Description
Experience the ultimate indulgence with this Gooey Chocolate Pecan Cake, featuring a luscious melt-in-your-mouth chocolate center perfectly balanced by the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans. Simple to make with pantry staples, this versatile dessert is ideal for any occasion — from cozy nights in to festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (or gluten-free baking blend for gluten-free option)
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, softened (or coconut oil for vegan/dairy-free)
- 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 Large Eggs (or flax eggs for vegan adaptation)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Add-Ins
- 1 cup Chopped Pecans, toasted
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly toast the pecans in a dry skillet until aromatic, then chop them coarsely. Gather all other ingredients for a smooth workflow.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and chocolate flavor.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, incorporating air to achieve a tender crumb and glossy top.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat the eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, then stir in the vanilla extract. This binds ingredients together and enhances the chocolate aroma.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid toughening the cake.
- Fold in Pecans: Gently fold the toasted pecans evenly into the batter to distribute the nutty crunch throughout.
- Bake: Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined cake pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are set but the center remains slightly gooey. Let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use Quality Cocoa: High-quality unsweetened cocoa powder enhances flavor intensity and richness.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove from oven when the center jiggles slightly to maintain the gooey texture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth batter and consistent texture.
- Toast Pecans: Toast nuts before adding to bring out deeper flavors and crunch.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the cake to cool slightly so the gooey center sets just enough while remaining luscious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: gooey chocolate pecan cake, chocolate cake, pecan dessert, easy chocolate cake, gluten-free chocolate cake, vegan chocolate cake option, holiday dessert, nutty chocolate cake