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Gooey Chocolate Pecan Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.8 from 70 reviews
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Gooey Chocolate Pecan Cake is a decadent dessert featuring a rich, moist chocolate base loaded with crunchy pecans and melty chocolate chips. Perfectly sweet and deeply chocolatey, it offers a gooey texture that’s irresistible, ideal for special occasions or an indulgent treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup melted butter (or coconut oil)
  • 1/2 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan option)

Mix-ins & Toppings

  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • Optional: powdered sugar or whipped cream for topping


Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Set this mixture aside.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  4. Incorporate Liquids: Add the milk, vanilla extract, and eggs to the sugar and butter mixture. Whisk thoroughly until the wet ingredients are fully combined and smooth.
  5. Fold Ingredients Together: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
  6. Add Mix-ins: Fold in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
  7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool & Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream for an extra touch.

Notes

  • For a vegan option, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use a dairy-free milk and coconut oil instead of butter.
  • Do not overmix the batter to maintain a light and tender crumb.
  • If a nut-allergy is a concern, pecans can be omitted or replaced with seeds like sunflower seeds.
  • Use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips for the best flavor.
  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.