Description
This decadent chocolate pecan layer cake is rich, moist, and perfect for any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup cream cheese
- Whole pecans for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water until the batter is thin.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then remove to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the Filling: Beat the cream cheese, butter, and 2 cups of powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Prepare the Ganache: Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until just simmering. Pour over chocolate chips in a bowl, let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth. Let it cool until slightly thickened.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread the pecan filling evenly over the top. Place the second layer on top, pressing down gently. Pour the ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Garnish: Arrange whole pecans around the top edge of the cake as a garnish.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate for the best flavor.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg