Description
Paula Deen’s Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake melts chocolate magic into a luxurious Southern dessert. Rich cream cheese and chocolate fuse perfectly, creating an irresistible treat that promises pure indulgence with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 sticks butter, melted and divided, plus more for greasing pan
- 1 package (18.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix
- 3 eggs, divided
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 box (16 ounces) powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder (up to 4 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup nuts, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 175°C (350°F) and thoroughly coating a 13 x 9-inch (33 x 23 cm) baking pan with unsalted butter, ensuring complete surface coverage.
- Create the foundational layer by combining 115 grams (4 ounces) of melted unsalted butter, one whole egg, and chocolate cake mix in a spacious mixing bowl. Thoroughly blend the ingredients until uniformly mixed, then carefully press the resulting mixture into the greased pan, distributing it evenly across the surface.
- Craft the cream cheese filling by beating 225 grams (8 ounces) of cream cheese until achieving a silky, smooth consistency. Incorporate two eggs and 3–4 tablespoons of cocoa powder, mixing until the ingredients are completely integrated.
- Enhance the filling by reducing mixer speed and gradually introducing 450 grams (16 ounces) of powdered sugar. Slowly incorporate 115 grams (4 ounces) of melted unsalted butter and one teaspoon of vanilla extract, continuing to mix until the texture becomes perfectly smooth and uniform.
- Gently fold 115 grams (4 ounces) of chopped nuts into the mixture using a flexible spatula, then carefully spread the filling across the prepared base, ensuring an even distribution.
- Bake the dessert for 40–50 minutes, monitoring until the edges become fully set while maintaining a slightly soft, gooey center for optimal texture and richness.
- Allow the cake to cool partially on a wire rack, then slice into precise squares. Serve either warm or at room temperature to fully appreciate the decadent chocolate experience.
Notes
- Skip Overmixing: Gentle stirring prevents tough, dense cake texture by keeping air bubbles intact during preparation.
- Temperature Matters: Room-temperature ingredients blend smoothly and create more consistent cheesecake results.
- Precision is Key: Accurate measuring ensures balanced flavors and perfect consistency in every delightful bite.
- Crack Prevention: Water bath technique helps maintain even heat distribution and reduces surface cracking during baking.
- Storage Secrets: Refrigerate covered for up to five days, allowing flavors to develop and texture to settle beautifully.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg