Name: Brownie Pecan Pie Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 70 min
Total time: 100 min
Ingredients: 1 box fudge brownie mix (18.3 oz); 1 large egg; 6 tablespoons melted butter; 1/4 cup water; 3 large eggs; 1 cup light corn syrup; 1/3 cup packed light-brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 4 tablespoons melted butter; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 cups pecan halves; 1 package cream cheese (8 oz, room temperature); 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 1/2 cup melted butter; 3 cups confectionery sugar

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If you’re looking for a dessert that combines comfort and indulgence, look no further than Brownie Pecan Pie Ooey Gooey Butter Cake. This rich, layered dessert is a delightful mix of a fudgy brownie base, a sweet pecan pie filling, and a creamy cheesecake topping – all baked to gooey perfection. Picture yourself cutting into a warm piece, where every forkful is a symphony of textures and flavors. It’s the kind of dessert that can make any gathering feel special, or simply brighten up a quiet evening at home.

So why should you make this recipe? First of all, it’s incredibly easy to whip up. With mostly pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, this cake requires only about an hour or so in the oven. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed at a birthday party, a holiday feast, or just as a cozy treat while watching your favorite movie. Not to mention the aromatic scent of baking brownies and caramelized pecans wafting through your home—who can resist that magic?

Let’s dive into how to make this irresistible dessert. You’ll soon discover that it’s not just a treat for your taste buds but also a joyful experience from the moment you start baking.

How to Make Brownie Pecan Pie Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Creating this delightful dessert may seem intricate, but it’s quite simple. You’ll need to prepare three layers: the brownie base, the pecan pie filling, and the creamy topping. Let’s break it down step by step.

Ingredients

Base

1 (18.3 oz) fudge brownie mix
1 egg
6 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 cup water

Pecan Pie Filling

3 large eggs
1 cup light corn syrup
1/3 cup packed light-brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
4 tablespoons butter (melted)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups pecan halves

Topping

1 (8 oz) cream cheese (room temperature)
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup butter (melted)
3 cups confectionery sugar

Directions

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). It’s important to give the oven some time to warm up so your cake bakes evenly. Next, spray a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray. This ensures that your delicious creation doesn’t stick, and makes serving and cleaning up a breeze.
Make the Brownie Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, egg, melted butter, and water. Use a mixer or a spatula to blend everything together until it’s combined. It’s okay if the batter is thick—this is what gives the base its delightful, fudgy texture. If the mixture seems a bit too dry, you can add an extra tablespoon of water; just remember, it doesn’t need to be runny. Once combined, spread the brownie batter evenly in the bottom of your prepared pan, pressing it into place gently.
Prepare the Pecan Pie Filling: In another mixing bowl, you’re going to mix together your filling. Add the eggs, light corn syrup, brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until everything is blended smoothly. This might take a couple of minutes, and if you have a hand mixer, that makes it even easier! Once that’s done, fold in the pecan halves gently so they’re evenly distributed throughout the filling.
Layering the Cake: Pour and spread the pecan filling over the brownie base as evenly as possible. Now, let’s move on to the topping! In a clean mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth and fluffy. Add in the eggs, vanilla, and melted butter, mixing until it’s all combined. Gradually stir in the confectionery sugar until there are no lumps, and it’s nice and creamy.
Final Assembly: Drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture over the pecan filling. You don’t need to spread it this time; just make sure it’s evenly distributed enough. The anticipation begins as you carefully place your masterpiece in the oven.
Baking Time: Bake it all together for around 50 minutes to an hour and 10 minutes. Start checking around the 50-minute mark. You’re looking for that perfect moment when the center shakes slightly, but the top feels firm to the touch and is just starting to turn golden brown. To be on the safe side, use a digital thermometer to check that the center reaches 210°F (99°C), and when a tester inserted in the middle comes out clean, it’s time to take it out.

Now, let your creation cool for a little while before digging in. This will help the layers set up nicely.

How to Serve Brownie Pecan Pie Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

Serving this deliciously layered dessert can be almost as fun as making it! You can cut it into squares or rectangles, revealing the beautiful layers of brownie, pecan pie, and cheesecake.

Serving Suggestions:

Warm or Cold: This dessert can be enjoyed warm, which enhances the gooeyness, or chilled if you prefer a more solid texture. Both ways are delicious.
Garnish: Consider topping each piece with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess of the ice cream or the light fluff of whipped cream complements the fudginess of the brownie and the sweetness of the pecan pie filling wonderfully.
Presentation: For entertaining, sprinkle some finely chopped pecans on top, or drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for that extra touch of decadence. Remember, we eat with our eyes first!

How to Store Brownie Pecan Pie Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

If you have leftovers (which might be a stretch, because this dessert is quite the crowd-pleaser), storing it properly is essential to keep it delicious for days to come.

Refrigeration: Keep your brownie pecan pie butter cake covered in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. Just remember to bring it to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving again to revive its gooey texture.
Freezing: If you want to make this dessert in advance or have more left than you can eat, you can definitely freeze it! Simply cut it into individual portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. It can last for about 2 months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy a piece, let it thaw in the fridge overnight or on the countertop until it’s softened again.

Tips to Make Brownie Pecan Pie Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

To help you create the best version of this dessert, here are some handy tips and tricks:

Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate for the best brownie flavor. The better the ingredients, the tastier your dessert.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. It helps to achieve a smooth and creamy topping without lumps.
Mixing Sensibly: Don’t overmix the brownie batter—just enough until combined will give you that perfect fudgy base.
Pecan Placement: For an attractive finish, try to sprinkle the pecans evenly over the filling. They’ll toast a little in the oven and add both flavor and crunch.
Temperature Check: Investing in an oven thermometer can save you lots of trouble. Ovens can often be off by quite a bit, so knowing the internal temperature ensures you bake your cake perfectly.

Healthy Notes About Brownie Pecan Pie Ooey Gooey Butter Cake

While this dessert is undeniably indulgent, there are some health-related insights worth considering about its ingredients:

Pecans: Packed with healthy fats, fiber, and protein, pecans can be a nutritious addition to your diet. They’re also great for heart health due to their antioxidants and can help lower cholesterol levels. So, in moderation, they can certainly bring some benefits while you’re enjoying this treat.
Dark Chocolate: If you decide to use a dark chocolate brownie mix or add some dark chocolate chips, you’re in luck! Dark chocolate is known for its antioxidant properties and can contribute to heart health.
Portion Control: This dessert is rich, so smaller servings may help satisfy your sweet tooth without going overboard. Moderation is key when it comes to enjoying decadent desserts.

Variation

Feel free to play around with this recipe! It’s versatile and can be customized to suit your taste buds. Here are some ideas:

Nut Variations: If pecans aren’t your thing, try using walnuts or even hazelnuts for a different flavor profile.
Flavor Additions: Mix in chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even a bit of espresso powder for an extra kick of flavor.
Make It Chocolate-Free: If you want to skip the brownie layer altogether, consider using a simple vanilla cake base instead and still keep the pecan filling and cheesecake topping.
Serve with Berries: Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries on the side not only add a pop of color but also a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake.

You may read as well :

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars – The Easiest Southern Treat You’ll Ever Make
7 Simple Steps to Make Dixie’s Pecan Pie Cobbler at Home
Pecan Pie Cookies

FAQs

1. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it sit at room temperature for a bit before serving to enhance its gooey texture.

2. Can I substitute the cream cheese?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can try using vegan cream cheese alternatives. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still work well in the recipe.

3. What other toppings can I use?
Besides whipped cream and ice cream, consider drizzling with caramel sauce, chocolate syrup, or sprinkling with chopped nuts or shredded coconut for added texture.

Conclusion

Brownie Pecan Pie Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that brings together flavors and textures in a way that’s deeply satisfying. Whether you’re serving it at a celebration or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this dessert is sure to be a hit. Make it once and you’ll find yourself returning to it again and again, with each slice offering a warm embrace of chocolatey goodness, crunchy pecans, and creamy sweetness. So grab those ingredients, gather your loved ones, and start baking a little happiness today!