CHOCOLATE PECAN LAYER CAKE: Indulge in Decadence!
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
No reviews
Indulge in the decadence of this moist and nutty chocolate pecan layer cake, perfect for any celebration.
- Author: Caroline Jones
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup neutral oil (sunflower or vegetable)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans (plus whole pecans for topping)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (plus extra for garnish)
- For the frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk (adjust as needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
- In another large bowl, beat eggs, both sugars, oil, vanilla, and buttermilk until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, then stir in boiling water carefully. Fold in chopped pecans and coconut.
- Divide batter evenly into pans. Bake 30–35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- For frosting: beat butter and cocoa powder, then add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Beat until fluffy.
- Spread frosting between cake layers and on top. Decorate with whole pecans and a sprinkle of shredded coconut. Chill before slicing for neat layers.
Notes
- Toast pecans for 5 minutes before folding in for extra flavor.
- Sift powdered sugar for the smoothest frosting.
- Store in fridge and bring to room temp before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g