Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

To make the crust, combine the dark chocolate fudge cake mix, 1/4 cup of melted salted butter, chopped pecans, and 1 large egg in a mixing bowl.

Using a hand mixer, beat the ingredients until a thick dough forms.

Grease a 13x9 inch baking dish with butter.

Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Set aside.

In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth.

Add 2 large eggs and beat until well combined.

Add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder to the bowl.

Beat again until the mixture is smooth.

Mix in the remaining 1/4 cup of melted salted butter and the vanilla extract. Beat until fully incorporated.

Pour the filling mixture evenly over the prepared crust and spread it out with a spatula.

Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the sides are set and the center is still slightly jiggly.

Let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.

Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving.