Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake
Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is a delightful dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. This cake features a rich, buttery flavor enhanced by the crunch of pecans and a gooey texture that will leave you craving more. Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or just a special treat at home, this recipe stands out with its ease of preparation and impressive taste.
Why Youβll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly Gooey Texture β The unique combination of cream cheese and butter creates a wonderfully gooey consistency that melts in your mouth.
- Simple Ingredients β Most ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up whenever a sweet craving strikes.
- Versatile Serving Options β Serve it warm with ice cream, or enjoy it plain with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Crowd-Pleaser β Its rich flavors appeal to everyone, making it perfect for parties or family gatherings.
- Quick Preparation β With only 30 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious cake in the oven in no time.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process and ensure success.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Baking pan (9Γ13 inch)
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer β This tool makes blending the creamy ingredients effortless, ensuring a smooth batter.
- Baking pan β A 9Γ13 inch pan is ideal for achieving the right thickness and texture in your cake while baking evenly.

Ingredients
For the Cake Base
- 2 tablespoons salted butter (28 g)
- 1 1/4 cups chopped pecans (140 g)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (112 g)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (226 g)
- 1 whole egg, softened
- 1 egg yolk, softened
For the Batter
- 2 1/2 cups icing sugar (325 g)
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (141 g)
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 g)
- Browned butter from earlier step
For the Finish
- 1 whole egg, softened
- 1 egg yolk, softened
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla essence
- (Optional) 1 tablespoon fruit juice or vinegar for flavor enhancement if desired.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk, softened (120 ml)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
- 5 tablespoons salted butter, softened (70 g)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, softened (120 ml)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt
How to Make Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
Grease your baking pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 3: Melt the Butter
In a saucepan over low heat, melt both salted and unsalted butters until browned. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
Step 4: Mix Cream Cheese and Sugars
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese with icing sugar and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add one whole egg, one egg yolk, and vanilla essence to your cream cheese mixture. Blend until fully incorporated.
Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients while mixing gently.
Step 7: Fold in Pecans
Gently fold in chopped pecans using a spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 8: Pour into Pan
Pour your batter into the prepared baking pan. Smooth out evenly with the spatula.
Step 9: Bake
Bake in preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted should come out clean when done.
Step 10: Cool
Once baked, remove from oven and let cool in the pan on a cooling rack for at least 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake!
How to Serve Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake
Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is a rich and satisfying dessert that pairs well with various accompaniments. Whether youβre hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these serving suggestions will enhance your cake experience.
With Whipped Cream
- Light, fluffy whipped cream adds a creamy texture that complements the gooeyness of the cake.
With Vanilla Ice Cream
- The coldness of vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, gooey cake, creating a delightful treat.
With Caramel Sauce
- Drizzling caramel sauce over the cake intensifies its sweetness and adds an extra layer of flavor.
With Fresh Berries
- Fresh strawberries or raspberries provide tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake, making for a refreshing bite.
How to Perfect Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake
To achieve the best results with your Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake, consider these helpful tips.
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Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature helps create a smoother batter for better texture.
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Donβt overmix: Mix just until combined to prevent excessive air from being incorporated, which can lead to a dense cake.
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Watch baking time closely: Ovens vary; check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs.
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Cool properly: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents it from breaking apart.
Best Side Dishes for Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Coffee: A cup of brewed coffee enhances the flavors of the cake and provides a delightful contrast.
- Tea: A soothing herbal or black tea can offer warmth and balance against the rich taste of the cake.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and lightness alongside the decadent dessert.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses can complement the sweetness while adding savory elements to your plate.
- Chocolate Sauce: For chocolate lovers, drizzling warm chocolate sauce on top can take this dessert to another level.
- Nut Brittle: Crunchy nut brittle provides texture and an additional nutty flavor that pairs well with pecans in the cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking a Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake can be tricky if youβre not careful. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
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Ignoring room temperature ingredients: Using cold ingredients can lead to a lumpy batter. Make sure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smooth mix.
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Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can make your cake dense. Mix just until combined to keep it light and fluffy.
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Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science! Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups correctly to ensure you have the right amounts of each ingredient.
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Skipping the cooling time: Cutting into your cake while itβs still warm can cause it to fall apart. Allow it to cool completely in the pan before serving.
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Using stale nuts: Fresh pecans enhance the flavor and texture of your cake. Always check that your nuts are fresh before adding them in.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Will keep well for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and heat for 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on low power for about 20-30 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making a Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake:
Can I substitute other nuts in this recipe?
Yes! You can use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans if you prefer a different flavor or texture.
How do I know when my Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is done?
The cake should be set around the edges with a slight jiggle in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with moist crumbs.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.
What can I serve with my Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake?
This cake pairs well with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even drizzled with caramel sauce for an extra treat!
Final Thoughts
The Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is not only rich and flavorful but also versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding chocolate chips or dried fruits for added sweetness. We encourage you to try this delightful recipe and enjoy every bite!
Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake
Indulge in the delightful harmony of flavors with our Delicious Gooey Butter Pecan Cake. This rich dessert combines a buttery base with crunchy pecans, resulting in a gooey texture that melts in your mouth. Perfect for celebrations, family gatherings, or a sweet treat at home, this cake is easy to prepare and sure to impress. With simple ingredients and quick preparation time, itβs an irresistible option for anyone looking to satisfy their sweet tooth. Serve it warm with ice cream or enjoy it plain with coffee for a cozy experience that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 1/4 cups chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 whole egg, softened
- 1 egg yolk, softened
- 2 1/2 cups icing sugar
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla essence
- 1 tablespoon fruit juice or vinegar for flavor enhancement if desired.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Melt salted and unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat until browned.
- In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese with icing and granulated sugars using an electric mixer.
- Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla essence; mix until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually combine this dry mixture into the wet ingredients.
- Fold in chopped pecans gently.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 60 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (90g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg