Imagine sinking your fork into a slice of pure indulgence: a Decadent Chocolate Pecan Cake that tantalizes with its rich aroma of cocoa and toasted pecans. The first bite offers a symphony of flavors and textures, blending moist chocolate cake with a luscious pecan topping and a luxurious chocolate ganache.
The foundation of this masterpiece is a tender chocolate cake, baked to perfection. As you cut through its velvety layers, the aroma of cocoa envelopes you, promising a journey of deep, satisfying chocolatey goodness. Each bite is moist yet airy, a testament to the precise balance of ingredients and baking expertise.
But what truly sets this cake apart is its topping: a generous layer of caramelized pecans nestled on top. These pecans are lovingly caramelized with brown sugar, butter, and a touch of cream, creating a sticky, sweet coating that contrasts beautifully with the cake’s cocoa richness. With every forkful, you encounter crunchy pecans that impart a delightful nuttiness and a hint of caramel undertones.
To crown this masterpiece, a smooth and glossy chocolate ganache cascades over the pecan topping. Made from premium semi-sweet chocolate and rich cream, the ganache adds a decadent finish, its velvety texture melting into the layers below. It’s not overly sweet but enhances the cake with its deep chocolate flavor, creating a harmonious blend that leaves a lingering taste of pure satisfaction.
As you savor each bite of this Decadent Chocolate Pecan Cake, you experience a symphony of flavors and textures that unfold with every mouthful. It’s a dessert that transcends ordinary cakes, offering a luxurious sensory experience that captivates chocolate enthusiasts and pecan lovers alike. Whether shared with loved ones or savored alone, this cake is an exquisite treat that turns any moment into a celebration of culinary delight.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
For the Ganache:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate, chopped
Directions:
Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a cake pan and line it with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Mix batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips.
Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the ganache: To make the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over the chopped chocolate. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth.
Decorate the cake: Drizzle the ganache over the cooled cake and let set before slicing. Garnish with additional pecans if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 75 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal per slice | Servings: 10 servings