Butter Pecan Gooey Butter Cake

Name: Butter Pecan Gooey Butter Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 package butter pecan cake mix; 16 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup chopped pecans

Experience the ultimate indulgence with this Butter Pecan Gooey Butter Cake. A rich, buttery cake base topped with a velvety cream cheese filling and toasted pecans.

By EasyCooks Kitchen

Published October 12, 20267 min read

Total time: 1 hr 20 mins

Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 45 mins
Rest: 20 mins

Serves: 12; Makes one 9x13 inch baking dish
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 380; per serving, estimated

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A golden-brown Butter Pecan Gooey Butter Cake in a white rectangular ceramic dish, topped with toasted pecans.

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Discover the secret to a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that combines the nutty warmth of butter pecan with a rich, velvety cream cheese center that defines the classic gooey butter cake experience.

This Butter Pecan Gooey Butter Cake is a beloved Southern-style treat known for its contrasting textures. The base provides a sturdy, cake-like foundation, while the upper layer remains delightfully soft and gooey. It is a straightforward dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers impressive results, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or a comforting weekend treat. By balancing the sweetness of the cake mix with the tang of the cream cheese, this recipe achieves a sophisticated flavor profile that satisfies any dessert craving.

The appeal

Why you’ll love it

The method relies on layering a dense, flour-based cake foundation underneath a rich, moisture-heavy filling. During the baking process, the moisture from the cream cheese layer slowly permeates the upper portion of the cake dough, creating that signature gooey texture while the base remains firm enough to hold its shape upon slicing.
Baking in a ceramic dish provides gentle, consistent heat distribution throughout the duration of the cooking time. This ensures that the outer edges of the cake set properly while the center maintains its delicate, custardy consistency. The pecans on top toast in the oven, adding a necessary crunch that balances the overall soft texture of the cake.

What you need

Ingredients

3 ingredients

Servings

Makes one 9x13 inch baking dish.

Cake Base

1 package butter pecan cake mix

Filling

16 oz cream cheese, softened

Topping

1 cup chopped pecans

Contains:

Gluten
Eggs
Milk
Tree nuts

Tools

Equipment

9x13 inch ceramic baking dish
Large mixing bowl
Hand mixer
Spatula
Measuring cups

Swaps

Substitutions

Instead ofButter pecan cake mix
UseYellow cake mix with 1 teaspoon of butter extract and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
Instead ofPecans
UseWalnuts for a slightly earthier flavor profile

Good to know

Notes

For the best results, use a high-quality butter pecan cake mix that incorporates real pecan pieces. If the cake mix does not include pecans, you may increase the amount of chopped pecans in the topping to compensate for the missing flavor. Always ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.

A standard 9x13 inch ceramic or glass baking dish is recommended for this recipe. If using a metal pan, be aware that the cake may bake slightly faster, so monitor the oven closely during the final ten minutes of baking. Substituting the pecans with walnuts or even toasted almonds can alter the flavor profile while maintaining the desired structural integrity of the dessert.

Prep

Before you start

Before beginning, ensure that the cream cheese is removed from the refrigerator at least one hour before mixing to reach proper room temperature. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure the baking dish enters a stable, hot environment. Prepare the baking dish by ensuring it is clean and dry. Gather all necessary equipment, including a spatula and hand mixer, to facilitate a smooth assembly process.

Step by step

Method

3 steps

Phase 1

Base Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the cake base
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the butter pecan cake mix and press it firmly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch ceramic baking dish, ensuring an even layer across the entire surface to create a solid, uniform crust.
You’ll need: butter pecan cake mix
Look for: The dough should cover the entire bottom of the dish evenly without any gaps.
Tip: Use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed measuring cup to help press the dough down firmly.

Checkpoint

The cake dough should be pressed firmly into the bottom of the dish, forming a level and solid crust that covers the entire surface area without any visible gaps or uneven spots.

Phase 2

Filling Application

Step 2: Add the cream cheese filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Pour the prepared filling over the cake dough base. Use a spatula to spread the mixture gently toward the edges of the dish, creating an even layer that rests directly on top of the cake crust.
You’ll need: cream cheese, softened
Internal temperature 160°F (71°C)
Look for: The filling must be smooth and spread to the very edges of the baking dish.
Tip: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent any lumps from forming during the mixing process.

Checkpoint

The cream cheese layer should be spread smoothly and evenly across the entire surface of the cake dough, reaching all the way to the sides of the baking dish for full coverage.

Phase 3

Baking and Topping

Step 3: Top and bake
Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the top of the cream cheese layer. Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes. The edges should be set, and the top should appear golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to rest for at least 20 minutes before serving.
You’ll need: chopped pecans
Look for: The top is golden brown and the edges are firm to the touch.
Tip: Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil if the pecans begin to darken too quickly during the baking process.

Checkpoint

The pecans should be distributed uniformly across the top. The final cake will have a golden, toasted pecan crust with set edges and a soft, slightly gooey center that is perfectly baked.

Doneness

How to tell it’s done

The cake is considered done when the edges are visibly set and slightly golden brown. The center should remain slightly soft and appear set but not firm like a traditional sponge cake. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, but not with raw, liquid batter. The internal temperature of the egg-containing filling should reach at least 160°F (71°C) to ensure safety.

Avoid these

Common mistakes

Avoid over-mixing the cream cheese filling, as this can incorporate too much air, causing the cake to rise and fall unevenly. Do not skip the resting period, as the cake requires time to cool and set, which is critical for achieving the perfect sliceable texture. Finally, do not rush the baking process; if the center is still liquid, return it to the oven for an additional five minutes.

Cook safely

Food safety

Safe internal temperatures

Cook to at least these temperatures, measured with an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part.

Minimum safe internal temperatures
Food	Minimum internal temperature
Egg dishes	160°F (71°C)

Better results

Tips

Tip 1
For cleaner slices, chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least one hour before cutting. This helps the gooey layer firm up, allowing for perfect, neat squares. Wipe your knife clean between each cut to ensure the edges of the cake remain sharp and professional in appearance.
Tip 2
If you prefer a deeper toasted flavor for the pecans, lightly toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for two to three minutes before scattering them over the cake. Be careful not to burn them, as they will continue to toast while the cake bakes in the oven.

Make it yours

Variations

Chocolate Pecan Variation

Add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling before spreading it over the cake base for a rich chocolate twist.

Spiced Pecan Variation

Stir 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg into the cream cheese filling to add a warm, seasonal spice profile.

On the table

Serving suggestions

Serve the cake at room temperature or slightly chilled, depending on your preference for the texture of the cream cheese layer. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or black tea, which helps to balance the richness of the butter pecan and cream cheese flavors.

For a more elaborate dessert presentation, serve each square with a small dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a thin drizzle of caramel sauce. The additional sweetness and texture provide a lovely contrast to the nutty, gooey base of the cake, elevating it for special occasions.

Leftovers

Storage & make-ahead

Fridge: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.
Reheat: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy cold, or reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15 seconds.

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container to maintain its moisture. Because of the high cream cheese content, it is essential to keep the cake refrigerated rather than leaving it on the counter at room temperature. Properly stored, the cake will remain delicious for up to three to four days.

Make ahead

This cake is an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply add the pecans just before placing the dish into the oven. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, often resulting in an even more cohesive and delicious final product.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Can this cake be made in a round pan?

While a 9x13 inch rectangular dish is standard for this recipe to ensure even baking, a 9-inch round springform pan can be used. Note that the baking time may need to be adjusted, as the depth of the cake will be greater, potentially requiring an extra 5 to 10 minutes.

How can the gooey texture be maintained?

The key to maintaining the gooey texture is to avoid overbaking. Once the edges are set and the top is golden, remove the cake from the oven immediately. Use an oven thermometer to verify that the oven temperature is accurate, as baking at too high a temperature will cause the center to dry out.

Is it necessary to grease the baking dish?

Greasing the baking dish is recommended, especially if it is not a non-stick ceramic or glass surface. A light coating of butter or non-stick cooking spray will ensure that the cake releases easily when serving, keeping the squares intact and preventing the crust from sticking to the bottom.

Everything in one place: the recipe card below gathers the ingredients, steps and estimated nutrition, ready to print.

Recipe card