If your idea of dessert bliss is a journey into layers of sweet, fudgy, creamy goodness, allow me to introduce the Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake. This is the kind of recipe you pull out when you want something easy yet outrageously decadent, with a chocolatey base, a dreamy cream cheese topping, and just enough gooeyness in the center to make every bite feel indulgent. Whether you top it with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake lies in its simplicity—as well as how each staple ingredient shines. Every part plays a crucial role, from the rich chocolate cake mix base to the creamy, sweet, slightly tangy topping. Here’s exactly what you’ll need, with each bringing its own magic to the table:
- Chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz): Acts as the decadent chocolatey foundation for our crust, saving time without sacrificing flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Infuses the crust with richness and helps create that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Large eggs (3): Vital for structure—one in the base, two in the topping—ensuring everything holds together (while still staying beautifully gooey in the middle!).
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The star of the gooey topping, adding tang, creaminess, and a bit of body to the sweet layer.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/4 cup): Intensifies the chocolate depth and adds another layer of flavor to the soft topping.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Balances the chocolate and adds warmth to the filling.
- Powdered sugar (3 3/4 cups, about 1 lb): Provides sweetness, but also keeps the filling luxuriously soft and gooey.
- Optional toppings: chocolate chips, whipped cream, vanilla ice cream: These are your finishing touches for extra indulgence, so pick as your sweet tooth desires!
How to Make Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this step ensures the cake comes out easily and keeps every edge as delicious as the center. Trust me, you don’t want any gooey bits left behind!
Step 2: Mix Up the Chocolate Crust
Grab a large bowl and combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Stir everything together until you have a thick, fudgy dough. Don’t worry if it seems stiff; that sturdy texture becomes the perfect base for your Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake’s soft top layer.
Step 3: Press and Form Your Base
Pour the dough into your prepared baking dish. Use clean hands or a spatula to press it evenly along the bottom. This forms a dense, rich crust that anchors the gooeyness about to be poured on top.
Step 4: Whip Up the Gooey Topping
In a new bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth (it’s much easier if the cream cheese is at room temperature!). Next, add the remaining two eggs, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is creamy and uniform. It should look glossy and almost pourable.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over your chocolate crust, smoothing it all the way to the edges. If you’re feeling extra, sprinkle on some chocolate chips now for more chocolatey bursts. Bake for 40–45 minutes. You want the edges set but the center still a little wobbly—part of the magic of Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake is that just-this-side-of-underdone middle.
Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve Warm
Let the cake cool for about 15–20 minutes after baking so it’s easier to cut but still gloriously warm and gooey. The contrast between the soft center and slightly firmer edges is pure dessert perfection!
How to Serve Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake
Garnishes
This cake is a blank canvas for fun toppings. Try a handful of semi-sweet chocolate chips right after baking for a glossy, melted finish. Or go classic with a fluffy cloud of whipped cream. My favorite? A scoop of vanilla ice cream—the heat of the cake slightly melts it, creating the ultimate creamy river over your slice!
Side Dishes
Serve Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake on its own for a showstopper finish, but it also pairs beautifully with some fresh berries on the side. Raspberries or strawberries cut the richness and add a pop of color to your dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your cake into mini gooey bars by cutting them smaller and stacking on a platter for a party. Or use cookie cutters to make fun shapes for birthdays and celebrations. For a more refined touch, serve warm with a sprig of mint and a drizzle of chocolate sauce—guests will think you spent hours on it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake covered in the refrigerator. The gooey layer stays soft for days, and the flavors actually deepen a bit overnight. Just be sure to cover the pan tightly or store slices in an airtight container to avoid drying out.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this cake! Slice it first, wrap each piece well in plastic wrap, then foil, and pop them into a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months, making it a great make-ahead treat for special occasions or sudden chocolate cravings.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy, let slices thaw in the fridge or at room temperature. For ultimate gooey-ness, zap each piece in the microwave for 10–15 seconds—just until it’s warm and soft in the middle. Top with something cold like ice cream or whipped cream, and it’ll taste as fresh-baked as day one!
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor cake mix for Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake?
Yes! While chocolate gives the ultimate richness, feel free to experiment with devil’s food, fudge, or even a vanilla or red velvet cake mix for a fun twist. Just keep the rest of the ingredients the same and bake as directed.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Look for edges that are set and slightly puffed, while the center should still jiggle when you gently shake the pan—that’s how you achieve the signature gooey texture. Avoid overbaking as it can dry out the magic filling.
Can I make Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake without cream cheese?
The cream cheese is key to the iconic gooey layer, but you can try using mascarpone for a slightly different flavor and texture. Greek yogurt could work in a pinch, but the final cake will be more tangy and less rich.
Is this cake gluten free?
As written, no, but you can substitute your favorite gluten-free chocolate cake mix and double-check all other ingredients for gluten content. The rest of the process will stay the same and it’ll still be gloriously gooey!
Should I serve it warm or cold?
This dessert shines brightest when served slightly warm, but it’s also delicious at room temperature or chilled from the fridge. Warm it up a bit for peak gooeyness—plus, melted ice cream on top is always a win.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a showstopping, easy-to-love dessert, this Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake is a surefire favorite. Whether you’re a chocolate lover or just need a quick treat for a get-together, it brings pure joy to every table. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to chocolate indulgence!
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Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate chocolate lover’s dream with this decadent Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake. A rich and gooey cream cheese topping sits on a moist chocolate cake base, creating a mouthwatering dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake Base:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Cream Cheese Topping:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar (about 1 lb)
Optional Toppings:
- Chocolate chips
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Cake Base: Mix chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Press into the baking dish.
- Make Cream Cheese Topping: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add 2 eggs, cocoa powder, vanilla, and powdered sugar. Pour over cake base.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool slightly before serving warm for a gooey texture.
Notes
- This cake is best when slightly underbaked in the center for a gooey texture.
- Top with chocolate chips before baking for extra richness.
- Best served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 44g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
