Heavenly Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Sweet aromas of melted chocolate pecan dream cake waft through kitchens, promising pure delight.

Nutty pecans and rich cocoa create a magical dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

Decadent layers promise indulgence beyond ordinary expectations.

Baking this cake becomes an adventure of flavor and texture.

Each slice tells a story of comfort and celebration.

Passionate bakers understand how simple ingredients can create extraordinary moments.

Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake You’ll Always Remember

• Quick Family Crowd-Pleaser: Delivers a delightful chocolate cake that satisfies everyone from kids to adults with minimal preparation effort.
• Extremely Simple Technique: Requires basic baking skills, straightforward mixing method, and no complicated steps that might intimidate beginner bakers.
• Time-Efficient Dessert: Takes only 45 minutes total from start to finish, including baking and cooling, perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings or last-minute gatherings.
• Budget-Friendly Treat: Uses common pantry ingredients like flour, cocoa, and buttermilk, making it an economical option for homemade desserts without expensive specialty items.

Ingredients To Make Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake Stand Out

• All-Purpose Flour: Basic structure for the cake, provides essential texture and stability.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with moisture retention.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep brown color.
• Baking Soda: Crucial for cake’s rising and creating light, airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
• Water: Helps blend ingredients and create smooth batter.
• Buttermilk: Provides tangy flavor and helps activate baking soda.
• Large Eggs: Binding agent that adds structure and helps cake rise.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to chocolate flavor.

• Chopped Pecans: Adds crunch, nutty flavor, and textural contrast to the cake.
• Chocolate Frosting: Optional creamy topping for extra indulgence.

How To Prepare A Perfect Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab your 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil, then dust it with a light coating of flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Whisk these dry ingredients until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 3: Create Chocolate Magic

• Butter
• Cocoa powder
• Water

Bring this delicious mixture to a rolling boil, then remove from heat immediately.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the warm chocolate mixture into the dry ingredients.

Stir until everything looks smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 5: Add Creamy Goodness

• Buttermilk
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Mix thoroughly until the batter looks silky and consistent.

Step 6: Sprinkle Pecan Crunch

Gently fold chopped pecans into the batter.

Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 30-35 minutes.

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

Step 8: Cool and Decorate

Allow the cake to cool completely.

If desired, top with rich chocolate frosting for an extra indulgent treat.

Helpful Hints For Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake Preparation

• Use exact measurements to ensure the perfect cake texture and rich chocolate flavor.
• Gently melt butter, cocoa, and water to prevent burning, stirring constantly for smooth consistency.
• Insert a toothpick at a 45-degree angle into the cake’s center; no wet batter means it’s perfectly baked.
• Chop pecans uniformly and fold gently to prevent sinking to the bottom of the cake.
• Use room temperature buttermilk and eggs to create a tender, moist cake with even baking.

Best Storage And Reheat Tips For Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping it fresh and moist in the fridge.
• If enjoying within 2 days, cover cake loosely with plastic wrap and store at room temperature.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or restore softness by placing in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
• Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

What Goes Well With Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake

• Sip Sweet Bourbon Pairing: Dark, smooth bourbon complements the rich chocolate and nutty pecan flavors, creating a luxurious tasting experience with warm caramel undertones.
• Brew Rich Coffee Match: Strong espresso or medium-dark roast coffee enhances the cake’s deep chocolate notes, cutting through the sweetness while amplifying the nutty pecan complexity.
• Serve Cold Vanilla Scoop: Creamy vanilla ice cream provides a cool, silky contrast to the warm cake, balancing the intense chocolate and adding a delightful temperature contrast.
• Enjoy Dessert Wine Choice: Late harvest Zinfandel or port wine offers a sweet, fruity accompaniment that highlights the cake’s decadent chocolate and toasted pecan profile.

Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake with Southern-Inspired Spins

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Pecan Dream: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Chocolate Nut Cake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter, and swap buttermilk with almond or coconut milk. Replace pecans with walnuts for added nutrition.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Delight: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar. Select dark cocoa powder with lower sugar content and reduce overall sweetness while maintaining rich chocolate flavor.
• Dairy-Free Chocolate Pecan Option: Use coconut oil instead of butter, replace buttermilk with coconut milk, and choose dairy-free chocolate frosting. Keep the pecan crunch for texture and nutty taste.

FAQs

• Are pecans essential to this cake recipe?

Pecans add rich nutty flavor and texture, but you can skip them if you have nut allergies or prefer a smoother cake.

• Can I substitute buttermilk if I don’t have it?

Yes, mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes to create a buttermilk substitute.

• What makes this chocolate cake different from other recipes?

The combination of boiling butter, cocoa, and water creates a uniquely smooth and moist chocolate base that ensures a rich, tender cake.

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

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

Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Rich chocolate pecan dream cake delivers pure indulgence with layers of southern comfort. Creamy frosting and nutty pecans create a luxurious dessert that promises pure bliss for chocolate enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cups (180 g) chopped pecans

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) water
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk
• 2 large eggs

Flavor and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (50 g) cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Chocolate frosting (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (175°C) and preparing the baking vessel with a light coating of butter and flour dusting.
2. Create a foundational dry mixture by whisking together the flour, granulated sweetener, leavening agent, and mineral seasoning in a spacious mixing bowl.
3. Construct a rich chocolate base by gently melting butter, cocoa powder, and liquid together in a saucepan, allowing the mixture to reach a brief rolling boil before removing from thermal source.
4. Integrate the molten chocolate essence into the dry ingredients, stirring methodically until a uniform batter emerges.
5. Enhance the mixture by incorporating tangy dairy, whisked eggs, and aromatic vanilla extract, blending thoroughly to create a smooth, consistent texture.
6. Generously fold in roughly chopped pecan fragments, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
7. Transfer the decadent mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even surface for optimal heat distribution.
8. Allow the cake to transform in the heated oven for approximately 30-35 minutes, verifying doneness by inserting a clean testing implement into the center, which should emerge without raw batter.
9. permit the baked confection to cool completely before embellishing with optional chocolate frosting for added indulgence.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent texture.
• Toast pecans lightly before adding to the batter to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch.
• Replace buttermilk with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar for a vegan version.
• Check cake doneness early to prevent overbaking, which can result in a dry texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg