Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake is a dessert that takes decadence to the next level. With its rich, fudgy center and a slightly crispy, golden crust, this cake is the definition of indulgence. Every bite offers a mouthwatering combination of creamy chocolate, sweet vanilla, and a comforting texture that’s both dense and moist. It’s the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers, and whether you’re serving it at a party, for a special occasion, or as a mid-week treat, this cake is sure to become an instant favorite. The “ooey gooey” texture is what truly sets it apart, creating a satisfying experience with each forkful. Served warm or at room temperature, this dessert will satisfy any chocolate craving and leave everyone reaching for seconds. If you’ve been on the hunt for a dessert that perfectly balances richness and sweetness, look no further than this Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Ultra Fudgy Texture
The cake has a rich, fudgy center that’s soft and gooey, giving it an irresistibly indulgent texture that chocolate lovers can’t resist.
2. Simple Ingredients
This cake is made with everyday ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, making it an easy and accessible dessert to whip up anytime.
3. Versatile Serving Options
It’s delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or just as it is. The options are endless!
4. Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a family gathering, birthday, or holiday celebration, this cake is perfect for any event and is sure to wow your guests.
5. Quick to Make
With just a few simple steps, you can have this cake ready to bake in no time, making it a great go-to when you need a quick dessert fix.
Ingredients
- Cake mix (chocolate or plain)
- Butter (melted)
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Powdered sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Chocolate chips (optional)
- Milk
Variations
- Add Nuts: For a crunchy texture, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter or sprinkling them on top.
- Use a Different Cake Mix: Experiment with a different cake mix, such as vanilla, red velvet, or even chocolate fudge, for a twist on the flavor.
- Add Extra Chocolate: If you want even more chocolatey goodness, mix in extra chocolate chips, cocoa powder, or drizzle melted chocolate over the top.
- Top with Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: Serve this ooey gooey cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or drizzle with fresh whipped cream for a more indulgent treat.
- Salted Caramel Twist: Add a touch of salted caramel sauce to the cake batter or drizzle it on top to balance out the sweetness.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Mix
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and melted butter. Stir until smooth and well incorporated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add in the eggs one at a time and continue to mix until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
Step 3: Pour the Cream Cheese Mixture Over the Cake Batter
Carefully pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake batter in the pan. Don’t stir it—just let the cream cheese layer settle on top of the cake batter. This will create the gooey, fudgy center.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The edges should be slightly golden and firm, but the center should remain soft and gooey. Avoid overbaking as the center should retain its rich, fudgy consistency.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool for at least 10-15 minutes before cutting into it. This gives the gooey center time to set slightly. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgence.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the cake batter can lead to a dense texture. Mix just until everything is incorporated for the best texture.
- Don’t Overbake: The gooey center is what makes this cake special. Make sure to check the cake near the end of the baking time. It should still jiggle slightly in the center when done.
- Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: For a smooth filling, ensure that the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing.
- Customize with Toppings: Feel free to top the cake with your favorite toppings, such as fresh berries, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or whipped cream for added flavor.
How to Serve
Serve your Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake warm for that melt-in-your-mouth experience. It’s perfect on its own, but for an extra indulgent treat, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of hot fudge sauce. It also pairs wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or coffee for an irresistible dessert experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week, although it’s best served at room temperature or slightly warmed up.
Freezing
This cake freezes well! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or place the whole cake in a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw the cake in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or place the whole cake in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cake mix for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors, such as vanilla, red velvet, or chocolate fudge cake mix. Each will give the cake a slightly different flavor.
2. What if I don’t have cream cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute with mascarpone cheese or ricotta for a similar creamy texture, although it may alter the flavor slightly.
3. How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is done when the edges are set and golden, and the center is slightly jiggly but not runny. The center should firm up as it cools.
4. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this cake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for a few days, and you can reheat it when ready to serve.
5. How can I make this cake more chocolatey?
Add extra chocolate chips to the batter, use a chocolate cake mix, or drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an extra chocolate punch.
6. Can I use a different topping?
Yes! Feel free to top it with nuts, a caramel drizzle, fresh berries, or a scoop of ice cream to add some extra flavor and texture.
7. Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese for regular cream cheese. It will still work, though the texture might be a bit lighter.
8. Can I make this cake in a different size pan?
Yes, you can use an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch pan, but you will need to adjust the baking time. Check for doneness after 30 minutes.
9. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes! This cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 2 months.
10. Can I add some nuts to the cake?
Yes, feel free to add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cake batter or sprinkle them on top for added crunch and flavor.
Conclusion
Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake is the ultimate dessert for any chocolate lover. With its fudgy, gooey center and slightly crispy, golden crust, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this cake delivers on rich, decadent flavor. Easy to make, customizable, and utterly indulgent, Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake is sure to become a dessert that you’ll crave time and time again.
PrintChocolate Ooey Gooey Cake
- Total Time: 50-60 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers. With a fudgy, gooey center and a rich, cakey crust, it’s a sweet treat that will melt in your mouth. Perfect for special occasions or any time you want a seriously indulgent dessert!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- Boxed Chocolate Cake Mix: The base for the crust, offering both flavor and ease.
- Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients and adds moisture to the crust.
- Butter: Adds richness and creates a buttery base for the cake.
- Vegetable Oil: For extra moisture in the crust.
For the Ooey Gooey Filling:
- Cream Cheese: The base of the gooey filling, providing creaminess and a slight tang.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the gooey center and adds to the texture.
- Eggs: Adds structure and binds the filling together.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla brings warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Optional, but adding these to the filling creates an extra chocolatey richness and texture.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create that gooey consistency.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Make the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, melted butter, and vegetable oil. Stir until the mixture is well combined. The batter will be thick. Press the batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the Gooey Filling: In another bowl, beat together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined. Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips (if using). The filling should be thick but pourable.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour the gooey filling over the chocolate cake crust in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly over the crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly soft and gooey. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for at least 20-30 minutes before cutting into squares. The cake will firm up as it cools, but the inside will remain delightfully gooey.
Notes
- This cake is best served warm for that extra ooey-gooey experience.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of hot fudge sauce for extra indulgence!
- The texture of this cake can be very soft and gooey, so make sure to let it set for a bit after baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American