If you’re searching for a showstopper dessert, look no further than this Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake. With its silky, chocolatey crumb and the irresistible crunch of toasted pecans, this cake is pure comfort in every slice. Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply in need of a little chocolate therapy, this dreamy treat delivers the perfect balance of rich flavors and home-baked goodness that makes everyone sneak back for “just one more” bite. Trust me, you’ll be dreaming of this chocolate pecan cake long after the last crumbs are gone!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Get excited, because the ingredients for Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake are probably already in your pantry! Each one plays a starring role: flour builds the structure, while cocoa infuses deep, chocolatey notes, and those precious toasted pecans bring sweet nuttiness that makes every bite a party.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, giving it a soft but sturdy texture perfect for holding all those pecans.
- Granulated sugar: This sweetens the cake and ensures a moist, tender crumb.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Choose a good quality cocoa for a richer, more intense chocolate experience.
- Baking soda: This helps the cake rise so it’s light instead of dense.
- Salt: Just a pinch sharpens all the other flavors, making the chocolate pop.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Melted butter imparts great moisture and a lovely, buttery depth.
- Buttermilk: The acidity of buttermilk keeps the cake wonderfully tender and adds a slight tang that complements the chocolate.
- Vanilla extract: Vanilla rounds out the flavors, making the cake taste complete and wonderfully aromatic.
- Large eggs: They add structure and richness, contributing to that dreamy texture.
- Hot water: This helps bloom the cocoa, resulting in a deeper chocolate flavor and ultra-smooth batter.
- Chopped pecans (toasted): Toasted pecans add nutty crunch and a hint of warmth; they’re what make this cake truly unforgettable.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional): For chocolate lovers, a handful of chips take things completely over the top!
How to Make Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and grab a sturdy 9×13-inch baking pan. Give it a good grease with butter or non-stick spray, making sure you get into those corners. This simple step prevents sticking and ensures your cake comes out easily later. Trust me, nothing’s sadder than losing a layer to the pan!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Blending these dry ingredients thoroughly means every square of your cake will have that irresistible, balanced flavor and soft crumb. No surprises, just chocolatey, nutty delight in every bite.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Now, pour in the melted butter, buttermilk, vanilla, and eggs. Mix until everything is just combined—no need to overmix here. The batter will already start to look rich and promising. These ingredients create a luxurious texture and add depth to all that chocolate goodness.
Step 4: Incorporate Hot Water
Slowly stir in the hot water. This might feel unusual, but hot water is key for making the cocoa “bloom,” intensifying both the flavor and color of your Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake. The batter will be quite thin at this stage, and that’s perfect—it bakes up moist and luscious.
Step 5: Fold in Pecans and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in 1 cup of the toasted, chopped pecans and the chocolate chips if you’re using them. This step weaves nutty crunch and extra chocolate throughout the cake so every slice is as decadent as the last. Hold back the remaining pecans for a gorgeous finishing touch later!
Step 6: Bake That Cake!
Pour the glossy batter into your prepared pan and use a spatula to smooth out the top. Pop it in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The aroma will make your whole house smell like a chocolatey dream!
Step 7: Cool, Garnish, and Serve
Let your cake cool completely before adding any frosting (ganache or cream cheese frosting both work wonders) or cutting into it. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup toasted pecans over the top, and get ready for serious oohs and aahs—from yourself and anyone lucky enough to share.
How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake
Garnishes
Those leftover toasted pecans are the finishing touch your Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake truly deserves. Sprinkle them generously so everyone gets a delightful crunch in every bite. If you’re feeling extra, a dollop of whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of warm chocolate ganache makes this dreamy dessert look and taste like bakery magic.
Side Dishes
This cake is so rich, you might want to balance it with something cool and creamy. Vanilla ice cream is a classic, but a scoop of coffee gelato, a bowl of fresh berries, or even a tangy crème fraîche can highlight the chocolate and pecan flavors beautifully. A cup of coffee or chilled milk isn’t a bad idea, either!
Creative Ways to Present
While a simple square of Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake is always welcome, you can take it up a notch by cutting it into elegant rectangles and stacking them for a dramatic effect. Or, use a round biscuit cutter for cute, mini cake rounds—perfect for parties! Individual mason jars with layers of cake, whipped cream, and extra pecans make an adorable grab-and-go dessert, too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If—miraculously—you have any cake left, just cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. At room temperature, it will stay fresh and moist for 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it and it’ll keep beautifully for up to 5 days. Just allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
This Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake is freezer-friendly! Simply wrap individual pieces (or the whole cake) tightly in plastic wrap and an extra layer of foil. Slip them into a zip-top bag, and you’re set for up to 2 months. Thaw slices at room temperature or gently in the fridge overnight for stress-free treats whenever the chocolate craving hits.
Reheating
Want that freshly-baked warmth? Pop a slice into the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. If you’ve frozen your cake, let it thaw fully before reheating. The cake gets delightfully soft and the chocolate chips get a little gooey again—it’s hard to resist!
FAQs
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts bring a slightly earthier flavor and pair fabulously with chocolate. If you’re in the mood for a swap or just using what’s in your pantry, go right ahead. The cake’s texture and structure will remain just as dreamy.
Do I need to toast the pecans?
Toasting the pecans truly elevates their flavor and brings out a richer, nuttier aroma. It only takes a few minutes and makes a noticeable difference, so I always recommend it for the best Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake experience.
Can I add frosting to this cake?
Definitely! This cake is delicious plain, but a layer of chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting makes it even more decadent. For special occasions, try a combination—a thick slather of frosting and a drizzle of ganache.
Is buttermilk essential, or is there a substitute?
Buttermilk adds moisture and a lovely tang, but you can easily substitute by mixing one cup of milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for five minutes, and it’ll work perfectly in your Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake.
Can I make this in advance for a party?
Yes! Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake actually tastes even better a day after baking as the flavors meld. Just bake, cool completely, cover well, and add garnishes or frosting right before serving to keep everything wonderfully fresh.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tasted a slice of Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake, you’ll understand why it’s such a treasured recipe in my kitchen. Whether you share it with loved ones or savor it all to yourself, this dessert truly delivers on its dreamy promise. Give it a try and let your chocolate-loving heart be swept away!
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Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the divine flavors of this Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake, a rich and moist dessert that combines the sweetness of chocolate with the crunch of toasted pecans. Perfect for any special occasion or holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, toasted
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in melted butter, buttermilk, vanilla, and eggs until well combined.
- Blend: Slowly stir in hot water until batter is smooth.
- Add Nuts and Chips: Fold in 1 cup of toasted pecans and chocolate chips if desired.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan, smooth the top, and bake for 35–40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow cake to cool before frosting. Top with remaining pecans.
Notes
- To toast pecans, bake at 350°F for 6–8 minutes, stirring once.
- You can frost with chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting.
- For a richer flavor, use dark cocoa powder.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
