Soft, rich, caramel-like Southern dessert bliss
This Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is the kind of rich, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that instantly steals the show at any gathering. With its ultra-soft buttery base, caramel-sweet filling, and crunchy toasted pecans scattered throughout, every bite feels indulgent and irresistible. It’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or whenever you want a dessert that looks impressive but takes minimal effort—thanks to a few pantry staples and a simple mix-and-pour method. The gooey center is the star of the show, staying soft and luscious even after cooling, while the pecans add the perfect nutty crunch. If you love classic gooey butter cake or butter pecan ice cream, this recipe will be your new favorite.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 12
📝 Ingredients List
Cake Base
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
Gooey Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (for topping)
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- 9×13 baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Knife for slicing
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Prep the pan: Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Make the cake base: In a bowl, mix yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg until thick. Stir in pecans. Press evenly into the bottom of the pan.
- Whip the filling: In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla; mix until creamy.
- Sweeten it: Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until smooth and glossy.
- Assemble: Pour the filling over the cake base. Sprinkle remaining pecans on top. 😊
- Bake: Bake 40–45 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center should still jiggle slightly—this is where the gooey magic happens.
- Cool + slice: Let cool 20–30 minutes before slicing. The center thickens as it rests. 😋
💡 Pro Tips
- Extra gooey: Bake closer to 40 minutes for a softer center.
- Toast the pecans: Toasting them in a dry skillet for 3–4 minutes boosts flavor tremendously.
- Flavor twist: Add 1/2 tsp maple extract or bourbon for a deeper caramel note.
- Storage: Store tightly covered for 3–4 days. Warm slices in the microwave for 10–12 seconds to revive the gooey texture.