Decadent Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake: A Recipe for Pure Indulgence

Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake. Just the name itself conjures up images of rich, decadent, and utterly irresistible dessert. This isn’t your everyday cake; it’s a symphony of textures and flavors, a perfect balance between a dense, fudgy base and a sweet, gooey topping. Forget counting calories for a moment and prepare to embark on a baking adventure that will result in a cake so good, it might just become your new favorite.

This recipe builds upon the classic Gooey Butter Cake, a St. Louis staple, by adding a generous dose of chocolate, transforming it into a chocolate lover’s dream. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, yielding impressive results every time. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a masterpiece.

Why This Recipe Works

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s understand why this cake is so incredibly delicious. The secret lies in the two distinct layers:

* **The Base:** This is a dense, slightly chewy layer that provides a stable foundation for the gooey topping. It’s made with a combination of cake mix (yes, we’re taking a shortcut!), butter, and eggs, creating a rich and sturdy base.
* **The Gooey Topping:** This is where the magic happens. A mixture of cream cheese, powdered sugar, eggs, and, of course, melted chocolate creates a luscious, sweet, and incredibly gooey topping that sinks into the base as it bakes.

The contrasting textures and flavors are what make this cake so addictive. The slight tanginess of the cream cheese balances the sweetness of the sugar and chocolate, while the dense base provides a satisfying contrast to the gooey topping.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for this decadent Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake:

**For the Base:**

* 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 2 large eggs

**For the Gooey Topping:**

* 8 oz cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 4 cups powdered sugar
* 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted and slightly cooled

**Optional:**

* Powdered sugar, for dusting
* Chocolate shavings, for garnish

Equipment You’ll Need

* 9×13 inch baking pan
* Mixing bowls
* Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Rubber spatula
* Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed instructions to create your own Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake:

**Step 1: Prepare the Base**

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
3. The batter will be thick. Press the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. You can use your fingers or the back of a spoon to spread it out.

**Step 2: Make the Gooey Topping**

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and melted butter together until smooth and creamy. This is crucial for a smooth and lump-free topping.
2. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and cocoa powder. Mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until smooth. Be careful not to create a powdered sugar cloud!
5. Finally, gently fold in the melted and slightly cooled chocolate chips. Ensure the chocolate is not too hot, as it could cook the eggs in the topping.

**Step 3: Assemble and Bake**

1. Pour the gooey topping evenly over the cake base. Use a spatula to spread it out to the edges of the pan. Don’t worry if it doesn’t completely cover the base; it will spread out as it bakes.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is still slightly gooey. The top should be lightly golden brown.
3. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. This is important for the cake to set properly and to prevent it from falling apart when you cut it.

**Step 4: Serve and Enjoy**

1. Once the cake is completely cooled, dust it generously with powdered sugar. This adds a touch of sweetness and makes it look even more appealing.
2. Cut the cake into squares and serve. Garnish with chocolate shavings, if desired.
3. Enjoy your decadent Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake! It’s best served at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake

* **Use softened cream cheese:** This is essential for a smooth and creamy topping. If your cream cheese is not softened, it will be difficult to blend and may leave lumps in the topping.
* **Don’t overmix the base:** Overmixing the base can result in a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
* **Use a good quality chocolate:** The quality of the chocolate will affect the flavor of the cake. Use a good quality semi-sweet chocolate for the best results.
* **Don’t overbake:** Overbaking the cake will result in a dry and crumbly texture. The center should still be slightly gooey when you remove it from the oven.
* **Let it cool completely:** This is crucial for the cake to set properly. If you cut it while it’s still warm, it will be too gooey and may fall apart.
* **Experiment with flavors:** You can add different extracts to the topping, such as peppermint or almond, to change the flavor profile. You can also add chopped nuts or sprinkles to the topping for added texture and visual appeal.

Variations and Add-ins

Want to customize your Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake? Here are a few ideas:

* **Peanut Butter Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake:** Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the gooey topping for a delicious peanut butter and chocolate combination.
* **Mint Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake:** Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the gooey topping for a refreshing minty flavor. You can also use mint chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
* **Salted Caramel Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake:** Drizzle caramel sauce over the baked cake and sprinkle with sea salt for a sweet and salty treat.
* **Espresso Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake:** Add 1-2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder to the gooey topping for a coffee-infused chocolate flavor.
* **Nutella Gooey Butter Cake:** Substitute the melted chocolate chips with Nutella for a hazelnut chocolate twist.
* **White Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake:** Use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

This Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to take it to the next level:

* **With a scoop of vanilla ice cream:** The cold ice cream provides a delicious contrast to the warm, gooey cake.
* **With a dollop of whipped cream:** A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy touch.
* **With fresh berries:** Fresh berries, such as strawberries or raspberries, add a burst of freshness and acidity that complements the richness of the cake.
* **With a drizzle of chocolate sauce:** For an extra dose of chocolate, drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the cake.
* **With a cup of coffee or tea:** The perfect accompaniment to a slice of this decadent cake.

Storage Instructions

* **Room Temperature:** Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* **Refrigerator:** Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
* **Freezer:** Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Troubleshooting

* **Cake is too dry:** Make sure you are not overbaking the cake. The center should still be slightly gooey when you remove it from the oven. Also, ensure you are using the correct measurements for all ingredients.
* **Topping is too thin:** This could be due to not using softened cream cheese or not adding enough powdered sugar. Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened and that you are adding the correct amount of powdered sugar.
* **Cake is sticking to the pan:** Make sure you are greasing and flouring the baking pan properly. You can also use parchment paper to line the bottom of the pan.
* **Topping is lumpy:** This is usually caused by using cold cream cheese. Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before using.

Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake Recipe

**Yields:** 12-16 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 40-45 minutes

**Ingredients:**

**For the Base:**

* 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 2 large eggs

**For the Gooey Topping:**

* 8 oz cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 4 cups powdered sugar
* 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted and slightly cooled

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until just combined.
3. Press the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
4. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and melted butter together until smooth and creamy.
5. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
6. Stir in the vanilla extract and cocoa powder. Mix until well combined.
7. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until smooth.
8. Gently fold in the melted and slightly cooled chocolate chips.
9. Pour the gooey topping evenly over the cake base.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is still slightly gooey.
11. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.
12. Dust with powdered sugar, cut into squares, and serve. Enjoy!

Conclusion

This Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake is a truly special dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich chocolate flavor, gooey texture, and easy-to-follow recipe, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, go ahead and bake up a batch of this decadent treat – you won’t regret it!