Gooey Butter Pecan Cake – A Southern Spin on Classic Butter Cake

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to take a delicious trip straight to the heart of Southern baking tradition? Today we’re diving into a dessert that feels like pure comfort on a plate: Gooey Butter Pecan Cake – A Southern Spin on Classic Butter Cake 🧈🥧🌰. This cake is rich, tender, and unapologetically indulgent, the kind of recipe that’s passed down through generations and brought out for special gatherings, church socials, and family celebrations.

Butter cakes have long held a cherished place in Southern kitchens. They were never meant to be light or delicate—instead, they celebrate abundance, warmth, and hospitality. This gooey butter pecan version takes that beloved classic and adds a nutty crunch that perfectly balances the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture beneath. The pecans toast gently as the cake bakes, releasing their aroma and infusing the entire dish with a deep, comforting flavor that feels instantly familiar.

What truly sets this cake apart is its texture. The top forms a delicate golden crust, while underneath lies a luscious, almost custard-like layer that stays irresistibly gooey even after cooling. It’s the kind of dessert where one bite leads to another, and suddenly everyone is asking for the recipe. Whether served warm with coffee, dressed up with whipped cream, or enjoyed all on its own, this cake embodies the soul of Southern home baking—simple ingredients, generous portions, and a whole lot of love baked right in. Let’s honor that tradition together and make a cake that’s meant to be shared. 💛

Ingredients

For the Cake Base:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Gooey Butter Pecan Topping:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

Optional Traditional Enhancements:

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt to balance sweetness

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until a thick, smooth dough forms.
3. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a firm base layer. Set aside.
4. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to keep the texture silky.
6. Slowly pour in the melted butter while mixing, followed by the vanilla extract.
7. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated and smooth. The mixture should be thick but pourable.
8. Fold in the chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
9. If using cinnamon or a pinch of salt, gently stir them in at this stage.
10. Carefully pour the gooey butter pecan mixture over the cake base, spreading it evenly without disturbing the bottom layer.
11. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes. The edges should be set and lightly golden, while the center remains slightly gooey.
12. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool for at least 20–30 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the layers settle while keeping that signature gooey texture intact.

Nutritional Information

Gooey Butter Pecan Cake is a rich, indulgent dessert meant to be enjoyed as a special treat. It provides energy from carbohydrates, richness from butter and cream cheese, and healthy fats from pecans. Pecans also contribute fiber and essential minerals, adding a small nutritional bonus to this classic Southern dessert. As with all traditional sweets, moderation and enjoyment go hand in hand.

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | 🔥 Baking Time: 50 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~460 | 🍽️ Servings: 12

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Bon appétit and happy cooking!