Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake Recipe
If you have a soft spot for chocolate, prepare to fall head over heels for the incredible Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake. This decadent dessert strikes the perfect balance: a tender, chocolatey crust with a rich, dreamy, and unmistakably gooey center that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, potluck, or simply to satisfy a chocolate craving, this cake is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Each bite offers a luscious symphony of textures and flavors, making it nearly impossible to resist seconds. Trust me, this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again, and it’s about to become your go-to chocolate fix!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake is that it uses just a few simple ingredients, but each one plays a starring role. From the boxed cake mix to the cream cheese and the cloud of powdered sugar, every element brings its own magic—ensuring the cake turns out perfectly decadent every single time.
- Chocolate cake mix: The backbone of the crust that gives you a deep, fudgy flavor without any fuss.
- Egg (for base): Helps bind the crust and gives it that soft, chewy bite.
- Butter (1/2 cup, melted): Makes the base moist and totally irresistible.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The magic behind the gooey layer—so rich, tangy, and silky.
- Eggs (2 for filling): Create structure and that luscious texture in the filling.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the whole cake with a subtle warmth and comforting aroma.
- Cocoa powder: Adds an extra chocolate punch and deepens the cake’s color and flavor.
- Butter (1/16 cup, melted for filling): Adds creaminess and just a hint of richness to the gooey layer.
- Powdered sugar (1 pound): Sweetens and thickens the filling while keeping it smooth and melt-in-your-mouth fantastic.
How to Make Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which ensures every layer bakes up just right. Give a 9×13 inch baking pan a light coating of butter or nonstick spray so nothing sticks—remember, gooey cake is best when it all comes out cleanly!
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Base
Grab a medium mixing bowl and combine the chocolate cake mix, 1 egg, and the melted butter. Stir everything together until you get a thick, sticky dough. Press this mix evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, using your fingers or the back of a spoon to form a level, chocolaty crust—don’t worry if it looks thick, that’s exactly what you want!
Step 3: Whip Up the Gooey Filling
In a new bowl, whip the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth and creamy. Then beat in the eggs one at a time, add the vanilla extract and cocoa powder, and keep mixing until you have a silky, chocolate-swirled mixture. Next, gradually blend in the powdered sugar and melted butter, mixing until the filling is thick but pourable—with absolutely no lumps.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour that gooey filling evenly over the crust; use a spatula to help smooth it to the edges. Slide your pan into the oven and let it bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s just right when the edges look set, but the center still jiggles a little. Remember, the signature character of Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake is that melt-away center!
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, let the cake cool for at least 30 minutes. This patience pays off, keeping those layers distinct and gooey. Slice and serve warm if you want that luscious middle to really shine, or let it come to room temperature for clean squares you can pick up easily.
How to Serve Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar over the top gives the cake a snowy finish, but don’t stop there! Add a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce if you’re feeling extra deluxe. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of chocolate chips can elevate the whole experience too.
Side Dishes
Even though Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake is the star, it pairs beautifully with lighter sides. Try serving it alongside fresh strawberries, sliced bananas, or a crisp fruit salad to balance all that chocolatey richness. For an ultra-indulgent treat, coffee or a sweet dessert wine makes a lovely match.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your cake into elegant parfaits by layering cake squares with whipped cream in glasses. Or use a round cookie cutter to plate up mini individual portions for parties. Hosting a gathering? Cut the cake into small bites and skewer them with fruit for fun, dippable dessert kabobs!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake can be stored right in the pan—just cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for 3 to 4 days, and honestly, it’s irresistible as a midnight snack!
Freezing
To freeze, cut cooled cake into individual portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then pop into a freezer-safe bag or container. The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months and still tastes fabulous once thawed—just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for best texture.
Reheating
If you love that gooey center warm, pop a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. For larger portions, you can reheat in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) until warmed through. This brings the chocolate and cream cheese layers back to their irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth state.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor for Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake?
Absolutely! While chocolate is classic, you can swap in a red velvet or even a German chocolate cake mix for a fun twist. Each brings its own unique flavor while keeping the signature gooey center.
Does this cake need to be refrigerated?
Yes, because of the cream cheese filling, it’s best stored in the fridge. Just cover tightly when storing, and let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
How do I know when my Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake is done baking?
Look for edges that are set and a center that still jiggles a bit when you shake the pan. It’ll finish setting as it cools, so don’t overbake—gooey is the name of the game!
Can I make Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake ahead of time?
Definitely! You can bake it the day before and chill overnight. Just let it sit out for a bit before slicing, or warm slices as needed for that fresh-from-the-oven feel.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes, simply use your favorite gluten-free chocolate cake mix and double-check that the other ingredients are gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be deliciously gooey.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake and experience just how easy and utterly delightful homemade chocolate cake can be. There’s something so special about the way its rich, gooey center and soft, chocolate base come together. Share it with friends, wow your family, or just treat yourself—you deserve it!
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Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent goodness of Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake, a rich and moist dessert that’s sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. This recipe combines a fudgy cake layer with a creamy, chocolatey filling for the ultimate treat.
Ingredients
Cake Layer:
- 1 package chocolate cake mix
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Filling:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/16 cup butter, melted
- 1 pound powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Prepare Cake Layer: Mix chocolate cake mix, 1 egg, and melted butter. Press into the pan to form a crust.
- Make Filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and melted butter. Mix until smooth.
- Layer and Bake: Spread the filling over the cake layer. Bake for 40-45 minutes until slightly gooey.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Chocolate cake, Gooey cake, Cream cheese filling, Dessert recipe
