Gooey Chocolate Pecan Cake is the kind of dessert that stops conversations the moment it hits the table. Rich chocolate, buttery pecans, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture come together in one indulgent loaf that feels both luxurious and comforting. Every bite delivers deep cocoa flavor, pockets of melted chocolate, and the satisfying crunch of pecans, all wrapped in a moist, tender crumb that truly earns the word “gooey.”
This recipe is perfect for anyone searching for easy dessert recipes that feel special without being complicated. It’s a family comfort food classic with a bakery-style finish, ideal for holidays, potlucks, or cozy weekends at home. If you love simple family recipes that deliver big flavor with minimal fuss, this Gooey Chocolate Pecan Cake will quickly become a favorite in your baking rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Rich, gooey chocolate texture that stays moist for days
• Easy dessert recipe made with pantry-friendly ingredients
• Family-approved comfort food perfect for gatherings
• Budget-friendly baking option with simple steps
• Loaded with pecans and chocolate for maximum flavor
• Beginner-friendly cake recipe with impressive results
Ingredient Breakdown
Unsalted Butter – Provides richness, moisture, and that classic buttery cake flavor that forms the foundation of this dessert.
Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create a light texture when creamed with butter.
Brown Sugar – Brings moisture and a subtle caramel note that enhances the chocolate flavor and keeps the cake gooey.
Eggs – Bind the ingredients together while adding structure and richness to the cake.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances all the flavors and rounds out the chocolate beautifully.
All-Purpose Flour – Creates the structure needed for a tender yet sturdy cake that slices cleanly.
Cocoa Powder – Delivers deep chocolate flavor and that rich, dark color chocolate lovers crave.
Baking Powder – Helps the cake rise evenly for a soft, tender crumb.
Baking Soda – Works with the sour cream to create lift and a moist texture.
Salt – Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
Sour Cream – Adds tanginess and moisture, keeping the cake soft and rich without being heavy.
Chopped Pecans – Provide crunch, nuttiness, and classic Southern-style comfort food flavor.
Chocolate Chips – Create gooey pockets of melted chocolate throughout the cake.
Heavy Cream – Forms the base of the silky chocolate ganache topping.
Dark Chocolate – Melts into a smooth, glossy ganache that takes this cake to the next level.
Pro Tips
Always use room-temperature butter, eggs, and sour cream for smooth mixing and even baking.
Cream the butter and sugars thoroughly to create a light base that supports the gooey texture.
Do not overmix once the flour is added to avoid a dense cake.
Tent the cake loosely with foil if it browns too quickly during baking.
Let the cake cool slightly before adding ganache so it sets beautifully without soaking in completely.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option.
Make it gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor.
Turn it into a holiday dessert by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Serving Suggestions
This Gooey Chocolate Pecan Cake is delicious served slightly warm or at room temperature. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert, or enjoy it with coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. It works beautifully as a dinner party dessert, holiday table centerpiece, or sweet ending to a simple family meal.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
This cake is an excellent make-ahead dessert. Bake it a day in advance and store it tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to three days. Refrigerate for up to five days if topped with ganache. To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole cake securely and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature and warm slightly before serving for that fresh-baked gooey texture.
Comfort Food Inspiration
Chocolate and pecans are a classic pairing in American comfort food baking, especially in Southern-inspired desserts. This cake takes those familiar flavors and transforms them into a modern, loaf-style dessert that’s easy to make and easy to love. It captures everything people crave in family comfort food: richness, warmth, and nostalgia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen and the texture sets perfectly.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Wrap tightly and store at room temperature for short-term storage or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Can I make this recipe healthier?
You can reduce the sugar slightly or use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, though the texture may be slightly less gooey.
Can I skip the ganache?
Absolutely. The cake is delicious on its own, but the ganache adds an extra layer of indulgence.
Can I bake this in a different pan?
Yes, you can use an 8×8-inch pan or a bundt pan, adjusting the baking time as needed.
Gooey Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
- Cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and sour cream to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in chopped pecans and chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 60–70 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Heat heavy cream until just simmering. Pour over chopped dark chocolate, let sit 5 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Pour ganache over cooled cake and garnish with extra pecans.
