Who can resist the delightful combination of rich chocolate, crunchy pecans, and a soft, moist cake? This Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether it's a birthday, a holiday gathering, or just because you need a sweet treat. With its blend of flavors and textures, this cake is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Ready to learn how to make this dreamy dessert? Let’s dive in!

What is a Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake?
A Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake is a delicious dessert that combines layers of moist chocolate cake with a rich pecan filling. It is typically frosted with a decadent chocolate buttercream and garnished with toasted pecans for an extra crunch. The combination of the soft cake, rich chocolate, and nutty pecans makes this cake irresistible. Whether you're a fan of chocolate, nuts, or just love a good cake, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients List for Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake
To make this cake, you'll need a variety of ingredients for the cake itself, the filling, and the frosting. Below is a comprehensive list of what you’ll need.
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Pecan Filling:
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream
For Garnish:
- ½ cup whole pecans, toasted
Substitutions and Variations
Want to switch things up a bit? Here are some substitution ideas and variations to make this Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake your own.
Substitutions:
- If you’re out of all-purpose flour, you can use cake flour for a lighter texture or even gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute almond milk or oat milk for the whole milk, and use a dairy-free butter substitute for the frosting and filling.
- Not a fan of pecans? Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts make great alternatives for the filling and garnish.
- Don’t have heavy cream on hand? Half-and-half or whole milk can be used in the pecan filling, though the texture may be slightly less rich.
Variations:
- Add a layer of caramel sauce between the cake layers for an extra decadent twist.
- For a flavor boost, try adding 1 tablespoon of instant coffee granules to the cake batter. The coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
- You can also add some dark chocolate chips into the cake batter for bursts of melty chocolate throughout the cake.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients and a few ideas for substitutions and variations, let's get started on making this heavenly Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a foolproof dessert.

For the Cake:
- Prepare the Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes, until the batter is smooth.
- Incorporate Boiling Water: Slowly stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but this is what makes the cake moist.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Pecan Filling:
- Toast the Pecans: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped pecans until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Make the Filling: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, heavy cream, and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Add Pecans: Remove from heat and stir in the toasted pecans and vanilla extract. Set aside to cool slightly.
For the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:
- Beat the Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, beating on low speed to combine.
- Add Vanilla and Cream: Stir in the vanilla extract and 3 tablespoons of heavy cream. Beat on high speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add an additional tablespoon of cream.
How to Cook Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
Assemble the Cake:
- Layer the Cake: Place one of the cooled cake layers on a serving plate. Spread half of the pecan filling evenly over the top of the cake.
- Add the Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top, and spread the remaining pecan filling on top.
- Frost the Cake: Use the chocolate buttercream to frost the sides of the cake, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Garnish: Garnish the top of the cake with the toasted whole pecans. You can also sprinkle some additional chopped pecans around the base of the cake for extra texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can result in a dense cake. Once the wet ingredients are added, mix just until everything is combined.
- Skipping the Boiling Water: The boiling water is crucial for a moist and tender cake. Don’t skip this step, as it helps to break down the cocoa powder and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Not Toasting the Pecans: Toasting the pecans brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor. It’s a step that shouldn’t be missed!
Serving and Presentation Tips
When serving this Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake, presentation can make all the difference. Here are some ideas to make your cake look as impressive as it tastes.
How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake:
- Serve the cake at room temperature to ensure the frosting is soft and the pecan filling is at its best texture.
- For an extra touch, serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Presentation Ideas for Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake:
- Drizzle some chocolate ganache over the top of the cake for an elegant finish.
- Create a border of whole or chopped pecans around the top edge of the cake.
- Use a cake turntable when frosting to ensure an even, professional finish.
Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake Recipe Tips
- Chilling the Cake: If the cake layers are too soft and delicate, you can refrigerate them for 30 minutes before frosting. This will make them easier to handle.
- Making Ahead: The cake layers can be baked a day in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature until ready to assemble.
- Leftovers: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let the cake come to room temperature before serving again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I freeze this cake? A: Yes! You can freeze the cake layers before assembling for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw the layers at room temperature before assembling and frosting.
Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free? A: Absolutely! Just use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour. Make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Q: Can I use store-bought frosting? A: If you’re in a pinch, store-bought chocolate frosting can be used. However, homemade buttercream provides the best flavor and texture.
Q: How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pans? A: Grease and flour the pans well, or use parchment paper circles in the bottom of the pans to ensure the cake comes out easily.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake is the perfect dessert for any chocolate and pecan lover. The moist chocolate cake, rich pecan filling, and decadent buttercream frosting create a dessert that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and get ready to enjoy a truly dreamy dessert!
PrintChocolate Pecan Dream Cake Recipe
This Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake recipe blends decadent chocolate with crunchy pecans for a delightful dessert. Featuring simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, it's perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
- Chocolate frosting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- In a saucepan, melt butter, cocoa, and water together. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
- Pour the chocolate mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
- Add buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Fold in chopped pecans and pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool, then frost with chocolate frosting if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor.
- Top with whipped cream or serve with vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 220mg
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