Chocolate Chess Cake (Ooey-Gooey Bars)
Indulge in the ultimate chocolate dessert with our irresistible Chocolate Chess Cake (Ooey-Gooey Bars). Perfectly rich and decadently gooey, this cake is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion, whether you’re treating the family or impressing guests. With its combination of buttery margarine, sweet cream cheese, and crunchy pecans, every bite delivers a luscious and satisfying experience. Here’s how to create this delightful treat:
Ingredients:
For the Base:
- 1/2 cup margarine
- 1 egg
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
For the Topping:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Base:
- Begin by melting 1/2 cup of margarine in a 9×13 inch baking pan. The heat will quickly transform the margarine into a silky pool of golden goodness, ready to form the base of your cake.
- Once melted, crack one egg directly into the pan and beat it gently into the margarine until fully combined.
- Next, sprinkle the entire box of chocolate cake mix over the margarine and egg mixture. Using a fork, mix the cake mix into the wet ingredients until a smooth, well-blended dough forms. Press this mixture evenly across the bottom of the pan to create a solid base layer.
-
Prepare the Topping:
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy and smooth. The cream cheese should be softened to ensure a perfect blend.
- Add the two eggs, one at a time, to the cream cheese mixture, beating well after each addition to incorporate them completely.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, which will add a lovely, aromatic note to the topping.
- Gently fold in the chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
-
Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the prepared topping evenly over the cake base in the pan, spreading it out gently with a spatula to ensure it covers the base evenly.
- Place the pan in a preheated oven set to 350ºF (175ºC). Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is set and has a delightful golden-brown hue. The center may still be slightly gooey, which is perfectly normal and adds to the ooey-gooey texture.
-
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the Chocolate Chess Cake to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This step is crucial as it lets the bars firm up and makes them easier to slice.
Tips:
- For extra richness, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars before serving.
- If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans or substitute them with chocolate chips.
Enjoy every delectable bite of these gooey, chocolatey squares! Ideal for any dessert lover and a hit at any gathering, this Chocolate Chess Cake is a sweet treat that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
