If you’re a fan of rich, decadent desserts, then Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake is a must-try treat. This indulgent cake is known for its soft, fudgy texture with a slightly crisp crust, making every bite a delight. Originating from the classic Gooey Butter Cake, this chocolate version takes the concept to a whole new level by adding deep cocoa flavors.

One of the reasons this cake is so popular is its simplicity. Unlike traditional layered cakes that require precise mixing and long prep times, this recipe is straightforward and foolproof. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sinfully sweet, this dessert is the perfect solution. Plus, with minimal ingredients—most of which you probably already have in your kitchen—it’s easy to whip up in no time.

According to Wikipedia’s page on Chocolate Cake, chocolate-based desserts have been enjoyed for centuries, with recipes evolving to include more indulgent and creative variations. The ooey gooey texture of this cake comes from its unique two-layer composition: a dense, buttery base and a luscious, creamy filling. When baked, the filling sets slightly while maintaining a soft, molten center—giving it the signature gooey factor.

Ingredients Breakdown

Creating the perfect Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake starts with understanding the role of each ingredient. Every component contributes to its moist texture, rich flavor, and gooey consistency. Below is a breakdown of the key ingredients and their purpose in the recipe.

Cake Layer Ingredients

• 1 box chocolate cake mix – The foundation of the cake, providing structure and chocolate flavor. Using a high-quality mix enhances taste.
• 1 egg – Acts as a binding agent, helping the cake layer hold its shape.
• ½ cup butter, melted – Adds moisture and richness, ensuring a soft, tender texture.

Filling Layer Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened – The secret to the ooey gooey texture. It creates a creamy, slightly tangy contrast to the chocolate. Read more about its properties on Wikipedia’s page on Cream Cheese.
• 2 eggs – Help the filling set while maintaining its signature gooeyness.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor by adding depth and aroma. Learn about its benefits on Wikipedia’s Vanilla Extract page.
• ½ cup butter, melted – Adds smoothness and enhances the richness of the filling.
• 16 oz powdered sugar – Sweetens the filling while contributing to its creamy consistency.
• ¼ cup cocoa powder – Intensifies the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness. Check out Wikipedia’s Cocoa Powder page for more on its role in baking.

Optional Add-ins

• Chocolate chips – For extra bursts of melted chocolate.
• Espresso powder – Enhances the chocolate depth without making it taste like coffee.
• Chopped nuts – Adds a subtle crunch for texture contrast.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake is incredibly simple, requiring only a few steps. Follow this guide to achieve the perfect moist, gooey texture every time.

Step 1: Prepping the Oven and Pan

Before you start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and helps the layers set properly.

Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it with butter or non-stick spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier removal. Proper pan preparation prevents sticking and ensures clean slices.

Step 2: Making the Cake Layer

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 1 egg
• ½ cup melted butter

Use a spatula or hand mixer to blend until the mixture forms a thick dough. Unlike traditional cake batter, this will have a more cookie dough-like consistency.

Once mixed, press the dough evenly into the bottom of your greased baking dish. Use your hands or a flat spatula to smooth it out. This creates a firm base that will hold the gooey filling.

Step 3: Creating the Gooey Filling

In a separate bowl, beat together:

• 8 oz softened cream cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Mix until smooth, then gradually add:

• ½ cup melted butter
• 16 oz powdered sugar
• ¼ cup cocoa powder

Beat on medium speed until the mixture is fully combined and smooth. The filling should be thick but pourable. Cream cheese is the key ingredient here, giving the cake its signature gooey texture. Learn more about how it works in baking on Wikipedia’s page on Cream Cheese.

Step 4: Assembling the Cake

Once both layers are prepared, it’s time to assemble the cake.

• Pour the gooey filling over the cake base in the baking dish.
• Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
• Gently tap the pan on the counter to remove any air bubbles.

Since the filling is thinner than the base, it will bake into a soft, custard-like layer that contrasts beautifully with the firm bottom crust.

Step 5: Baking Tips & Tricks

Bake in the preheated 350°F oven for 40-50 minutes. The exact time depends on your oven, but here’s what to look for:

✔ Edges should be firm and slightly crispy
✔ Center should be slightly jiggly but not liquid

Overbaking will cause the cake to lose its signature gooeyness, while underbaking may result in a raw center. To check doneness, insert a toothpick about 2 inches from the edge—it should come out clean while the center remains soft.

💡 Pro Tip: If you love a fudgier texture, remove the cake at 40 minutes. For a more set texture, bake closer to 50 minutes.

Cooling and Slicing for the Best Texture

After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the layers to firm up slightly, making slicing easier.

For cleaner slices, use a knife coated with non-stick spray or warm water to prevent sticking.

For more baking science and techniques, check out Wikipedia’s page on Baking.

Delicious Variations & Customizations

One of the best things about Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake is its versatility. You can tweak the recipe to create unique flavors while keeping its signature moist, fudgy texture. Here are some delicious variations to try:

1. Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake

Love peanut butter and chocolate? Add ½ cup of creamy peanut butter to the filling and swirl it in before baking. You can also sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for extra crunch.

2. Salted Caramel Version

For a sweet and salty twist, drizzle ½ cup of caramel sauce over the filling before baking. Once baked, finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Caramel enhances the deep cocoa flavor and adds a rich, buttery note. Check out more Gooey Desserts on Pinterest for inspiration.

3. Nutella Ooey Gooey Cake

If you’re a Nutella fan, swirl ½ cup of Nutella into the filling before baking. The combination of hazelnut and chocolate makes this cake extra indulgent.

4. Gluten-Free Version

To make this cake gluten-free, simply replace the chocolate cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. The filling remains naturally gluten-free, making it an easy modification for those with dietary restrictions.

5. Double Chocolate Delight

For the ultimate chocolate experience, add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the filling. This creates pockets of melted chocolate in every bite. Read more about the science behind Cocoa Powder in Baking to understand why it’s a key ingredient.

Best Ways to Serve & Store Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake

Once your Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake is baked to perfection, it’s time to serve it in the most delicious way possible. Here’s how to enjoy and store it for lasting freshness.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is best served slightly warm or at room temperature to highlight its soft, fudgy texture. Here are some ways to elevate your dessert:

• Top with whipped cream – A light, airy contrast to the rich, gooey layers.
• Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce – Enhances the indulgence factor.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream – The cold and creamy texture complements the warm cake perfectly.
• Dust with powdered sugar or cocoa powder – Adds a bakery-style finishing touch.

For more creative dessert ideas, check out Cake Decorating Tips on Pinterest.

Storage Tips

To keep your cake fresh and delicious, follow these storage guidelines:

✔ Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
✔ Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
✔ Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.

If you want to preserve freshness for longer, read more about Cake Storage Tips on Pinterest.

FAQs

Many bakers have questions about achieving the perfect Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake. Here are some of the most common FAQs to help you troubleshoot and customize your recipe.

1. How do I know when my ooey gooey cake is done?

The edges should be set and slightly crisp, while the center should still be soft and slightly jiggly. A toothpick inserted 2 inches from the edge should come out clean, but the center will remain gooey.

2. Can I use homemade cake mix instead of boxed?

Yes! You can replace the boxed chocolate cake mix with 1 ¾ cups flour, 1 ½ cups sugar, ½ cup cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp salt. Mix these dry ingredients together, then follow the recipe as usual.

3. Why is my filling not setting properly?

If the filling is too runny, it could be due to overmixing or not enough baking time. Bake until the center is slightly jiggly but not liquid. Cooling the cake before slicing also helps the filling firm up.

4. How can I make this recipe without cream cheese?

If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese, but the texture may be slightly different. Learn more about Cream Cheese and its substitutes.

5. What’s the difference between gooey butter cake and ooey gooey cake?

Both are similar, but gooey butter cake is typically made with vanilla cake mix, while ooey gooey cake uses chocolate cake mix for a richer, fudgier flavor.

Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake

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• Author: Naomi

Pin Recipe

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Description

This Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers. With a dense, buttery base and a rich, creamy filling, every bite melts in your mouth. The combination of chocolate cake mix, cream cheese, and powdered sugar creates a perfectly gooey texture that’s irresistible.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cake Layer:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 1 egg
• ½ cup butter, melted

For the Gooey Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 16 oz powdered sugar
• ¼ cup cocoa powder

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Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven & Pan

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Make the Cake Layer

• In a bowl, mix chocolate cake mix, egg, and melted butter until combined.
• Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Prepare the Gooey Filling

• In another bowl, beat cream cheese, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Add melted butter, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder, mixing until fully combined.

Step 4: Assemble & Bake

• Pour the gooey filling over the cake layer. Spread evenly.
• Bake for 40-50 minutes until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.

Step 5: Cool & Serve

• Let the cake cool for 15-20 minutes before slicing.
• Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or ice cream.

Notes

✔ Don’t overbake! The center should still be slightly jiggly for the perfect gooey texture.
✔ Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest consistency.
✔ Enhance the flavor by adding espresso powder or chocolate chips to the filling.
✔ Store properly: Keep at room temperature for 2 days, refrigerate for 5 days, or freeze for 3 months.
✔ Best served warm for an ultra-gooey experience!