Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake is an indulgent dessert that combines the richness of chocolate with a gooey, buttery center and a slightly crisp top. With its irresistible texture and deep chocolate flavor, this cake is perfect for chocolate lovers. Whether you’re serving it at a party, enjoying it as a weekend treat, or just satisfying your sweet tooth, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s simple to make and incredibly decadent—every bite is like a bite of heaven!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake is the ultimate comfort dessert. The cake has a rich, fudgy texture that almost melts in your mouth, while the gooey center provides a burst of chocolatey goodness. It’s the perfect combination of cake and brownie in one—crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and full of deep, chocolate flavor. This dessert is easy to prepare with minimal ingredients, making it a go-to for last-minute gatherings or as a simple but satisfying treat for yourself!

Ingredients

• 1 box chocolate cake mix (any variety)

• 1/2 cup butter, melted

• 1 large egg

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, for extra richness)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Prepare the cake batter: In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir until the mixture is just combined and forms a thick, cookie-dough-like consistency.

3. Press into the pan: Spread the cake batter evenly in the prepared baking dish, pressing it down gently to form a solid layer at the bottom.

4. Make the gooey filling: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Stir in the chocolate chips if using. The mixture should be thick but spreadable.

5. Layer the filling: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake batter, covering the entire surface.

6. Bake the cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The cake should be set around the edges, but the center should still be soft and gooey. If you insert a toothpick, it should come out with a few crumbs attached, but not completely clean—this is the signature gooey texture.

7. Cool and serve: Let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature for the ultimate gooey texture.

8. Enjoy: Enjoy every decadent bite of this rich and gooey chocolate cake!

Servings and timing

• Servings: 12-16 servings

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 35-40 minutes

• Total time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

• Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Cake: Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the cream cheese filling for a peanut butter chocolate twist.

• Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake: Use a chocolate chip cookie mix instead of cake mix to make a cookie-inspired gooey cake.

• Add Nuts: For added texture, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the cream cheese filling.

• Double Chocolate: For a more intense chocolate flavor, use chocolate pudding mix in place of vanilla pudding in the filling, or add cocoa powder to the cake mix.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate it to keep it fresh for up to 5 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, microwave individual servings for 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to restore the gooey texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes, you can use any flavor of cake mix that you prefer. However, chocolate cake mix works best for the rich, chocolatey flavor of this dessert. A vanilla or red velvet cake mix could be fun variations!

2. Can I make this cake without cream cheese?

The cream cheese is essential for creating the gooey, rich center of the cake. You can try substituting with Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it before serving for that warm, gooey texture.

4. Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

5. How can I make this cake less sweet?

If you want to cut back on sweetness, reduce the powdered sugar in the cream cheese filling by 1/4 cup, or use a sugar-free cake mix. Keep in mind that this will alter the overall flavor and texture.

6. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix for a gluten-free version of this cake. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

7. What’s the best way to serve this cake?

Serve it warm for the gooey texture, and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for the ultimate indulgence!

8. Can I make this in a different size pan?

You can use a 9×9-inch square pan for thicker bars, but be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly. For a thinner version, you could use a 9×13-inch pan and keep the same bake time.

9. Can I add coffee to the batter for a mocha flavor?

Yes, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of brewed coffee to the cake mix for a subtle mocha flavor that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate.

10. How do I know when it’s done?

The cake should be set around the edges but still slightly wobbly in the center. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean.

Conclusion

Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake is the perfect indulgence for anyone who loves rich, chocolatey desserts with a soft, gooey center. The easy preparation and minimal ingredients make it the ideal dessert for a quick treat or a special occasion. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this decadent cake will impress anyone with its irresistible gooey texture and intense chocolate flavor. Enjoy it with a scoop of ice cream or simply on its own—either way, it’s sure to be a hit!