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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the baking equipment by coating two 8-inch round cake pans with butter and flour at 350F (175C).
- Combine dry ingredients including flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl, ensuring thorough blending.
- Pour in buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract, whisking continuously until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform batter.
- Gently incorporate chopped pecans into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Carefully divide the batter between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the surfaces for even baking.
- 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.
- Remove cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely at room temperature, which prevents structural collapse and ensures proper texture.
- Create the chocolate frosting by whipping butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla until the mixture becomes smooth, creamy, and spreadable.
- Apply frosting between cake layers, then cover the entire exterior of the cake with a generous, even layer of the chocolate cream.
- 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