Gooey Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake

#### Instructions:

1. **Preheat the Oven**:
Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.

2. **Prepare the Cake Batter**:
In a large bowl, combine the **chocolate cake mix**, **sour cream**, **melted butter**, **eggs**, **vanilla extract**, and **water**. Use an electric mixer to beat the ingredients together until smooth and fully combined. The batter will be thick.

3. **Bake the Cake**:
Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for **30-35 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. The cake should be firm to the touch but still moist. Once baked, remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly.

4. **Prepare the Gooey Filling**:
While the cake is cooling, prepare the gooey filling. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the **chocolate chips** and **sweetened condensed milk**. Microwave on high for **30-second intervals**, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Once melted, stir in the **chopped pecans** and **vanilla extract**.

5. **Assemble the Cake**:
Once the cake has cooled for about 10 minutes, use a fork to poke several holes in the top of the cake, making sure to cover the entire surface. This will allow the gooey filling to soak into the cake and create that irresistible fudgy texture.

Pour the **chocolate-pecan filling** evenly over the cake, spreading it out to fill the holes and cover the top of the cake completely.

6. **Finish Baking**:
Return the cake to the oven and bake for an additional **15-20 minutes** at **350°F (175°C)**, until the filling is set and slightly bubbling around the edges.

7. **Cool and Serve**:
Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting into squares. The chocolate filling will be rich and gooey, making each bite a chocolate lover’s dream.

8. **Garnish (Optional)**:
Serve the cake as is, or top with a dollop of **whipped cream** and a few extra **chopped pecans** for added crunch and flavor.

### Tips for Perfect Gooey Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake

– **Choose High-Quality Chocolate**: Since chocolate is the star of this dessert, using **good-quality chocolate chips** or **chopped chocolate** will enhance the flavor and texture of the gooey filling.

– **Don’t Overbake the Cake**: The key to a gooey, fudgy texture is making sure the cake stays moist. Keep an eye on the cake while baking, especially when adding the gooey filling. You want the center to remain a bit soft and fudgy.

– **Adjust the Sweetness**: If you find the cake too sweet, feel free to reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk slightly, or use a dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content for a more balanced flavor.

– **Add Extra Toppings**: For an even more indulgent treat, try adding a drizzle of **caramel sauce** or a scoop of **vanilla ice cream** on the side.

– **Make Ahead**: This cake can be made ahead of time! Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to **3 days**, or refrigerate it for up to **5 days**. If you want to freeze it, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to **2 months**.

### Why This Cake is a Dream Come True

This **Gooey Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake** is a dessert that will have everyone raving about it. The combination of a **moist chocolate cake**, **gooey chocolate pecan filling**, and a **rich, fudgy texture** creates an indulgent treat that’s simply irresistible. It’s easy to make, perfect for special occasions or casual family dinners, and guaranteed to please any chocolate lover.

If you’re craving something sweet and decadent, this cake is the perfect choice. It’s the kind of dessert that’s impossible to stop at just one bite, so make sure to have enough to share (or enjoy it all for yourself—you deserve it!). With its creamy, gooey filling and crunchy pecans, it truly lives up to its dreamy name.

Give this recipe a try, and you’ll see why it’s quickly becoming a favorite in kitchens everywhere!