Heavenly Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Decadent and rich chocolate pecan dream cake brings pure dessert magic to your table.

Layers of moist chocolate dance with crunchy pecans in every single bite.

This indulgent treat promises to melt hearts and spark joy at any gathering.

Southern bakers have long treasured this luxurious recipe passed through generations.

Pecans add a delightful nutty crunch that perfectly complements the deep chocolate flavor.

Each slice promises a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave everyone wanting more.

You’ll fall in love with this irresistible cake that transforms an ordinary dessert into an extraordinary experience.

Ingredients Used in Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor to the cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and creates a tender crumb.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake soft and moist.
• Large Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the cake's flavor.

• Pecans, Chocolate Chips: Add crunch, richness, and extra flavor to the cake.
• Brown Sugar, Butter, Heavy Cream: Create a decadent, sticky pecan topping.

How to Bake Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven and Get the Pan Ready

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350F (175C). Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and give it a loving coat of grease and flour to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create the Dry Ingredient Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Make sure everything is well combined and looks like a chocolatey dream.

Step 3: Bring the Wet Ingredients to Life

• Buttermilk
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Blend until smooth and silky.

Step 4: Marry the Ingredients

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined – don’t overmix!

• Chopped pecans
• Chocolate chips

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter to your prepared pan. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes.

The cake is ready when a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 6: Craft the Decadent Pecan Topping

• Melted butter
• Brown sugar
• Heavy cream

Stir until sugar dissolves completely.

Remove from heat and mix in chopped pecans.

Step 7: Final Touches

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely. Drizzle the pecan topping generously, then finish with a cascade of melted chocolate chips.

Good Details for Pecan Dream Cake Success

• Use standard measuring cups and spoons to ensure accurate proportions, which are crucial for the cake's texture and taste.
• Toss chocolate chips and pecans in a small amount of flour before adding to the batter to help them stay evenly distributed and prevent sinking.
• Insert a toothpick at an angle near the cake's center, ensuring it comes out clean or with minimal crumbs to avoid underbaking.
• Let the cake cool completely before adding toppings to maintain the ideal cake consistency and prevent sogginess.
• Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet before chopping to intensify their nutty flavor and add depth to the cake's overall taste.

Variations You Can Try on Pecan Dream Cake

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Pecan Dream: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Chocolate Nut Cake: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut milk instead of buttermilk, and select dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Pecan Option: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use sugar-free chocolate chips for diabetic-friendly recipe.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Remove pecans completely and replace with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for those with nut allergies.

Drinks to Enjoy With Dream Cake Dessert

• Pair with Bold Bourbon: Sip a rich, smooth bourbon like Woodford Reserve that complements the chocolate's deep flavor and matches the cake's nutty pecan undertones.
• Create Coffee Companion: Brew a dark roast Colombian coffee with hints of chocolate and caramel to enhance the cake's sweet complexity and provide a warm, robust contrast.
• Elevate with Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cake, allowing the cold creaminess to balance the warm, decadent chocolate and pecan textures.
• Match with Sweet Port Wine: Select a ruby port with rich berry notes that will harmonize with the cake's chocolate depth and provide a luxurious dessert wine experience.

Best Ways to Store Chocolate Pecan Cake

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
• Slice the cake, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
• Keep covered at room temperature for 2-3 days in a sealed container, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or place in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore softness and enhance flavor.

FAQs

• Why use buttermilk in this cake recipe?

Buttermilk helps create a tender, moist texture and adds a subtle tangy flavor that enhances the chocolate taste while ensuring the cake remains soft and light.

• Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work great as alternatives and will provide a similar crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the cake.

• How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake – if it comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. Avoid overbaking to maintain moisture.

Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake That Never Disappoints

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• Savor Rich Flavor Combinations: Enjoy the delightful blend of creamy cheese, fresh dill, and tender salmon that creates a mouthwatering experience in every single bite.

Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent chocolate pecan dream cake blends rich cocoa with nutty crunch, creating a dessert that whispers Southern comfort. Delicate layers promise a luxurious journey through classic baking traditions you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon (3 grams) salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract

Mix-in Ingredients:

• 1 cup (100 grams) chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup (85 grams) chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by generously coating with grease and flour to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the dry ingredients, ensuring an even distribution of flour, sugar, cocoa powder, leavening agents, and salt.
3. Create a separate mixture of liquid components, blending buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-incorporated.
4. Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed. Carefully fold in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips to distribute evenly throughout the batter.
5. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it uniformly. Bake for 55-60 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean when the cake is fully baked.
6. While the cake is in the oven, prepare the topping by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth.
7. Remove the topping from heat and incorporate the chopped pecans, creating a rich and nutty glaze.
8. Allow the baked cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
9. Once cooled, drizzle the pecan topping generously over the cake’s surface, then finish by melting additional chocolate chips and creating an elegant chocolate drizzle on top.

Notes

• Enhance moisture by using room temperature ingredients, ensuring smooth batter integration and even cake texture.
• Prevent chocolate chips and pecans from sinking by lightly coating them in flour before folding into the batter.
• Adjust oven temperature slightly lower if using dark metal pan to avoid over-browning and maintain cake’s delicate crumb.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free blend, maintaining similar measurement ratios.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 345 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg