If you love rich chocolate cakes, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans, this Chocolate Pecan Caramel Cake is the ultimate dessert. It features three layers of moist chocolate cake, a buttery caramel filling, and a silky chocolate ganache, topped with toasted pecans for a satisfying crunch.
This homemade chocolate caramel pecan cake is perfect for special occasions like birthdays, Thanksgiving, and holiday gatherings. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a bakery-style cake at home.
Ingredients for the Best Chocolate Pecan Caramel Cake
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee
Caramel Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
Garnish:
- 1 cup pecans, toasted
How to Make Chocolate Pecan Caramel Cake (Step by Step)
Step1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Stir in hot coffee (this enhances the chocolate flavor).
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step2: Make the Caramel Filling
- In a medium saucepan, melt sugar over medium heat, stirring continuously, until it turns amber in color.
- Stir in butter until completely melted.
- Carefully pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth.
- Remove from heat, add salt, and let it cool before spreading.
Step3: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
- Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just starts to boil.
- Pour the hot cream over chopped dark chocolate in a bowl.
- Let sit for 1-2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Allow it to cool slightly before assembling the cake.
Step4: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of caramel filling over the top.
- Repeat with the second cake layer and more caramel.
- Add the final cake layer and pour the chocolate ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Sprinkle toasted pecans over the cake for added texture and flavor.
Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Pecan Caramel Cake
Use quality cocoa powder – Dutch-processed cocoa gives a deep, rich chocolate flavor.
Let the caramel cool before spreading to prevent it from softening the cake layers.
Refrigerate the cake layers before assembling to prevent them from crumbling.
Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over low heat to bring out their natural oils and enhance their flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Pecan Caramel Cake
This cake is already rich and indulgent, but here are a few ways to take it up a notch:
- Serve with vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Pair with a cup of espresso or cappuccino for a perfect dessert experience.
- Drizzle extra caramel sauce on each slice before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fats: 22g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
Storage and Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Let the cake sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers up to 2 days in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap.
2. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, but dark chocolate provides a richer, deeper flavor. If using milk chocolate, reduce the cream in the ganache slightly.
3. How can I prevent the caramel from burning?
Keep the heat medium-low and stir constantly while the sugar melts. Remove from heat as soon as it turns amber.
4. What other nuts can I use instead of pecans?
You can substitute walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different flavor and texture.
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Decadent Chocolate Turtle Brownie Cookies – Easy Recipe
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Chili Mango Chicken Recipe – Best Dinner Ideas
Conclusion
This Chocolate Pecan Caramel Cake is a show-stopping dessert that combines moist chocolate cake, gooey caramel, and silky ganache with crunchy toasted pecans. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake is guaranteed to impress.
So what are you waiting for? Try this recipe today, and let us know how it turns out! Don’t forget to share your baking creations with us.
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Chocolate Pecan Caramel Cake – Easy Homemade Recipe
Description
If you love rich chocolate cakes, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans, this Chocolate Pecan Caramel Cake is the ultimate dessert. It features three layers of moist chocolate cake, a buttery caramel filling, and a silky chocolate ganache, topped with toasted pecans for a satisfying crunch.
This homemade chocolate caramel pecan cake is perfect for special occasions like birthdays, Thanksgiving, and holiday gatherings. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a bakery-style cake at home.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee
For the Caramel Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
For Garnish:
- 1 cup pecans, toasted
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Stir in hot coffee (this enhances the chocolate flavor).
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Filling
- In a medium saucepan, melt sugar over medium heat, stirring continuously, until it turns amber in color.
- Stir in butter until completely melted.
- Carefully pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth.
- Remove from heat, add salt, and let it cool before spreading.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
- Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just starts to boil.
- Pour the hot cream over chopped dark chocolate in a bowl.
- Let sit for 1-2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Allow it to cool slightly before assembling the cake.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of caramel filling over the top.
- Repeat with the second cake layer and more caramel.
- Add the final cake layer and pour the chocolate ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Sprinkle toasted pecans over the cake for added texture and flavor.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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Use quality cocoa powder – Dutch-processed cocoa gives a deep, rich chocolate flavor.
Let the caramel cool before spreading to prevent it from softening the cake layers.
Refrigerate the cake layers before assembling to prevent them from crumbling.
Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over low heat to bring out their natural oils and enhance their flavor.