If you love rich, chocolatey, melt-in-your-mouth desserts, this Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake is about to become your new favorite treat! Made with a simple chocolate cake mix, cream cheese, and cocoa powder, this indulgent cake is delightfully soft, slightly gooey in the center, and bursting with deep chocolate flavor.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a luscious, bakery-style dessert right at home. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or whenever that chocolate craving strikes!

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake

Ridiculously Easy! Thanks to the convenience of a cake mix, this recipe comes together quickly.
Rich and Chocolatey. The combination of cocoa powder and cream cheese creates a decadent, fudgy texture.
A Crowd-Pleaser. Whether served at a birthday, potluck, or weeknight treat, this cake disappears fast!
Customizable. Add nuts, chocolate chips, or even caramel drizzle to take it to the next level.

What Does Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake Taste Like?

Imagine biting into a warm brownie and a chocolate lava cake at the same time—that’s the magic of this cake! The bottom layer is dense and slightly chewy, while the top layer is soft, creamy, and melt-in-your-mouth gooey goodness. The rich chocolate flavor is perfectly balanced with a hint of vanilla and buttery sweetness.

Ingredients for Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake

You only need seven simple ingredients to make this heavenly cake:

Chocolate Cake Mix – The base of the cake, giving it a rich chocolate flavor.
Eggs (3 large, room temperature) – One for the bottom layer, two for the gooey filling.
Unsalted Butter (1 cup, melted, divided) – Adds richness and moisture.
Cream Cheese (8 ounces, softened) – The key to that ultra-creamy, gooey texture.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (¼ cup) – Enhances the chocolate flavor.
Confectioners’ Sugar (16 ounces) – Sweetens the filling and adds smoothness.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) – A touch of vanilla balances the chocolate flavor.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

9×3-inch round cake pan
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer (stand or hand-held)
Parchment paper (for easy removal)
Wire rack for cooling

Ingredient Variations & Substitutions

Want to switch things up? Try these delicious variations:

Cake Mix Options: Use devil’s food cake mix for an even richer taste, or swap for red velvet for a fun twist.
Add-Ins: Stir in chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or crushed Oreos into the batter for extra texture.
Flavor Boost: A teaspoon of espresso powder will intensify the chocolate flavor.
Toppings: Drizzle with caramel sauce, sprinkle with powdered sugar, or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How to Make Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×3-inch round cake pan and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Bottom Cake Layer

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

The chocolate cake mix
1 egg
½ cup (1 stick) melted butter

Stir until well mixed, then press the mixture into the prepared pan.

Step 3: Prepare the Gooey Filling

In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth using a mixer. Then add:

The remaining 2 eggs
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Mix until combined.

Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add:

16 ounces of confectioners’ sugar
The remaining ½ cup (1 stick) melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Continue mixing until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble & Bake

Pour the gooey filling mixture over the bottom cake layer.
Bake for 40-50 minutes, making sure the center remains slightly soft and gooey.
The edges should be set, but the center should jiggle a bit when gently shaken.

Step 5: Cool & Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature for the ultimate gooey texture!

What to Serve with Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake

This cake is absolutely delicious on its own, but if you want to make it extra special, try these serving ideas:

A scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate hot-and-cold contrast.
A drizzle of warm caramel or hot fudge sauce.
A dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Fresh whipped cream and berries for a balanced sweetness.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake

Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese for a smoother batter.
Don’t overbake! The center should be slightly jiggly—this keeps it soft and gooey.
Let it cool slightly before serving to allow the layers to set.
For extra gooeyness, serve warm straight from the oven!

How to Store Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake

At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
In the Refrigerator: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To Reheat: Microwave slices for 10-15 seconds to bring back the ooey-gooey texture.
Freezing: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake it a day in advance and store it at room temperature or in the fridge. Warm it up before serving for the best texture.

What if I don’t have a chocolate cake mix?

You can substitute with homemade chocolate cake mix by combining:

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

Can I use a different pan size?

Absolutely! A 9×13-inch pan works well, but baking time may be slightly shorter (around 35-40 minutes).

How do I make this cake extra gooey?

The key is not overbaking—pull it out when the center is still slightly soft. Also, serving it warm will enhance the gooey texture.

Final Thoughts – A Must-Try Chocolate Cake!

This Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake is the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite! It’s rich, chocolatey, and irresistibly gooey—perfect for any chocolate lover. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just need a sweet pick-me-up, this easy cake will not disappoint!

If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it turns out! Share your photos on Pinterest, drop a comment below, and don’t forget to rate the recipe.