Gooey Butter Pecan Cake

Indulge in the deliciousness of Gooey Butter Pecan Cake, a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of pecans with an irresistibly gooey topping. Originating from St. Louis, this cake is simple to make, making it perfect for bakers of all levels. With a yellow cake mix base, creamy topping, and crunchy pecans, every bite offers a satisfying contrast of textures. Perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, this cake is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings.

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Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 box yellow cake mix

1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup chopped pecans

For the Gooey Topping:

1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened

8 oz cream cheese, softened

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 cups powdered sugar

1 cup chopped pecans (for topping)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Make the Cake Base:

- In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, softened butter, 3 eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

- Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This will take about 2-3 minutes.

- Fold in 1 cup of chopped pecans until evenly distributed.

- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Prepare the Gooey Topping:

- In another large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese using an electric mixer until creamy and smooth.

- Add in the remaining 3 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix well until fully incorporated.

- Gradually add the 4 cups of powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until the sugar is combined, and then increase to medium speed to beat until fluffy.

Combine Layers:

- Pour the gooey topping mixture over the cake batter in the baking dish. Do not mix the two layers; they will combine while baking, creating a deliciously gooey result.

Add Pecans:

- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of chopped pecans evenly over the top of the gooey mixture.

Bake the Cake:

- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The center may still appear slightly jiggly; this is normal. It will firm up as it cools.

Cool and Serve:

- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the baking dish for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares and serving. The gooey texture will become more pronounced as it settles.

Enjoy!

- Serve warm or at room temperature. This cake is delightful on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 1 hour | 12 servings