the perfect texture.
- For extra depth of flavor and texture, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the crust mixture.
- Serving the bars slightly warm with vanilla ice cream adds to the indulgence.
