Decadent Chocolate Dream Cake
Indulge in the ultimate chocolate experience with our Decadent Chocolate Dream Cake! This cake boasts layers of ultra-moist, rich chocolate that melt in your mouth, making it a true delight for chocolate enthusiasts. With the added crunch of pecans and the creaminess of chocolate and peanut butter morsels, this cake is an explosion of flavors and textures in every bite. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply to satisfy your chocolate cravings, this cake is quick and easy to prepare, ensuring that you can whip up this family's favorite dessert in no time.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Devil's food cake mix
1 (18 ounce) box (Choose your favorite brand, Pillsbury recommended.)
Eggs
3 (As required by the cake mix instructions.)
Oil
1/3 cup (Use vegetable or canola oil.)
Water
1 1/3 cups (Use as directed by the cake mix instructions.)
Instant chocolate pudding mix
1 (3 1/2 ounce) box (Add to the cake batter.)
Crushed pecans
1 cup (Chop pecans to desired size.)
Nestle milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup (Use semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips.)
Nestle peanut butter morsels
1/2 cup (Add to the batter.)
Pillsbury milk chocolate frosting
1 (16 ounce) container (Ready to spread.)
Extra chocolate chips
As needed (For topping.)
Pecans
As needed (For topping.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the devil's food cake mix, eggs, oil, and water as directed on the box.
3
Add the instant chocolate pudding mix and mix well until thoroughly combined.
4
Gently fold in the crushed pecans, milk chocolate chips, and peanut butter morsels into the batter with a spatula or electric mixer on low speed.
5
Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans before pouring the batter evenly into the pans.
6
Bake the cakes as directed on the box, testing for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center. If it comes out clean, the cakes are done.
7
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8
Once cooled, place one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous layer of milk chocolate frosting on top, then sprinkle with extra chocolate chips and pecans.
9
Place the second layer on top and repeat the frosting and topping process on the second layer.
10
Frost the sides of the cake, covering it with a smooth layer of frosting.
11
For added decoration, sprinkle more chocolate chips and pecans on the top of the cake.
12
Slice, serve, and enjoy the heavenly flavors of this Decadent Chocolate Dream Cake!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Decadent Chocolate Dream Cake?
The Decadent Chocolate Dream Cake is a rich, moist chocolate cake featuring layers of chocolate, crushed pecans, and peanut butter morsels, topped with milk chocolate frosting.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
How long does it take to make this cake?
This recipe is categorized as taking less than 60 minutes to prepare.
What type of cake mix is required?
The recipe calls for one 18-ounce box of devil's food cake mix.
Which brand of cake mix is recommended?
While you can use your favorite brand, Pillsbury is specifically recommended for this recipe.
How many eggs are needed for the batter?
You will need 3 eggs, as directed by the cake mix instructions.
What kind of oil should I use for the cake?
You should use 1/3 cup of vegetable or canola oil.
How much water is added to the mix?
The recipe requires 1 1/3 cups of water.
Why is instant chocolate pudding mix added to the batter?
Adding one 3.5-ounce box of instant chocolate pudding mix helps make the cake extra moist and rich.
What kind of nuts are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of crushed pecans in the batter, plus extra for the topping.
What type of chocolate chips are used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of Nestle milk chocolate chips (or semi-sweet) in the batter, plus extra for the topping.
Are there peanut butter morsels in this cake?
Yes, 1/2 cup of Nestle peanut butter morsels are folded into the batter for added flavor.
What size cake pans should I use?
You should use two 8-inch round cake pans.
How should I prepare the cake pans before baking?
The pans should be greased and floured before pouring in the batter.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven according to the specific instructions provided on the devil's food cake mix box.
How do I know when the cakes are finished baking?
The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How long should the cakes cool in the pans?
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
What type of frosting is recommended?
The recipe suggests using one 16-ounce container of Pillsbury milk chocolate frosting.
How do I assemble the layers of the cake?
Place one layer on a platter, spread frosting on top, sprinkle with chips and pecans, then place the second layer on top and repeat.
Do I need to frost the sides of the cake?
Yes, the instructions recommend frosting the sides of the cake with a smooth layer of frosting.
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
While pecans are recommended for the 'Dream Cake' flavor profile, you could substitute them with walnuts or omit them if necessary.
Is this cake suitable for a birthday?
Yes, this is an excellent choice for a birthday cake or any special celebration.
How do I fold ingredients into the batter?
Use a spatula or an electric mixer on low speed to gently combine the pecans, chocolate chips, and peanut butter morsels into the batter.
Can I use semi-sweet chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate?
Yes, the recipe notes that you can use either semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips.
What makes this cake 'decadent'?
Its decadence comes from the combination of devil's food cake, chocolate pudding mix, chocolate chips, and peanut butter morsels.
Should I use instant or cook-and-serve pudding?
The recipe specifically calls for instant chocolate pudding mix.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, because it uses a box mix and ready-to-spread frosting, it is considered a quick and easy recipe.
What extra items are needed for the top of the cake?
You will need extra chocolate chips and pecans as needed to decorate the top of the cake.
Can I use a different flavor of frosting?
While milk chocolate is suggested, you could use dark chocolate or peanut butter frosting for a different flavor profile.
How should the pecans be prepared for the batter?
The pecans should be crushed or chopped to your desired size before being added to the batter.