Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering journey that will transform your ordinary dessert experience into an extraordinary culinary adventure! This Chocolate Pecan Fudge Cake is not just a recipe—it's a luxurious escape into chocolatey bliss that promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning dessert lovers. With its rich, moist chocolate layers, crunchy pecans, and irresistible fudge frosting, this cake is the ultimate indulgence that will make you the star of any gathering.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- Fudge frosting for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure no lumps remain.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans gently, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Divide the batter equally between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Once cooled, prepare the fudge frosting and generously spread between layers and over the entire cake.
- Garnish the top and sides with additional chopped pecans for extra texture and visual appeal.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the frosting to set and flavors to meld.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients, especially butter, eggs, and buttermilk, are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to keep the cake tender and prevent a tough crumb.
- Check Cake Doneness: Use the toothpick test—insert it into the center, and if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the fudge from melting and sliding off.
- Enhance Pecan Flavor: Lightly toast the pecans before chopping to intensify their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the cake.
- Frosting Technique: For a professional look, use an offset spatula to spread the fudge frosting evenly and create smooth sides.
- Make Ahead: This cake actually tastes better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance for events or gatherings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
