Oooey, Gooey Chocolate Bars

I found this recipe on Kelly's Korner the other day while browsing through her recipes and couldn't wait to make them. Wanted to share this yummy recipe with my friends & family as well. Enjoy!
1 c butter, melted (2 sticks)

1 Chocolate cake mix (18.25 oz)

3 large eggs

3-4 Tbsp cocoa powder (I used 3 "rounded" Tbsp)

1 (8 oz) pkg. cream cheese, softened

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 box (1 lb) powdered sugar

1 c chopped pecans (or walnuts) (optional)

Heat oven to 350 degrees & place rack in center. Lightly butter a 9x13 baking dish/pan. In a large bowl, beat together (with mixer on slow) cake mix, 1 egg & 1/2 c (1 stick) melted butter until well combined. Evenly pat out into prepared dish/pan & set aside.

In another mixing bowl, beat cream cheese on medium speed until smooth. Beat in 2 remaining eggs & cocoa powder until well combined. Reduce speed to low and add powered sugar; beat until well combined. Gradually add remaining 1/2 c butter and vanilla extract - beat until smooth. Fold in pecans (or walnuts) with a rubber spatula & spread over cake mixture. Bake until set around edges but center is a little gooey - 40-50 minutes.

If you like German Chocolate cake, you can use a German Chocolate cake mix instead of plain chocolate & add 1 c. sweetened, flaked coconut when folding in pecans. I added 1/2 c pecans & 1/2 c Heath bar chips - it was Yummy!!!

Serve with Homemade Vanilla ice cream for a wonderful treat!