Gooey Butter Pecan Cake 🍰🥜

If you’re craving a rich, buttery dessert that practically melts in your mouth, this Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is about to become your new favorite recipe. Featuring a soft butter cake base, a luscious cream cheese filling, and plenty of crunchy pecans, this Southern-inspired dessert is irresistibly rich and wonderfully gooey. Every bite delivers the perfect combination of buttery sweetness, creamy texture, and toasted pecan crunch.

Whether you’re baking for the holidays, Sunday dinner, potlucks, or simply treating yourself, this easy cake is guaranteed to impress. Best of all, it starts with a cake mix, making it simple enough for any baker.

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Why You’ll Love This Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

This dessert is everything a comfort-food cake should be.

Rich and Buttery

Every bite is soft, moist, and packed with buttery flavor.

Gooey Cream Cheese Layer

The signature creamy topping makes this cake unforgettable.

Crunchy Toasted Pecans

A delicious contrast to the soft, creamy layers.

Easy to Make

Simple ingredients and minimal prep.

Perfect for Every Occasion

Great for holidays, family gatherings, bake sales, and celebrations.

What Does Gooey Butter Pecan Cake Taste Like?

This cake has a soft, buttery crust topped with a rich cream cheese filling that’s sweet, creamy, and slightly chewy around the edges. Toasted pecans add a nutty crunch that perfectly balances the gooey center.

It’s similar to a butter cake, cheesecake, and pecan pie all rolled into one irresistible dessert.

Benefits of Making Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

Beginner-Friendly

Easy instructions with foolproof results.

Great Make-Ahead Dessert

Even more delicious the next day.

Crowd Favorite

Perfect for feeding a group.

Freezer-Friendly

Enjoy leftovers anytime.

Ingredients

For the Cake Layer

• 1 box yellow butter cake mix
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Gooey Filling

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Pecan Topping

• 1½ cups chopped pecans, toasted

Optional Garnishes

• Powdered sugar
• Caramel sauce
• Whipped cream
• Whole pecan halves

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Essential Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

Customize this cake with your favorite flavors.

Flavor Variations

Add:

• 1 teaspoon butter extract
• ½ teaspoon maple extract
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Nut Options

Replace pecans with:

• Walnuts
• Almonds
• Hazelnuts

Extra Toppings

Drizzle with:

• Salted caramel sauce
• Chocolate sauce
• Honey

How to Make Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

This delicious dessert comes together quickly.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Cake Base

In a large bowl, combine:

• Cake mix
• Egg
• Melted butter

Mix until a thick dough forms.

Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Prepare the Gooey Filling

Using an electric mixer, beat together:

• Cream cheese
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

until smooth.

Gradually mix in:

• Powdered sugar
• Melted butter

Beat until creamy.

Fold in 1 cup of the toasted pecans.

Step 4: Assemble

Pour the cream cheese filling over the cake base.

Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of toasted pecans evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is still slightly gooey.

Avoid overbaking—the center will continue to set as it cools.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing.

Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce before serving if desired.

What to Serve with Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

This rich dessert pairs beautifully with:

Favorite Pairings

• Vanilla ice cream
• Fresh whipped cream
• Hot coffee
• Espresso
• Chai tea
• Fresh berries

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

Store covered for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezer

Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

General Information

Gooey Butter Cake originated in St. Louis, Missouri, and has become one of the region’s most beloved desserts. This butter pecan version adds toasted pecans for a Southern-inspired twist, combining the classic gooey filling with the rich flavor and crunch of pecans.

Nutritional Information

Approximate values per serving (based on 16 servings):

• Calories: 445
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 27g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 38g
• Sodium: 280mg

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.

Conclusion

This Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves rich, buttery treats with a creamy center and crunchy pecans. It’s easy to make, perfect for sharing, and guaranteed to become a family favorite for holidays, potlucks, and special occasions.

If you make this recipe, leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest so others can enjoy this irresistible homemade dessert too!

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• Butter Pecan Pound Cake
• Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
• Cake Mix Italian Cream Cake
• Death by Chocolate Cake
• Lemon Cloud Cake 🍰🥜