If you have a serious sweet tooth and a love for all things chocolatey and decadent, this Nutella Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is going to become your new obsession. Picture a rich, fudgy bottom layer made from devil’s food cake mix, topped with a luscious layer of Nutella and cream cheese that’s perfectly gooey and melt-in-your-mouth amazing. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a comforting hug and an indulgent treat all at once. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or sneaking a slice for yourself, this cake delivers pure joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Nutella Gooey Butter Cake Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating that perfect gooey texture and irresistible flavor. From the rich depth of devil’s food cake mix to the creamy smoothness of Nutella and cream cheese, every element works together seamlessly.
- Devil’s food cake mix: Provides a moist, chocolatey base that’s incredibly easy to work with.
- Eggs: Act as the binder and add structure to both the cake and filling layers.
- Melted butter (8 Tbsp + 8 Tbsp): Adds richness and helps create that buttery, gooey texture in both layers.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Gives the filling its creamy, tangy softness that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Nutella (1 cup): Infuses the filling with its signature hazelnut-chocolate goodness.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors with a subtle sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (16 oz): Sweetens the filling and helps give it that smooth, velvety finish.
How to Make Nutella Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by warming your oven to 350ºF to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature when your cake goes in. Lightly grease a 13 by 9-inch baking pan to prevent sticking, making clean-up easier and helping your cake come out in one beautiful piece.
Step 2: Create the Devil’s Food Cake Layer
Mix together the box of devil’s food cake mix, one egg, and 8 tablespoons of melted butter using an electric mixer. This combination forms the dense, moist base that will hold up the luscious topping. Once combined, press this batter evenly into your prepared pan, creating an even layer that’s ready to support all the gooey deliciousness.
Step 3: Prepare the Nutella Cream Cheese Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and Nutella until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy. Then add the remaining 3 eggs, vanilla extract, and the second batch of melted butter. Beat these ingredients together well before adding the powdered sugar. Continue mixing until the filling is silky and free of lumps, ensuring every bite of the cake has that perfect Nutella flavor and creamy texture.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Spread the Nutella cream cheese filling gently over the devil’s food cake layer, making sure to cover it evenly. Bake your cake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes. Keep a close eye because the real secret to this Nutella Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is not to overbake – you want the center to remain a little gooey, giving that irresistible, soft bite.
Step 5: Cool and Get Ready to Indulge
Once the cake is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. This resting time helps the gooey layer set just enough, making it easier to cut perfect slices without losing that wonderfully soft, fudgy center.
How to Serve Nutella Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Top your slices with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar to add a light contrast to the rich cake. For a bit of texture and color, chopped toasted hazelnuts or a drizzle of extra Nutella can bring an elegant touch that guests will love.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries. The tartness of the berries balances the sweetness, making every bite a harmonious melody of flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a party, consider serving individual portions in clear cups to showcase the gooey layers, topped with a whipped cream swirl and hazelnut pieces. Another fun idea is to use cookie cutters to create festive shapes for special occasions. This Nutella Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is versatile and impressive in any form.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days, maintaining its rich flavor and gooey texture. Plus, the cake actually tastes even better after a day as the flavors meld together beautifully.
Freezing
You can freeze slices of this cake by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen, the cake will stay fresh for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
To bring the gooey magic back to life, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. This gives the filling a soft, melty quality that tastes like it just came out of the oven. Avoid overheating, as it can change the texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade chocolate cake mix instead of a box mix?
Absolutely! Using a homemade chocolate cake batter can add a personal touch, but make sure it’s a bit denser and not too airy to support the gooey topping. This will help keep the signature texture of the Nutella Gooey Butter Cake Recipe.
Is there a way to make this cake nut-free?
Since Nutella contains hazelnuts, you can substitute it with a chocolate spread that’s nut-free. Just choose a creamy chocolate spread to keep the consistency and flavor as close as possible to the original recipe.
Can this cake be made in smaller or larger pans?
Yes, you can adjust the pan size, but baking times will vary. For a smaller pan, reduce the baking time and keep a close eye; for a larger pan, baking it a bit longer might be necessary. Always check that the filling stays gooey in the center.
What’s the best way to get the perfect gooey center?
The key is to avoid baking too long. Start checking your cake around 40 minutes by gently shaking the pan; the edges should be set while the center still jiggles slightly. That’s your sweet spot for gooey perfection in this Nutella Gooey Butter Cake Recipe.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! Stirring in chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the filling layer can add delightful texture and extra flavor dimensions. Just be sure not to overdo it so you keep that creamy, gooey consistency everyone loves.
Final Thoughts
Making this Nutella Gooey Butter Cake Recipe is such a joyful experience, from mixing the simple ingredients to sharing the irresistibly rich, gooey result with friends and family. It’s a dessert that brings smiles and satisfied sighs with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love just like I have. Trust me, this cake is a keeper!
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Nutella Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Nutella Gooey Butter Cake combines the rich, chocolatey flavor of devil’s food cake with a luscious, creamy Nutella and cream cheese filling. Perfectly gooey in the center and baked to golden perfection, this dessert is an indulgent treat that serves 12 and comes together quickly for your next gathering or sweet craving.
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 1 box devil’s food cake mix
- 1 egg
- 8 Tbsp butter, melted
Nutella Filling
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup Nutella
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 Tbsp butter, melted
- 1 (16-oz) box powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for even baking.
- Prepare Cake Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the devil’s food cake mix, 1 egg, and 8 tablespoons of melted butter. Use an electric mixer to blend until smooth. Pat this batter evenly into the bottom of a lightly greased 13×9-inch baking pan to form the base layer.
- Make Nutella Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and Nutella together until smooth and creamy. Then add the 3 eggs, vanilla extract, and 8 tablespoons of melted butter, beating well to combine. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix thoroughly to create a thick, luscious filling.
- Assemble and Bake: Spread the Nutella mixture evenly over the cake batter in the pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Watch closely to avoid overbaking; the center should remain a bit gooey for the perfect texture.
- Serve: Once baked, allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing. Serve with fresh whipped cream to complement the rich flavors and gooey texture.
Notes
- Do not overbake the cake to keep its signature gooey center.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened for easy mixing and a smooth batter.
- Use a 13×9-inch baking pan for best results.
- Let the cake cool briefly before serving to enhance the gooey texture without being too runny.
- Top with whipped cream or fresh berries for added flavor.
