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Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake Recipe

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This Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake is a rich and decadent dessert featuring moist chocolate cake layers, a creamy pecan filling, and a smooth chocolate ganache topping. Perfect for holiday celebrations or special occasions, this cake combines the crunch of pecans with the deep flavor of chocolate to create an unforgettable treat. It's easy to make and sure to impress!

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Chocolate Cake:
    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • ยพ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 1 ยฝ tsp baking soda
    • 1 ยฝ tsp baking powder
    • 1 tsp salt
    • 2 cups sugar
    • 3 large eggs
    • 1 cup whole milk
    • ยฝ cup vegetable oil
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 1 cup boiling water
  • For the Pecan Filling:
    • 1 cup chopped pecans
    • ยฝ cup butter, softened
    • 1 cup brown sugar
    • ยผ cup heavy cream
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • For the Chocolate Ganache:
    • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
    • ยฝ cup heavy cream
    • 1 tbsp butter
  • For Garnish:
    • Pecan halves
    • Chocolate shavings (optional)

Instructions

  1. For the Chocolate Cake:
    Preheat the oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
    In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
    In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
    Stir in the boiling water, making the batter thin. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
    Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
    Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  2. For the Pecan Filling:
    In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir until dissolved.
    Stir in the heavy cream and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and fold in chopped pecans. Let cool before using.
  3. For the Chocolate Ganache:
    Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Pour over the chocolate chips and let sit for 2-3 minutes. Add the butter and stir until smooth and glossy. Allow the ganache to cool slightly before using.
  4. Assemble the Cake:
    Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread the pecan filling over the top. Place the second layer on top and pour the chocolate ganache over the cake, letting it drip down the sides.
    Garnish with pecan halves and chocolate shavings.

Notes

  • Toast the pecans beforehand for added flavor.
  • Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes after adding the ganache to help set the topping.

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