Dreamy Chocolate Pecan Cake Recipe: Sweet Homemade Bliss
Chocolate lovers find pure bliss in this decadent chocolate pecan dream cake that melts hearts instantly.
Sweet aromas waft through kitchens, promising indulgent moments ahead.
Pecans add delightful crunch and nutty depth to every tender slice.
Rich chocolate layers create a luxurious canvas for incredible flavor combinations.
Baking enthusiasts will adore how simple ingredients transform into an extraordinary dessert experience.
Smooth ganache drizzled between moist cake layers ensures pure culinary magic happens.
You might want to clear your schedule – this cake demands full attention and appreciation.
Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake With Rich Layers
Ingredients for Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake
Cake Base Ingredients:Leavening Agents:Additional Wet Ingredients:Filling Ingredients:Ganache Ingredients:Garnish Ingredients:How to Prepare Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake
Step 1: Prepare Cake Base
Mix dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, including flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, combine sugar, eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.
Gradually blend dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring gently.
Add boiling water to create a thin, silky batter.
Pour batter into two greased 9-inch round cake pans.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30-35 minutes.
Check doneness with a toothpick.
Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
Step 2: Craft Luscious Pecan Filling
Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Add:Stir continuously until mixture thickens and becomes glossy.
Remove from heat and blend in vanilla extract.
Fold chopped pecans into the warm mixture.
Let filling cool completely before using.
Step 3: Whip Luxurious Chocolate Ganache
Warm heavy cream in a small saucepan until it barely simmers.
Pour hot cream over chocolate chips.
Let sit for 2-3 minutes.
Stir in butter until mixture becomes smooth and shiny.
Allow ganache to cool slightly.
Step 4: Assemble Magnificent Cake
Position first cake layer on serving plate.
Spread pecan filling evenly across the surface.
Carefully place second cake layer on top.
Pour chocolate ganache over the cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
Decorate with pecan halves and chocolate shavings for an elegant finish.
Tips to Perfect Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake
Flavor Variations for Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake
Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake
Storage Recommendations for Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake
FAQs
The filling combines melted butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream, creating a rich, caramel-like sauce that’s enhanced by the crunch of chopped pecans, adding depth and texture to the cake.
Yes, you can bake the cake layers in advance and store them wrapped in plastic at room temperature for up to 2 days. Prepare the filling and ganache when you’re ready to assemble the cake.
Not at all. While it looks impressive, the recipe follows straightforward steps. The key is to carefully follow each component and not overmix the cake batter.
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Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
Rich chocolate pecan dream cake blends Southern charm with indulgent dessert perfection. Pecans and chocolate create a luxurious harmony that delights senses and offers pure comfort.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Liquid and Fat Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (for filling)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for ganache)
Garnish:
- Pecan halves
- Chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the cake foundation by meticulously sifting dry ingredients in a spacious mixing vessel. Whisk together wet components in a separate bowl, creating a silky emulsion. Gradually incorporate dry mixture into wet ingredients, stirring gently until just integrated. Introduce boiling water to transform batter into a luxurious, fluid consistency.
- Carefully distribute batter into two greased 9-inch round pans, ensuring even coverage. Position in a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Validate doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should emerge pristine. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transition to cooling racks.
- Craft the pecan filling by melting butter over medium heat. Introduce brown sugar, stirring until completely dissolved. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens dramatically. Remove from heat, infuse with vanilla essence, and gently fold in chopped pecans. Let the filling cool to room temperature.
- Create chocolate ganache by heating heavy cream until it reaches a gentle simmer. Pour over chocolate chips and allow to rest for 2-3 minutes. Incorporate butter and whisk until achieving a glossy, smooth texture. Allow ganache to cool slightly.
- Assemble the cake by positioning the first layer on a elegant serving plate. Generously spread pecan filling across the surface. Carefully place second cake layer on top. Elegantly pour chocolate ganache over the cake, allowing delectable drips to cascade down the sides. Embellish with pecan halves and delicate chocolate shavings for a stunning presentation.
Notes
- Choose dark cocoa powder for richer, deeper chocolate flavor that intensifies the cake’s decadence.
- Replace dairy milk with almond or oat milk for a vegan-friendly version without compromising texture.
- Toast pecans briefly before chopping to enhance their nutty, caramel-like undertones and add extra crunch.
- Ensure all ingredients are room temperature for smoother batter and more even cake texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 386 kcal
- Sugar: 33 g
- Sodium: 168 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Amanda Bennett
Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography
Education
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.
Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling
Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.