Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is a delightful treat that combines a soft, buttery cake with a rich, gooey topping loaded with crunchy pecans. The contrast between the tender cake and the sticky, nutty layer on top makes every bite full of flavor and texture. It’s one of those desserts that feels comforting and special at the same time.
I love making this cake when I want something sweet that’s a little different from the usual. The pecans add a wonderful crunch, and the gooey butter layer gives it an almost melting quality that’s just irresistible. I usually let it cool just enough to slice neatly, but it’s hard to resist sneaking a warm piece right out of the pan!
This cake is perfect for sharing with family or friends, especially when paired with a cup of coffee or tea. Whenever I bring it to a gathering, it disappears fast because everyone appreciates its simple, homemade charm. It’s a great recipe to keep on hand for when you want a cozy dessert that’s easy to love.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions for Gooey Butter Pecan Cake
Yellow Cake Mix: This is the base for the cake batter. You can use a white cake mix if you prefer a lighter flavor. For gluten-free options, look for a gluten-free yellow cake mix.
Pecans: Pecans give a rich, nutty crunch. If you don’t have pecans, walnuts or almonds work well too. Toasting them lightly brings out more flavor.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess and helps create the gooey topping. Make sure it’s softened for smooth mixing. You can try mascarpone for a richer taste, or use full-fat Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.
Butter & Brown Sugar: Butter adds richness, while brown sugar gives a deep caramel note. Use unsalted butter so you can control salt levels. Dark brown sugar adds more molasses flavor but light brown sugar is fine too.
How Do You Get that Perfect Gooey Texture in the Cake?
The gooey texture comes from the cream cheese mixture layered on top of the cake batter and careful baking:
- Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar well until smooth before adding eggs and vanilla. This prevents lumps and keeps the topping silky.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture gently over the cake batter to create two distinct layers.
- Don’t overbake! Bake until the top looks set and golden but still jiggles slightly in the center—usually 40 to 45 minutes.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing. The gooey center firms up during cooling, making it easier to cut neat slices.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking pan – I recommend this size for even baking and a good amount of squares.
- Mixing bowls – to combine the ingredients smoothly and easily.
- Hand or stand mixer – makes beating the cream cheese and mixing the batter quicker and more thorough.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredients, especially baking powder and vanilla.
- Rubber spatula – great for scraping batter out of bowls and spreading it evenly.
- Cooling rack – to cool the cake properly so it sets before slicing.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Chocolate chips – Toss in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the batter for a chocolate-peanut butter kind of flavor.
- Caramel swirls – Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before baking for extra gooey sweetness.
- Different nuts – Try almonds, walnuts, or pistachios to change up the nutty crunch.
- Frosting – Top with whipped cream or vanilla frosting for a richer treat.
How to Make Gooey Butter Pecan Cake?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake Batter:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped pecans (plus extra for topping)
For the Gooey Topping:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Pecan Topping:
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup pecan halves (for topping)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 40 to 45 minutes to bake. You’ll also want to allow extra time for the cake to cool completely before slicing—about 1 hour. So, plan for roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Batter:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Next, in a medium bowl, mix the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 cup of chopped pecans. Stir everything together until well combined. Press this batter evenly into your prepared pan.
2. Make the Gooey Cream Cheese Topping:
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Then add the eggs and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until everything is fully mixed. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the cake batter in your pan, spreading gently to cover it completely.
3. Add the Sweet Pecan Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and melted butter. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer on the cake. Next, arrange the pecan halves across the top for a beautiful, crunchy finish.
4. Bake and Cool the Cake:
Bake your cake in the oven for 40 to 45 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown and set but still a little gooey in the center. Once baked, take the cake out and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top for a pretty touch.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Slice your Gooey Butter Pecan Cake into squares and enjoy every rich, buttery bite! This cake is perfect with a cup of coffee or tea and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Can I Use Frozen Pecans for This Cake?
Yes, you can use frozen pecans, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding to the batter or topping to avoid extra moisture.
How Should I Store Leftover Gooey Butter Pecan Cake?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best gooey texture.
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and bake the cake a day ahead. Keep it covered tightly and refrigerate; warm briefly before serving to restore the gooey richness.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
For a different twist, you can try mascarpone cheese or full-fat Greek yogurt, but note the texture and flavor will be slightly different from the classic gooey topping.
