Indulging in a slice of dessert can often feel like a comforting hug, and what better dessert to embrace than a gooey chocolate pecan cake? This recipe is a show-stopping blend of rich chocolate flavor and the delightful crunch of pecans, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a gathering, or just want to spoil yourself, this cake combines simplicity with decadence, ensuring that you’ll impress family and friends alike. Plus, it’s incredibly straightforward to whip up, allowing even novice bakers to feel like pros in the kitchen!
Chocolate lovers will appreciate the depth of flavor provided by both cocoa powder and dark chocolate, while the addition of sour cream creates an incredibly moist texture that melts in your mouth. The crunchy pecans offer a superb contrast to the creamy chocolate, adding a little bit of earthiness to this sweet delight. The gooey chocolate pecan cake isn’t just about taste; it’s also about the aromas that waft through your kitchen as you bake, evoking feelings of nostalgia and comfort. So roll up your sleeves and prepare to create a treat that will undoubtedly become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Gooey Chocolate Pecan Cake
- Rich Chocolate Flavor: The combination of cocoa powder and dark chocolate delivers an intense chocolate experience.
- Gooey & Moist: The addition of sour cream ensures that the cake remains moist and gooey, with each bite bursting with flavor.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these ingredients on hand, making it an easy recipe to follow!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a Wednesday, this cake is suitable for any celebration.
- Textural Contrast: The crunchy pecans in the cake and as a topping create a delightful contrast to the soft chocolate.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you dive into the world of cake baking, it’s important to set up your kitchen to ensure a smooth process. Start by gathering all your ingredients: unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sour cream, pecans, chocolate chips, heavy cream, and dark chocolate. Having everything at your fingertips will make for a more enjoyable baking experience.
You’ll also need a few essential tools: a large mixing bowl for creaming the ingredients, a separate bowl for your dry ingredients, a whisk, a spatula for folding in the pecans and chocolate chips, and a loaf pan for baking your cake. Parchment paper can be a handy addition for lining the loaf pan to ensure easy removal of the cake once it’s baked.
Make sure to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease the loaf pan before starting to mix. These preliminary steps save time and help prevent any baking mishaps along the way. Once your ingredients and tools are prepared, you’re ready to create a masterpiece!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate, chopped
- Extra pecans for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare to Bake
Begin your baking journey by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a loaf pan. This preliminary step is crucial, as it ensures that the cake releases cleanly and doesn’t stick to the pan post-baking.
Step 2: Create the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Doing this until the mixture becomes light and fluffy ensures that air is incorporated, giving your cake a lovely rise. Next, add the eggs one by one—beating thoroughly after each addition—and mix in the aromatic vanilla extract. This step adds moisture as well as flavor, setting the stage for a rich cake.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter, contributing to an even rise and texture throughout the cake.
Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet batter, alternating it with the sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients to create a harmonious blend. Mix until just combined—overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
Step 5: Fold in the Goodness
Now, it’s time to fold in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips gently into the batter. This adds delightful pockets of texture and flavor that will make every bite even more scrumptious.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the luscious batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 60-70 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Remember that every oven is different, so keep an eye on it after the 50-minute mark!
Step 7: Cool and Prepare Ganache
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, for the decadent ganache, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat just until it simmers. Remove from the heat and add the chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, then stir until you have a smooth, glossy mixture.
Step 8: Ganache and Serve
Once the cake is fully cooled, pour the chocolate ganache over the top, allowing it to drizzle down the sides. Feel free to sprinkle some extra pecans on top for decoration and added crunch!
Variations
- Protein: Add some cooked and crumbled bacon or turkey bacon for a sweet and savory twist.
- Vegetables: Incorporate shredded zucchini or carrots for added moisture and nutritional value.
- Spices: Enhance flavor by incorporating a hint of cinnamon or espresso powder to deepen the chocolatey goodness.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure that all your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing; this leads to a better texture.
- Keep an eye on your cake during the last few minutes of baking, as ovens can vary in temperature and cooking times.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of flavors.
- Pair with fresh berries and whipped cream for a beautiful presentation.
Tips
- Use high-quality chocolate for the ganache for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Experiment with different types of nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for a unique twist.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 450 per slice
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 200mg
FAQs
What can I use instead of sour cream?
You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or crème fraîche for similar consistency and tanginess.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
How do I store leftover chocolate pecan cake?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
Conclusion
In closing, the gooey chocolate pecan cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience filled with rich flavors and delightful textures. Whether you’re savoring it alone with a cup of coffee or sharing it with loved ones during special occasions, every slice promises to enchant your taste buds. Don’t forget to play around with different variations and toppings to make this cake uniquely yours! We would love to hear how your baking adventure goes, so make sure to leave your comments and share any delightful tweaks you might try. Happy baking!
Print
Gooey Chocolate Pecan Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This gooey chocolate pecan cake is rich, moist, and topped with a luscious ganache for an indulgent treat!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate, chopped
- Extra pecans for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare to Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- Create the Batter: Cream together butter and sugars, add eggs and vanilla.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Blend Wet and Dry: Incorporate dry mixture into batter with sour cream.
- Fold in the Goodness: Gently fold in pecans and chocolate chips.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan and bake for 60-70 minutes.
- Cool and Prepare Ganache: Cool the cake and make ganache with cream and dark chocolate.
- Ganache and Serve: Pour ganache over cooled cake and garnish with pecans.
Notes
Use high-quality chocolate for ganache for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Protein: 6 g