Gooey Chocolate Pecan Cake

Short Description

Gooey Chocolate Pecan Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers, featuring a rich, fudgy texture with a delightful crunch from toasted pecans. This decadent treat combines the deep flavors of cocoa and vanilla with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth consistency. Perfect for special occasions or as an indulgent everyday delight, this cake is easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and indulgent – A dense, gooey chocolate cake with an irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Perfect crunch – Chopped pecans add a delightful contrast to the fudgy cake.
• Easy to make – Requires simple ingredients and straightforward preparation steps.
• Versatile – Can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
• Great for gatherings – A crowd-pleaser that works well for parties, holidays, or family dinners.
• Customizable – Adapt it to your taste with different toppings or mix-ins.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Whole milk
• Chopped pecans
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Powdered sugar (for garnish, optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, then set it aside to cool slightly.
3. Whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
4. Add vanilla extract and melted butter to the sugar mixture, stirring until fully incorporated.
5. Combine dry ingredients – In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
6. Incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture gradually, alternating with the whole milk until a smooth batter forms.
7. Fold in pecans and chocolate chips to distribute evenly throughout the batter.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
9. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the edges are set but the center remains slightly gooey.
10. Let the cake cool for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing.
11. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm or at room temperature.

Variations

• Nut-free version – Omit the pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds for a crunch without nuts.
• Extra gooey – Reduce the baking time by 5 minutes for an even softer center.
• Espresso kick – Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
• Different nuts – Swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts.
• Double chocolate – Use dark chocolate chunks for a richer flavor.
• Caramel drizzle – Top with caramel sauce for an extra layer of indulgence.

Servings and Timing

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 30–35 minutes
• Total time: 45–50 minutes
• Servings: 8–10 slices

Storage/Reheating

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds before serving.
• Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave before serving.

FAQs

How do I make this cake even gooier?

Reduce the baking time slightly or add an extra egg for a richer texture.

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Yes, you can use dark, milk, or white chocolate chips depending on your preference.

What size baking dish should I use?

An 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish works well for this recipe.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The edges should be set, but the center should still be slightly soft and gooey.

Can I add frosting?

Yes, a chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with this cake.

Should I toast the pecans before adding them?

Toasting pecans enhances their flavor, but it is optional.

Can I use a different type of sugar?

You can replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute if needed.

Is this cake best served warm or cold?

It is delicious both ways, but serving warm enhances the gooey texture.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance and reheat it before serving.

Conclusion

Gooey Chocolate Pecan Cake is the perfect combination of rich chocolate flavor and crunchy pecans, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoy it with a cup of coffee, this indulgent dessert is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Try it today and delight in every gooey, chocolatey bite!

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