Chocolate Pecan Loaf Cake with Caramel Drizzle

Chocolate Pecan Loaf Cake with Caramel Drizzle

Ingredients:

• For the Cake:
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• For the Caramel Drizzle:
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt
• For Garnish:
  • Whole pecans

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   • In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
4. Combine with Dry Ingredients:
   • Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Fold in chopped pecans and chocolate chips.
5. Bake the Cake:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Prepare Caramel Drizzle:
   • In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Let cool slightly until thick but pourable.
7. Assemble and Garnish:
   • Drizzle the warm caramel over the cooled cake.
   • Arrange whole pecans on top of the caramel for a decorative touch.
8. Serve:
   • Slice and serve the cake once the caramel has set slightly.

This cake combines the deep flavors of chocolate and pecans with the sweet richness of caramel, creating a deliciously decadent dessert that’s sure to impress. Enjoy baking and indulging in this sweet treat!