Gooey Butter Pecan Cake – The Ultimate Gooey Southern Dessert

Thank you so much for stopping by! If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort dessert that’s rich, buttery, and absolutely irresistible, this Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is exactly what you need. Featuring a tender butter cake base, a luscious cream cheese filling, crunchy toasted pecans, and a melt-in-your-mouth gooey center, every bite tastes like pure Southern comfort.

Finished with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce, this cake is perfect for holidays, potlucks, birthdays, or anytime you want a dessert that everyone will rave about.

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Overview of Recipe Content

This Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is inspired by the famous St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake, elevated with toasted pecans and rich caramel. It’s simple enough for beginner bakers yet impressive enough for special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich buttery flavor
• Gooey cream cheese center
• Crunchy toasted pecans
• Easy to prepare
• Perfect holiday dessert
• Family favorite
• Wonderful make-ahead cake
• Delicious warm or chilled

What It Tastes Like

Imagine a buttery vanilla cake topped with creamy cheesecake filling, toasted pecans, and buttery caramel. The edges bake lightly golden while the center stays irresistibly soft and gooey.

Ingredients

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Cake Base

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

Gooey Filling

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cups powdered sugar

Pecan Topping

• 1½ cups chopped pecans, toasted

Optional Garnish

• Caramel sauce
• Extra toasted pecans
• Powdered sugar

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack

Suggested Substitutions

• Butter pecan cake mix
• Brown sugar instead of part of the powdered sugar
• Walnuts instead of pecans
• Gluten-free cake mix
• Homemade caramel sauce

How to Make Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

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Step 1: Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Base

Mix together:

• Cake mix
• Melted butter
• Egg

Press evenly into the prepared pan.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

Beat together:

• Cream cheese
• Eggs
• Vanilla

Slowly mix in:

• Melted butter
• Powdered sugar

Beat until smooth.

Step 4: Add Pecans

Fold in the toasted pecans.

Spread the filling evenly over the cake base.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 40–45 minutes.

The edges should be lightly golden while the center remains slightly soft and gooey.

Do not overbake.

Step 6: Cool

Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing.

Step 7: Finish

Drizzle generously with caramel sauce.

Sprinkle extra toasted pecans over the top.

What to Serve with Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

Serve alongside:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Fresh whipped cream
• Coffee
• Espresso
• Hot chocolate
• Chai latte
• Salted caramel sauce
• Fresh berries

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Use room-temperature cream cheese.
• Toast the pecans before adding them.
• Don’t overbake—the center should remain gooey.
• Chill before slicing for cleaner squares.
• Warm individual slices for an extra gooey texture.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store covered for up to 5 days.

Freezer

Freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

General Information

Gooey Butter Cake originated in St. Louis, Missouri, during the 1930s and quickly became one of the South’s most beloved desserts. This pecan version adds toasted nuts and caramel for even richer flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade cake batter?

Absolutely! A homemade yellow butter cake works beautifully.

Why is the center gooey?

That’s the signature characteristic of Gooey Butter Cake—it should remain soft after baking.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes! It’s even better after chilling overnight.

Can I freeze it?

Yes. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to three months.

Can I use walnuts?

Definitely. Walnuts are a delicious substitute for pecans.

Conclusion

This Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is the ultimate dessert for butter lovers. Rich, creamy, crunchy, and perfectly gooey, it’s guaranteed to disappear quickly at every gathering.

Once you drizzle that warm caramel over the top, you’ll understand why everyone asks for seconds!

More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love

You may also enjoy:

• Southern Banana Nut Coffee Cake
• Blueberry Muffin Cake
• Gingerbread Pound Cake
• Honey Citrus Almond Loaf
• Lemon Cheesecake

Interactive Elements

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Nutritional Information

Approximate Per Serving (16 Servings)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	445
Protein	5g
Carbohydrates	49g
Fat	27g
Saturated Fat	13g
Unsaturated Fat	11g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	78mg
Fiber	2g
Sugar	37g
Sodium	280mg

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