Description
Chocolate Pecan Dream Cake is a decadent, moist poke cake made with a rich chocolate base soaked in sweetened condensed milk and hot fudge sauce. This luscious dessert features a creamy cream cheese and whipped topping layer, crowned with toasted pecans and optional mini chocolate chips for an added crunch and chocolate burst. Perfect for gatherings or as a make-ahead treat, this American classic combines the indulgence of chocolate with the delightful texture of nuts and creamy frosting.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Cake
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
Soaking and Topping
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 jar (12 oz) hot fudge sauce (warmed)
Cheesecake Frosting
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (thawed)
Garnish
- 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare and Bake Cake: Prepare the chocolate cake according to the package directions and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. After baking, allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Poke Holes: Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the warm cake to allow the soaking liquids to penetrate deeply.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the warm cake, ensuring it soaks into all the holes.
- Drizzle Hot Fudge Sauce: Drizzle the warmed hot fudge sauce evenly over the cake’s surface for a rich chocolate flavor. Then, let the cake cool completely.
- Make Cheesecake Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until fully combined. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping to create a light and creamy frosting.
- Spread Frosting: Evenly spread the cheesecake frosting over the cooled cake to cover the entire surface.
- Add Garnish: Sprinkle the toasted chopped pecans over the frosting. Optionally, add mini chocolate chips on top for extra texture and flavor.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow it to set and enhance the flavors before serving.
Notes
- Toasting the pecans enhances their crunch and brings out a deeper flavor.
- This cake can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator—the flavors intensify wonderfully overnight.
- Use a warm fudge sauce for easier drizzling over the cake.
- Ensure the cake cools completely before spreading the cream cheese frosting to prevent melting.
