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
Scale
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