Dreamy Chocolate Pecan Cake Recipe: Sweet Homemade Bliss

Sweet aromas of chocolate and toasted pecans weave magic in this decadent chocolate pecan dream cake recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Every slice tells a story of rich, velvety textures and deep nutty undertones.

Pecans add a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the smooth chocolate base.

The cake emerges as a luxurious dessert that tempts even the most discerning palate.

Layers of moist chocolate embrace golden, buttery pecan pieces with elegant simplicity.

This recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary treat that sparks joy with each heavenly bite.

FAQs

• Why do I need to add boiling water to the cake batter?

The boiling water helps dissolve the cocoa powder and creates a richer, more intense chocolate flavor. It also makes the cake batter lighter and more tender, resulting in a softer cake texture.

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

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or toasted almonds. These nuts will provide a similar crunchy texture and complementary flavor to the chocolate cake.

• How can I prevent my cake layers from sticking to the pan?

Grease the cake pans thoroughly with butter or cooking spray, then dust with flour. This creates a non-stick surface that helps the cake release easily after baking.

What’s So Dreamy About Chocolate Pecan Cake

• Delight in Decadent Layers: Indulge in a rich chocolate cake with a luxurious pecan filling that creates a multi-dimensional flavor experience perfect for special celebrations.
• Master Baking Techniques: This recipe teaches essential baking skills like creating smooth cake batter, preparing homemade filling, and achieving perfect frosting consistency for home bakers.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Combines classic chocolate flavors with nutty pecan goodness, making it a universal crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults at gatherings, parties, and family events.
• Impressive Presentation: Looks professionally made with multiple layers and intricate filling, allowing home bakers to create a stunning dessert that appears much more complicated than its actual preparation process.

Ingredients for the Best Pecan Crunch

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure to the chocolate cake.
• 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 tender cake texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cake browning.
• Eggs: Provide moisture and help bind the cake ingredients together.
• Milk: Contributes to the cake's moisture and richness.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist and tender cake texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cake's flavor.
• Boiling Water: Helps create a thin, smooth cake batter.

• Brown Sugar, Butter, Heavy Cream: Form a rich and creamy caramel-like filling base.
• Pecans: Add crunch and nutty flavor to the cake's filling.

• Butter: Creates a creamy base for the chocolate frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the frosting.
• Cocoa Powder: Gives a deep chocolate flavor to the frosting.
• Milk: Helps achieve the right frosting consistency.

Bake This Dream Cake in No Time

Step 1: Whip Up Chocolate Cake Batter

Warm your oven to a cozy 350°F.

Lovingly coat two round cake pans with grease and flour.

In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine dry ingredients – flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.

Crack in eggs, pour milk, drizzle vegetable oil, and splash vanilla extract.

Blend everything until silky smooth.

Carefully stir in boiling water, creating a delightfully thin batter.

Pour the mixture into prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Let cakes cool completely.

Step 2: Craft Decadent Pecan Filling

• Brown sugar
• Butter
• Heavy cream

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture transforms into a rich, thick sauce (about 5-7 minutes).

• Chopped pecans
• Vanilla extract

Allow the filling to cool completely before spreading.

Step 3: Create Luscious Chocolate Frosting

Cream butter until fluffy.

• Powdered sugar
• Cocoa powder
• Vanilla
• Milk

Beat until the frosting becomes smooth and cloud-like.

Step 4: Construct Dreamy Cake Layers

Place first cake layer on serving plate.

Spread cooled pecan filling evenly.

Gently position second cake layer on top.

Lovingly frost entire cake with chocolate frosting.

Simple Tips for a Perfect Finish

• Spoon flour and cocoa powder into measuring cups and level off with a knife for accurate, light cake texture.
• Line cake pans with parchment paper after greasing and flouring for easy cake removal.
• Cook the filling slowly and stir constantly to avoid burning and achieve the perfect thick, glossy texture.
• Add milk gradually to chocolate frosting, adjusting for desired spreadability and preventing lumpy consistency.
• Toast pecans lightly before chopping to intensify their nutty flavor and add extra richness to the filling.

Fresh Ideas for Pecans and Add-Ons

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Pecan Cake: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Chocolate Pecan Delight: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, swap butter for coconut oil, and replace heavy cream with coconut cream.
• Nutty Alternative Cake: Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor profile and texture.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Cake: Use sugar alternatives like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining cake's rich taste.

Serving Inspiration for Pecan Cake

• Sweet Centerpiece Showcase: Position the cake on an elegant cake stand to highlight its rich chocolate layers and pecan filling, creating a stunning dessert focal point for any gathering.
• Garnish Glamour: Sprinkle extra chopped pecans around the cake's base or delicately place whole pecan halves on top to add texture and enhance the nutty flavor profile.
• Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a warm cup of coffee to complement the cake's deep chocolate and caramel-like pecan notes, elevating the entire dessert experience.
• Slice and Style: Cut generous wedges and plate individually with a light dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of caramel sauce to make each serving look professionally prepared and irresistibly tempting.

Storing Pecan Cake for Later

• Store cake covered in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Wrap individual cake slices or whole cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Keep cake at room temperature for 1-2 days if covered with a cake dome or plastic wrap. Ensure the environment is cool and dry.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds on low power. Alternatively, let cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore soft texture.

Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent chocolate pecan dream cake whisks chocolate lovers into a world of rich, nutty bliss. Layers of moist chocolate sponge and buttery pecan frosting promise pure dessert paradise for anyone craving an unforgettable sweet experience.

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Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup boiling water (or hot coffee)
• 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted)
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt

Chocolate Ganache Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or high-quality dark chocolate)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish Ingredients:

• ½ cup toasted pecan halves
• Chocolate shavings

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cake base by mixing dry ingredients including flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl at room temperature.
2. Incorporate eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract into the dry mixture, whisking until a smooth, consistent batter forms.
3. Gently fold in boiling water, creating a thin, liquid-like cake batter. The consistency will appear more watery than traditional cake batters.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and lightly flouring the surfaces to prevent sticking.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, ensuring smooth, level distribution.
6. Bake the cake layers for 30-35 minutes in the preheated oven, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean when the cakes are fully baked.
7. Remove cakes from oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack, which typically takes about 1-2 hours.
8. Create the pecan filling by combining brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens.
9. Remove the pecan filling from heat and fold in chopped pecans and vanilla extract, then let it cool to room temperature.
10. Prepare chocolate frosting by beating butter until creamy and gradually mixing in powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, and milk until smooth and fluffy.
11. Assemble the cake by placing the first cake layer on a serving plate and spreading the cooled pecan filling evenly across the surface.
12. Carefully position the second cake layer on top of the pecan filling.
13. Frost the entire cake with the prepared chocolate frosting, covering the top and sides completely and smoothly.

Notes

• Swap flour for gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour to make the cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Reduce sugar content by using natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for a lower-calorie version of this decadent dessert.
• Toast pecans before adding to the filling to enhance their nutty flavor and create a more complex taste profile.
• Consider adding a pinch of sea salt to the chocolate frosting to balance the sweetness and create a more sophisticated flavor dimension.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 437 kcal
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 190 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg