A decadent sheet cake featuring rich chocolate, creamy caramel, crunchy pecans, and a smooth chocolate ganache. Perfect for parties and gatherings!
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot brewed coffee
- For the Caramel Pecan Topping:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Slowly pour in the hot coffee and mix until smooth. The batter will be thin.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely.
- Make the Caramel Pecan Topping:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the brown sugar, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans.
- Pour the caramel pecan mixture over the cooled cake.
- Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:
- Place the chocolate chips in a heat-proof bowl.
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 1 minute.
- Gently whisk until smooth and glossy.
- Pour the chocolate ganache over the caramel pecan topping.
- Finish and Serve:
- Let the ganache set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
- Enjoy!