Dreamy Chocolate Pecan Cake Recipe for Sweet Tooth Joy

Decadent chocolate pecan dream cake emerges as a luxurious dessert that promises pure indulgence.

Sweet memories of childhood blend with sophisticated flavors in this irresistible treat.

Nutty pecans add a delightful crunch, complementing rich chocolate notes perfectly.

Each slice tells a story of careful crafting and passionate baking.

Delicate layers melt seamlessly, creating a sensory experience that captivates from the first bite.

Skilled home bakers can easily master this impressive dessert.

You’ll want to savor every moment of creating and enjoying this spectacular cake.

Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake

• Decadent Dessert Pairing: Serve this rich chocolate pecan cake alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic contrast that highlights the cake's deep chocolate flavor and nutty crunch.
• Elegant Coffee Companion: Pair each slice with a steaming espresso or smooth cappuccino, letting the robust coffee notes complement the cake's sweet and nutty profile, creating a sophisticated dessert experience.
• Rustic Party Presentation: Create individual cake squares on a wooden serving board, sprinkle extra toasted pecans around the edges, and add a light dusting of powdered sugar for a charming, homemade touch that invites guests to indulge.

Storage Tips for Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep it covered to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Wrap the entire frosted cake tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Cut cake into portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months for quick individual servings.
• Keep the cake at room temperature in a covered cake dome or container for 2-3 days if your kitchen is cool and dry. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas to prevent spoilage.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a similar texture and flavor profile.

• Is buttermilk necessary for this recipe?

Buttermilk helps create a tender cake, but you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

• How can I tell if the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake – if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done baking.

• Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking to create a gluten-free version of the cake.

Why Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake Is Amazing

• Savor Comfort: Indulge in a rich, creamy sauce that transforms ordinary pork chops into a mouthwatering comfort meal bursting with homestyle flavor.
• Minimal Prep Delight: Combine simple ingredients and cooking techniques that require little effort but deliver maximum taste, perfect for home cooks seeking delicious results.
• One-Pan Wonder: Streamline your cooking process by using the same skillet for searing and creating the sauce, reducing cleanup and making this recipe a kitchen-friendly option.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Impress family and guests with a restaurant-quality dish that feels sophisticated yet approachable, suitable for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

Ingredients Needed for Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the cake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Baking Soda: Assists in creating a soft and tender cake texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.

• Buttermilk: Provides moisture and helps create a tender, tangy cake.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and contributes to the cake's smooth texture.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the chocolate flavor.

• Pecans: Bring a nutty crunch and complementary flavor to the chocolate cake.

• Powdered Sugar, Butter, Cocoa Powder, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Create a smooth, creamy chocolate frosting that perfectly complements the cake.

How to Prepare Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm your oven to 350F. Generously coat two round cake pans with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients until perfectly blended.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Buttermilk
• Melted butter
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Stir with a whisk until the batter becomes silky smooth and free of lumps.

Step 4: Incorporate Nutty Goodness

Gently fold chopped pecans into the batter. Distribute the mixture evenly between the prepared cake pans.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide pans into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 6: Whip Up Chocolate Frosting

• Softened butter
• Powdered sugar
• Cocoa powder
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Beat until the frosting becomes creamy and light.

Step 7: Assemble and Decorate

Place one cake layer on a serving plate.

Spread a generous layer of frosting. Top with the second cake layer.

Cover the entire cake with remaining frosting. Sprinkle additional pecans on top for a delightful crunch.

Pro Tips for Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake

• Toast pecans lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and release natural oils, creating a deeper, richer taste profile.
• Replace buttermilk with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangy twist and added moisture if you're out of buttermilk.
• Check cake doneness early to prevent over-baking, which can lead to dry texture; start testing at 22 minutes with a toothpick.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother batter and more even cake texture, especially eggs and butter.
• Dust cake pan with cocoa powder instead of flour for a darker, more chocolate-rich exterior that blends seamlessly with the cake's color.

Flavor Variations for Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake

• Nutty Chocolate Coffee Cake: Replace buttermilk with strong brewed coffee and add espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor. Sprinkle toasted hazelnuts instead of pecans for a rich, aromatic profile.
• Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce between cake layers and incorporate caramel chips into the batter. Top with caramel-coated pecans for extra crunch.
• Raspberry Chocolate Pecan Cake: Swirl raspberry preserves into the cake batter and add fresh raspberries between layers. Garnish with chocolate-dipped raspberries and candied pecans.

Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent chocolate pecan dream cake brings Southern charm to dessert tables with rich, nutty layers. Moist chocolate sponge and buttery pecan frosting create a delightful Southern classic you can’t resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 – 3 tbsps milk

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking equipment by coating two 8-inch round cake pans with butter and flour at 350F (175C).
2. Combine dry ingredients including flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl, ensuring thorough blending.
3. Pour in buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract, whisking continuously until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform batter.
4. Gently incorporate chopped pecans into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
5. Carefully divide the batter between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the surfaces for even baking.
6. Place pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean without any wet batter.
7. Remove cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely at room temperature, which prevents structural collapse and ensures proper texture.
8. Create the chocolate frosting by whipping butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla until the mixture becomes smooth, creamy, and spreadable.
9. Apply frosting between cake layers, then cover the entire exterior of the cake with a generous, even layer of the chocolate cream.
10. Enhance the presentation by sprinkling additional chopped pecans across the top and sides of the frosted cake.

Notes

• Toasting pecans before adding to the batter intensifies their nutty flavor and provides a delightful crunch.
• Substitute buttermilk with a mixture of milk and lemon juice or vinegar if you don’t have buttermilk on hand.
• For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add a teaspoon of xanthan gum for better texture.
• Reduce sugar by using a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit for a lower-calorie, diabetic-friendly option.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 353 kcal
• Sugar: 31 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg