If you’re craving a decadent dessert that combines rich chocolate, buttery pecans, and a luscious cream filling, this Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake is the perfect indulgence! This cake features moist chocolate layers with crunchy pecans, topped with a silky chocolate ganache and creamy frosting. Perfect for special occasions, holidays, or anytime you need a sweet treat, this cake is sure to wow your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Let’s dive into the full recipe for this heavenly dessert!
What Is a Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake?
A Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake is a rich, multi-layered cake made with a chocolate base and filled or topped with pecans for added texture and flavor. The cake usually includes layers of chocolate cake, pecan-studded frosting, and a luxurious chocolate ganache. The combination of the nutty crunch of pecans with the velvety chocolate is truly a dream come true for dessert lovers. This cake is perfect for those who love the balance of sweet and nutty flavors in their desserts.
Ingredients List for Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake
Chocolate Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (high-quality for better flavor)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra moisture)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for richness)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water (or hot coffee for deeper chocolate flavor)
Pecan Filling:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened (optional for a richer filling)
Chocolate Ganache Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter (for added shine and richness)
Garnish (Optional):
- Extra chopped pecans for sprinkling on top
- Whole pecans for decorating
- Chocolate shavings (optional)
Substitutions and Variations
This cake is versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences:
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to make the cake gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the milk with almond milk or coconut milk, and use dairy-free butter and cream cheese for the filling.
- Add a Crunch: You can mix in chocolate chips or toffee bits into the batter or filling for added texture.
- Flavor Twists: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or espresso powder to the batter for a Mexican chocolate twist or enhance the nuttiness by toasting the pecans before adding them to the filling.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preparing the Chocolate Cake:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Beat wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add boiling water or coffee: Slowly pour in the boiling water (or coffee), mixing until smooth. The batter will be thin but will result in a moist cake.
- Bake the cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Preparing the Pecan Filling:
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add cream cheese (optional): For an extra rich filling, beat in the softened cream cheese until well combined.
- Add vanilla and pecans: Mix in the vanilla extract and fold in the finely chopped pecans.
- Set aside: If the filling is too soft, refrigerate it for 20 minutes to firm up before spreading it between the cake layers.
3. Preparing the Chocolate Ganache:
- Heat the cream: In a small saucepan or microwave, heat the heavy cream until it begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
- Melt the chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let sit for 1-2 minutes. Stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Add butter: Stir in the butter for added richness and shine. Let the ganache cool slightly before using it to top the cake.
4. Assembling the Cake:
- Level the cakes: If your cake layers have domed tops, use a serrated knife to level them off so they stack evenly.
- Spread pecan filling: Place one layer of the cake on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of the pecan filling over the top.
- Add the second cake layer: Place the second cake layer on top of the filling.
- Pour the ganache: Pour the slightly cooled chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides.
- Decorate: Garnish the top of the cake with extra chopped pecans, whole pecans, or chocolate shavings for a beautiful presentation.
How to Cook Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Bake the chocolate cake: Prepare the chocolate cake batter by mixing the dry and wet ingredients, bake, and allow the layers to cool completely.
- Make the pecan filling: Cream butter, sugar, and cream cheese (if using), and fold in the chopped pecans.
- Prepare the ganache: Heat cream, pour over chocolate chips, and stir until smooth and glossy.
- Assemble the cake: Spread the pecan filling between the cake layers, pour ganache over the top, and garnish with extra pecans.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the batter: Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake.
- Not letting the cake cool completely: Ensure the cakes are fully cooled before frosting or the pecan filling and ganache may melt, causing the cake to become messy.
- Pouring hot ganache: Let the ganache cool slightly before pouring it over the cake. If it’s too hot, it will be too thin and may run off the cake.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake
- Room temperature: For the best flavor, serve the cake at room temperature. This will allow the frosting and ganache to soften slightly, making each bite more enjoyable.
- With ice cream: For an extra treat, serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream on the side.
Presentation Ideas for Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake
- Drizzle with extra ganache: If you have extra ganache, drizzle it decoratively over the top of the cake.
- Garnish with whole pecans: Line the edges of the cake with whole pecans for an elegant, nutty finish.
- Chocolate shavings: Use a vegetable peeler to shave chocolate over the top of the cake for added texture and beauty.
Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake Recipe Tips
- Toast the pecans: For extra flavor, toast the chopped pecans before adding them to the filling. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Make ahead: You can bake the cake layers a day in advance, wrap them in plastic wrap, and store them at room temperature. Assemble the cake on the day you plan to serve it.
- Store properly: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow refrigerated cake to come to room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this cake in advance?
A: Yes! You can bake the cake layers and make the filling a day ahead. Store the cake layers at room temperature and the filling in the refrigerator. Assemble and frost the cake on the day of serving.
Q: Can I use a different frosting?
A: Absolutely! You can replace the pecan filling with buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or a chocolate mousse for a different twist on the recipe.
Q: How can I make the cake more moist?
A: Adding a tablespoon of vegetable oil or an extra egg yolk to the batter can make the cake even more moist. Also, using buttermilk instead of regular milk adds extra moisture and richness.
Q: Can I freeze this cake?
A: Yes! You can freeze the unassembled cake layers by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container. Thaw the layers at room temperature before assembling the cake. Once assembled, the cake can also be frozen (without the ganache) for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
A: Yes! Adding chocolate chips to the batter will make the cake even more indulgent. Fold in ¾ cup of chocolate chips after combining the wet and dry ingredients.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake is a chocolate lover's dream with its moist layers, rich pecan filling, and decadent ganache. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a sweet treat to share with loved ones, this cake is sure to impress. With its beautiful presentation and unforgettable flavor, it’s bound to become a favorite in your dessert rotation. So gather your ingredients and enjoy making (and eating) this chocolate-pecan masterpiece!
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Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
The Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake is a luscious dessert that combines the richness of chocolate with the buttery crunch of pecans. Made with moist chocolate cake layers, creamy frosting, and caramelized pecans, this indulgent cake is perfect for special occasions or a satisfying weekend treat. With ingredients like cocoa powder, butter, and toasted pecans, this easy-to-follow recipe will guide you in creating a dessert that will impress your guests. Top with a drizzle of chocolate ganache for an extra layer of decadence.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Cocoa powder
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Eggs
- Whole milk
- Butter (melted)
- Vegetable oil
- Vanilla extract
- Chopped pecans (toasted)
- Brown sugar
- Heavy cream
- Powdered sugar (for frosting)
- Salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture, and mix until smooth.
- Stir in melted butter for a richer texture, then pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool.
- Prepare the pecan topping by melting brown sugar and heavy cream in a pan, then add toasted pecans.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar for the frosting, and spread it between the cake layers.
- Top with the caramelized pecan mixture and drizzle with chocolate ganache if desired.
Notes
- To enhance the chocolate flavor, add a tablespoon of espresso powder to the batter.
- Let the pecan topping cool slightly before adding it to the cake for easier handling.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 310mg
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