The Dreamy Chocolate Pecan Cake Recipe You’ll Fall For

Sweet moments often begin with an unexpected chocolate pecan dream cake that melts right through your expectations.

Nutty aromas will swirl around your kitchen, promising something magical.

Our special dessert combines rich chocolate depths with crunchy pecan whispers.

Layers of tender cake promise indulgence beyond ordinary treats.

Bakers seeking pure comfort will adore this delectable creation.

Each slice tells a story of delightful surprises and warm memories.

Come discover how simple ingredients can create extraordinary magic.

Why Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake Is A Showstopper

• Unleash Decadent Chocolate Delight: A rich, indulgent cake that satisfies deep chocolate cravings with layers of intense flavor and luxurious textures.
• Master Impressive Baking Skills: Tackle this sophisticated recipe that looks professionally made, allowing home bakers to create a stunning dessert that wows family and guests.
• Craft Irresistible Flavor Combinations: Perfectly blends smooth chocolate, crunchy toasted pecans, and luscious caramel for a multi-dimensional taste experience that tantalizes every sense.
• Celebrate Special Moments: An elegant cake ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or any celebration that demands a show-stopping dessert that creates memorable culinary memories.

Ingredients Needed for Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure to the chocolate cake.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and dark color to the cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall sweetness of the cake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake's rich texture.
• Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a smooth cake batter.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains moist and tender.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Boiling Water or Hot Coffee: Helps activate the cocoa and creates a smooth, thin batter.

• Butter: Forms the base of the caramel pecan filling and adds richness.
• Brown Sugar: Creates a deep, caramel-like flavor in the filling.
• Heavy Cream: Provides smoothness to both the filling and ganache.
• Chocolate Chips: The main ingredient for creating a glossy chocolate ganache.
• Pecans: Adds crunch, nuttiness, and texture to the cake.
• Caramel Sauce: Optional garnish that adds extra sweetness and visual appeal.

Step-by-Step Guide to Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350F. Prepare two round cake pans by greasing them thoroughly and dusting with flour.

Line the bottom of each pan with parchment paper for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Create Chocolatey Cake Batter

• Flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Sugar

Whisk these together until well blended.

• Eggs
• Milk
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract

Beat with an electric mixer until completely smooth. Slowly pour in boiling water or hot coffee, mixing on low speed until the batter becomes thin and silky.

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Place pans in the preheated oven.

Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Let cakes rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Craft Caramel Pecan Filling

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.

• Brown sugar
• Heavy cream

• Chopped toasted pecans
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Allow filling to cool slightly.

Step 5: Prepare Luxurious Chocolate Ganache

Gently heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just starts to simmer. Pour hot cream over chocolate chips in a bowl.

Let sit for 1-2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy. Allow to cool slightly.

Step 6: Build Your Cake Masterpiece

Place first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread caramel pecan filling generously across the top.

Carefully position second cake layer. Pour chocolate ganache over the entire cake, letting it cascade down the sides beautifully.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Sprinkle additional toasted pecans on top. Optional: Drizzle with extra caramel sauce.

Let the cake rest for 30 minutes to allow ganache to set perfectly before slicing.

How to Perfect Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake Flavors

• Toast pecans beforehand for enhanced nutty flavor and crunchier texture, ensuring they're golden brown without burning.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and milk to create smoother, more evenly mixed cake batter that rises perfectly.
• Select high-quality cocoa powder and dark chocolate chips for richer, more intense chocolate flavor throughout the cake.
• Allow ganache to cool slightly before pouring to achieve ideal dripping consistency and prevent excessive runny texture.
• Refrigerate cake for 15-20 minutes after assembly to help ganache set faster and create cleaner, more defined cake edges.

Flavor Enrichments That Complement Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Pecan Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version. Maintain all other ingredients and techniques the same for a delicious alternative.
• Vegan Chocolate Nutty Cake: Substitute eggs with mashed bananas or applesauce, use plant-based milk, coconut oil instead of regular oil, and dairy-free chocolate chips for ganache. Add coconut cream for a rich frosting.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Pecan Treat: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of sugar, replace cream with unsweetened almond milk, and incorporate sugar-free dark chocolate for ganache. Reduce overall sweetness while maintaining decadent flavor.

Side Dishes That Pair Nicely with Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake

• Nutty Celebration Centerpiece: Serve this decadent cake as a showstopping dessert at birthday parties or holiday gatherings, where guests will marvel at its rich layers and glossy chocolate finish.
• Cozy Afternoon Indulgence: Pair a slice with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate, creating a luxurious treat perfect for relaxing weekend afternoons or after-dinner dessert.
• Southern Charm Presentation: Plate individual slices on vintage china, sprinkle extra toasted pecans around the cake, and add a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an elegant southern-style dessert experience.
• Gifting Delight: Wrap individual slices in clear cellophane with a ribbon, making charming homemade gifts for friends, neighbors, or special occasions that showcase your baking skills.

How to Keep Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake Fresh

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, keeping it away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Refrigerate the cake if you want to extend its shelf life up to 5-7 days, wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Freeze whole or sliced cake portions by wrapping them securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, which helps preserve freshness for up to 3 months.

FAQs

• How do I toast pecans for this recipe?

Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Watch carefully to prevent burning. They’re ready when they become fragrant and slightly darker in color.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. Assemble the cake on the day you plan to serve it for the best texture and flavor.

• What if my ganache is too runny?

Let the ganache cool for 10-15 minutes at room temperature. As it cools, it will thicken and become more spreadable. If it’s still too thin, refrigerate for short intervals, stirring between each.

Indulgent Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent chocolate pecan dream cake blends rich cocoa with nutty pecans in a heavenly dessert. Southern bakers craft this luscious treat with passion and precision, inviting you to savor each delectable slice.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup boiling water (or hot coffee)

Chocolate and Leavening Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

Flavor and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C). Thoroughly coat two 9-inch round cake pans with grease and flour, then line the bottoms with parchment paper.

1. Create the chocolate cake base by combining dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar until well integrated. Incorporate eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract, blending with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform.

1. Gradually introduce boiling water or hot coffee to the batter, mixing on low speed. The mixture will become thin but consistent. Evenly distribute the batter between the prepared cake pans.

1. Bake the cake layers for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

1. Craft the caramel pecan filling by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and cream, stirring until the mixture bubbles and thickens (approximately 3-5 minutes). Remove from heat and fold in toasted pecans, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Let the filling cool slightly.

1. Prepare chocolate ganache by heating cream until it reaches a gentle simmer. Pour hot cream over chocolate chips and let sit for 1-2 minutes. Stir until achieving a smooth, glossy consistency. Allow to cool slightly.

1. Assemble the cake by placing the first layer on a serving plate. Spread caramel pecan filling evenly across the surface. Position the second cake layer on top and generously pour chocolate ganache, allowing it to cascade down the sides.

1. Finish the cake by adorning with additional toasted pecans and optional caramel drizzle. Allow the cake to rest for 30 minutes, enabling the ganache to set before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and milk to ensure smooth, even cake batter mixing and better rise.
• Toast pecans beforehand by spreading them on a baking sheet and baking at 350F for 8-10 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor and crunch.
• Consider using coffee instead of water to intensify the chocolate cake’s rich, deep flavor profile without adding extra sweetness.
• For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain cake’s texture and structure.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 260 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg