The Ultimate Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Sweet aromas of chocolate pecan dream cake waft through kitchens, promising pure indulgence.

Layers of rich, velvety texture invite you to savor every decadent bite.

Nutty pecans add unexpected crunch against silky chocolate landscapes.

Bakers seeking a showstopping dessert will find pure magic in this recipe.

Soft crumbs melt delicately on your tongue, creating moments of pure bliss.

Each slice tells a story of comfort and celebration.

You cannot resist this delightful creation that bridges classic comfort with modern elegance.

Tips For Moist And Nutty Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth batter and consistent mixing.
• Replace coffee with hot water for a milder chocolate flavor if preferred.
• Toast pecans before adding to filling for enhanced nutty depth and richer taste.
• Cool cake layers completely before assembling to prevent ganache from melting.
• Wrap cake layers in plastic wrap and refrigerate for easier handling and cleaner slicing.

Tasty Twists On Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Pecan Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free baking powder and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Chocolate Pecan Dream: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut milk instead of dairy milk, replace butter with coconut oil, and use dairy-free chocolate chips for ganache.
• Nutty Alternative Cake: Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds in the filling. Experiment with different nut combinations for a unique flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Version: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar. Replace some sugar with applesauce to maintain moisture and reduce overall sugar content.

What To Pair With Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake

• Decadent Dessert Centerpiece: Wow dinner guests by presenting this luxurious cake as the star attraction at special gatherings, creating an unforgettable sweet finale to any meal.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Slice this rich chocolate pecan cake into elegant portions, pairing perfectly with a steaming cup of coffee or hot tea for a sophisticated midday treat.
• Holiday Showstopper: Create a stunning dessert for family celebrations, bringing everyone together with its irresistible layers of chocolate, pecans, and smooth ganache.
• Gifting Luxury: Wrap individual slices in decorative packaging for a thoughtful homemade gift that shows extra care and culinary skill.

Storing Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake Properly

• Refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain its moisture and flavor.
• Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing to prevent drying out.
• Place the cake on a cake stand or plate with a dome lid for better protection in the refrigerator.
• For longer storage, freeze the cake (without ganache) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months.

FAQs

• Why is my cake batter so thin?

The thin batter is normal for this chocolate cake recipe. The addition of hot water or coffee helps create a moist, tender cake texture and enhances the chocolate flavor. Don’t worry if the batter seems runny – it will bake perfectly.

• Can I use different types of nuts in the filling?

Pecans are traditional, but you can substitute with walnuts or toasted almonds. Just make sure to chop the nuts finely to distribute evenly throughout the filling. The key is maintaining a similar texture and volume.

• How do I know when the pecan filling is ready?

The filling is done when it becomes slightly thickened and the sugars have dissolved completely. It should look smooth and have a glossy appearance, typically after 2-3 minutes of simmering. The mixture will coat the back of a spoon.

Why Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake Is So Special

• Master Complex Flavor Layers: Combines rich chocolate cake with nutty pecan filling and decadent chocolate ganache for a multi-dimensional taste experience that surprises and delights every bite.
• Celebration-Worthy Showstopper: Perfect for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or holiday gatherings where you want to impress guests with a stunning and delicious dessert centerpiece.
• Craft Like a Pro Baker: Offers a slightly challenging recipe that helps home cooks develop advanced baking skills while creating a restaurant-quality dessert that looks professionally made.
• Flexible Crowd-Pleaser: Appeals to chocolate lovers and nut enthusiasts alike, making it an ideal dessert for diverse gatherings where you want to satisfy multiple taste preferences with one incredible cake.

Ingredients For Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient 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 fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the cake.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Milk: Adds richness and helps create a smooth cake batter.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, sweet flavor to the cake.
• Hot Water, Coffee: Helps activate the cocoa and creates a more intense chocolate flavor.

• Butter: Creates a rich and creamy base for the pecan filling.
• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Provide sweetness and caramel-like depth to the filling.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, silky texture.
• Chocolate Chips: The main component of the ganache, offering a glossy chocolate topping.
• Pecans: Add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the cake filling.

How To Bake Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350F and grab two 9-inch round cake pans. Generously grease the pans to prevent any cake sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Cake Base

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

Whisk everything together until well blended.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Mix thoroughly until the batter looks smooth and inviting.

Step 4: Introduce Secret Moisture

Slowly add hot water or coffee while mixing on low speed. This will create an ultra-smooth, thin batter that promises incredible moisture.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter between your prepared pans. Slide into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

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

Step 6: Cool Down Cake Layers

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

Step 7: Craft Pecan Filling

• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar

Cook until sugars dissolve completely.

Step 8: Create Filling Magic

Stir in heavy cream and vanilla extract. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Remove from heat and fold in chopped pecans. Allow to cool.

Step 9: Whip Up Chocolate Ganache

Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until it starts to simmer. Pour over chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.

Let sit for a minute, then stir until silky smooth.

Step 10: Assemble Decadent Cake

Place first cake layer on serving plate.

Spread pecan filling evenly. Gently position second cake layer on top.

Step 11: Final Chocolate Drizzle

Pour chocolate ganache over the cake, letting it cascade beautifully down the sides.

Step 12: Serve and Savor

Wait 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Store any remaining cake in the refrigerator and enjoy within a few days.

Irresistible Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 11 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sinful chocolate pecan dream cake blends rich southern flavors with indulgent textures. Pecans and chocolate create a mouthwatering dessert that delights chocolate enthusiasts from first bite to last crumb.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Ingredients:

Dry Ingredients:

• 1.75 cups (1 3/4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 0.75 cup (3/4 cup) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 0.5 cup (1/2 cup) vegetable oil
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup hot water or brewed coffee
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Topping and Filling Ingredients:

Pecan Filling:

• 0.5 cup (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
• 0.5 cup (1/2 cup) brown sugar
• 0.25 cup (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
• 0.33 cup (1/3 cup) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1.5 cups chopped pecans

Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 0.5 cup (1/2 cup) heavy cream

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them thoroughly and preheat the oven to 350F (175C).
2. Create the chocolate cake base by whisking together dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
3. Incorporate wet ingredients by adding eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
4. Slowly stream in hot water or coffee while mixing on low speed, creating a thin, smooth batter.
5. Evenly distribute the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center.
6. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
7. For the pecan filling, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
8. Add brown and granulated sugars, cooking until completely dissolved (approximately 3 minutes).
9. Pour in heavy cream and vanilla extract, stirring continuously and simmering for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
10. Remove from heat, fold in chopped pecans, and let cool completely.
11. Prepare chocolate ganache by heating heavy cream in a small saucepan until it begins to simmer.
12. Pour hot cream over chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl, allowing to sit for 1 minute before stirring until silky smooth.
13. Let ganache cool and slightly thicken.
14. Assemble the cake by placing the first layer on a serving plate and spreading pecan filling evenly across the surface.
15. Carefully position the second cake layer on top, gently pressing down.
16. Drizzle chocolate ganache over the cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides naturally.
17. Rest the cake for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow ganache to set.
18. Refrigerate any remaining cake to maintain freshness.

Notes

• Swap vegetable oil with applesauce or mashed banana for a healthier, lower-fat version of the cake.
• Toast pecans before adding to the filling to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch.
• Use espresso or strong coffee instead of water to intensify the chocolate cake’s rich taste and depth.
• For a gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 404
• Sugar: 39 g
• Sodium: 173 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 47 mg