If you’re craving a decadent dessert that combines the best elements of a chocolate cake and a gooey, creamy filling, this Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake is the perfect treat. With its rich chocolate flavor and irresistibly soft texture, this cake is the ultimate indulgence for any chocolate lover. It’s a dessert that melts in your mouth, offering layers of sweet, creamy goodness with every bite.

This dessert is incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few basic ingredients that come together to create a luscious, almost fudge-like consistency. The simple process involves mixing a cake batter, pouring it into a baking dish, and then layering a creamy, chocolatey filling on top. After a quick bake, the result is a perfect balance of a soft, almost pudding-like center and a light, cake-like exterior. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion, a family gathering, or just a treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich Chocolate Flavor: The combination of cake mix, cocoa powder, and cream cheese gives this cake a deep and indulgent chocolate flavor.
Easy to Make: With only a few simple ingredients, this cake comes together quickly, making it the perfect last-minute dessert.
Gooey Texture: The center of the cake is ooey and gooey, making it a treat that’s rich and satisfying.
Crowd-Pleasing: This cake is always a hit at parties, potlucks, or family dinners—everyone loves the combination of cake and gooey filling.
No Frosting Required: The filling itself acts as the perfect topping, so you don’t need to worry about making frosting.

Ingredients

Chocolate cake mix
Butter, melted
Eggs
Cream cheese, softened
Vanilla extract
Cocoa powder
Powdered sugar

Variations

Add a Nutty Twist: Sprinkle in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
Peanut Butter Lovers: Swirl some peanut butter into the cream cheese mixture for a rich, nutty flavor that complements the chocolate.
Mint Chocolate: Add a teaspoon of mint extract to the cream cheese mixture for a minty chocolate version.
S’mores Style: Top the cake with mini marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs for a s’mores-inspired dessert.

How to Make the Recipe

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Prepare the Cake Layer: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix until everything is well incorporated. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the remaining 2 eggs, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar. Mix until everything is well combined.
Layer the Cake: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter in the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Bake the Cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. The top will firm up, but the inside will remain gooey and fudgy.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely before serving. Slice into squares and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overbake: The key to getting that gooey center is to avoid overbaking the cake. The center should still jiggle a little when you take it out of the oven.
Let It Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely before serving so the gooey center firms up a bit.
Grease the Pan Well: Make sure to grease your baking dish well so the cake doesn’t stick.
Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing it, as this helps to achieve a smoother filling.

How to Serve

Chilled or Room Temperature: This cake can be served chilled or at room temperature. Both options are delicious, but chilling it allows the gooey center to firm up a bit, making it easier to cut into neat squares.
Serve with Whipped Cream: Top the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Topped with Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra chocolatey kick, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can also freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then slice and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap before freezing.
Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the cake in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a low oven until warm.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix? Yes, you can substitute chocolate cake mix with other flavors like vanilla or red velvet for a different twist.
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, this cake can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s a great make-ahead dessert!
Can I add chocolate chips to the filling? Yes, adding chocolate chips to the cream cheese mixture will give it an extra chocolatey flavor and texture.
Can I freeze the cake? Yes, this cake freezes well. Wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
How do I get a gooey center? Be sure not to overbake the cake. The center should still jiggle slightly when you take it out of the oven.
Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer? Yes, a hand mixer works perfectly fine for both mixing the cake batter and the cream cheese mixture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix as a substitute to make the recipe gluten-free.
How do I know when the cake is done? The center should be set but slightly jiggly. It should no longer look liquid but still be soft.
What’s the best way to cut this cake? Use a sharp knife to cut the cake into squares. Allow it to cool for a bit to help with cutting.
Can I use a different type of cream cheese? You can use low-fat or fat-free cream cheese, but the texture and richness may be slightly different.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves chocolate and creamy, rich flavors. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re serving it at a party, a family dinner, or just as a treat for yourself, this cake will quickly become a favorite in your dessert rotation. With its perfectly gooey center and indulgent chocolate flavor, it’s hard to resist!