Dreamy Chocolate Pecan Cake Recipe: A Sweet Symphony in Every Bite

Sweet dreams come alive with this decadent chocolate pecan dream cake that melts hearts instantly.

Luxurious layers of rich chocolate promise an unforgettable dessert experience.

Pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty complexity to every magical bite.

Indulgent yet surprisingly simple, this recipe brings professional bakery magic right into your kitchen.

Chocolate and pecans dance together in a symphony of flavor that feels both comforting and elegant.

Deep cocoa notes intertwine with toasted pecans, creating a dessert that whispers pure indulgence.

Bake this cake and watch smiles bloom around your table – pure deliciousness awaits you.

Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake Recipe Highlights

• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or special celebrations, this rich chocolate cake with nutty pecans appeals to both kids and adults with its irresistible flavor combination.
• Customize Your Creation: The recipe allows flexible decorating options, letting you personalize the cake with different frosting styles or additional pecan garnishes to match your taste and occasion.
• Quick Baking Adventure: With simple ingredients and minimal preparation steps, this cake delivers maximum deliciousness without demanding extensive kitchen skills or complicated techniques.

Ingredients for Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: The base that provides structure for the cake's delicate texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Unsweetened 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 leavening and balances the acidity in the recipe.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Milk: Provides moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Eggs: Contribute to the cake's structure and help with binding.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the chocolate flavor.
• Boiling Water: Helps to bloom the cocoa powder and create a smooth, thin batter.

• Pecans: Bring a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the chocolate cake.
• Chocolate Buttercream: Serves as a rich and creamy frosting to complement the cake.

How to Prepare Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn your oven to 350F and get two cake pans ready by coating them with a light layer of cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Create the Dry Mixture

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine all dry ingredients – flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Whisk them together until perfectly blended.

Step 3: Introduce Wet Ingredients

Pour in milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.

Blend everything until the mixture looks smooth and silky.

Step 4: Add Magical Liquid

Slowly pour in boiling water and mix gently.

Your batter will become super thin – this is exactly what you want!

Step 5: Sprinkle Nutty Goodness

Fold chopped pecans into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.

Step 6: Fill the Pans

Divide the chocolate pecan batter between your two prepared cake pans, making sure they’re equally filled.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

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

Step 8: Cool Down

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

Step 9: Decorate and Serve

Frost with rich chocolate buttercream and sprinkle extra pecans on top for a stunning finish.

Pro Tips for Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake

• Mix chopped pecans delicately to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking.
• The thin batter ensures a super moist cake, so don't be alarmed by its runny consistency when mixing.
• Use room temperature eggs and milk for smoother batter integration and more even cake texture.
• Insert the toothpick at the cake's center; if it comes out clean with minimal crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked.
• Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its rich, soft texture.

Variations for Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Pecan Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Chocolate Nut Cake: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and coconut oil instead of regular oil.
• Nutty Alternative Cake: Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile and texture.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Cake: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, and dark cocoa powder to reduce overall sweetness.

Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake

• Nutty Chocolate Haven: Sprinkle additional chopped pecans around the cake's edges for a crunchy, elegant border that adds texture and visual appeal.
• Southern Comfort Twist: Serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, allowing the cool creaminess to complement the rich chocolate and pecan flavors.
• Decadent Coffee Pairing: Accompany the cake with a warm espresso or dark roast coffee, which enhances the deep chocolate notes and provides a sophisticated dessert experience.
• Rustic Dessert Presentation: Dust the top lightly with powdered sugar and place whole pecans strategically on cake slices for a homemade, inviting aesthetic that feels warm and welcoming.

Storage Advice for Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake

• Store cake covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep in the coolest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Wrap completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Place single slices on parchment paper, wrap in plastic, then store in freezer bag. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.
• Warm refrigerated cake slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. For frozen slices, thaw first, then warm gently to prevent drying out.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work great as substitutes and will add a similar crunchy texture to the cake.

• Is this cake suitable for beginners?

Yes, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it perfect for home bakers with basic skills and minimal baking experience.

• Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to create a gluten-free version of this delicious chocolate pecan cake.

• How can I prevent my cake from becoming dry?

Avoid overbaking and be sure to mix the batter just until combined. The boiling water helps keep the cake moist, so follow the recipe closely to ensure a tender crumb.

Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Chocolate pecan dream cake brings southern charm to dessert tables with rich, indulgent layers. Pecans and chocolate create a luxurious harmony, promising delightful moments you’ll savor with each delectable slice.

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Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 g) sugar
• 1/2 cup (50 g) cocoa powder

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (180 ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup (100 g) pecans, chopped
• 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water

Frosting:

• Chocolate buttercream or preferred frosting type

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Instructions

1. Prepare oven at 350F (175C) and thoroughly coat two 9-inch cake pans with grease to prevent sticking.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, whisking flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
3. Incorporate wet ingredients by adding milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla, stirring until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
4. Gradually introduce boiling water, gently mixing until the batter becomes uniformly thin and glossy.
5. Gently fold chopped pecans throughout the batter, ensuring even distribution of nuts.
6. Carefully pour the batter into prepared pans, dividing equally to promote consistent baking.
7. Place in preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should emerge clean when inserted into cake’s center.
8. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then delicately transfer to a wire cooling rack to reach room temperature.
9. Complete the cake by applying a luscious chocolate buttercream frosting and optionally garnishing with additional toasted pecans for enhanced texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Swap milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version that’s equally rich and delicious.
• Ensure boiling water is added gradually to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, silky batter texture.
• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the cake’s overall profile.
• Use room temperature eggs and milk for better ingredient integration and a more consistent cake crumb.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg