Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Impressive Yet Easy: Despite its stunning appearance, this cake is surprisingly simple to make.
- Rich and Decadent: Layers of chocolate, caramel, and pecans make this cake a show-stopper.
- Crunchy and Gooey: The perfect texture combination of soft cake, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans.
Tools You’ll Need
- Offset spatula
- 2 (9-inch) round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Cooling rack
Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert with this Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake. Featuring layers of rich chocolate cake, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans, this cake is as decadent as it gets. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or when you just want to treat yourself, this dessert will be a hit with everyone who tries it!
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Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water or hot coffee (for extra richness)
For the Filling:
- 1 ½ cups caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3–4 tablespoons heavy cream (adjust for consistency)
For the Garnish:
- ½ cup whole pecans
- ½ cup caramel drizzle
- Chocolate shavings or sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease the cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until well combined.
- Slowly stir in the hot water or coffee. The batter will be thin—this is normal!
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Frosting
8. Beat the softened butter in a bowl until creamy.
9. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing well.
10. Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
11. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the caramel sauce evenly over the top.
12. Sprinkle half of the chopped pecans over the caramel.
13. Add the second cake layer on top and repeat with the remaining caramel sauce and pecans.
Step 4: Frost the Cake
14. Spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
15. Decorate the cake with whole pecans around the edges and drizzle with caramel. Add chocolate shavings or sprinkles if desired.
16. Slice and serve!
Notes
- Use Fresh Pecans: Toast them lightly for an even nuttier flavor.
- Make Ahead: Bake the cake layers a day in advance and frost just before serving.
- Homemade Caramel: If you have time, homemade caramel sauce takes this cake to the next level.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Storage Instructions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use a boxed cake mix?
A: Yes! A chocolate boxed mix works in a pinch—just prepare according to the package instructions and add your own toppings.
Q2: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
Q3: Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
A: Absolutely! Stir in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips for extra chocolatey goodness.
Conclusion: A Slice of Heaven!
This Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake is the perfect dessert for chocolate and pecan lovers alike. Rich, decadent, and bursting with flavor, it’s a treat that’s guaranteed to impress.
Did you make this recipe? Share your photos and feedback—we’d love to see your creations!
Nutritional Information (per slice):
Calories: 450
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 3g
Enjoy every heavenly bite of this dreamy cake—you’ve earned it!
