Pumpkin Cake with Chocolate Pecan Frosting

This Pumpkin Cake with Chocolate Pecan Frosting is heaven in every bite. Spiced pumpkin cake paired with rich chocolate pecan frosting and stacked in a beautiful layer cake. So good!

5 from 2 votes

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Pumpkin Cake with Chocolate Pecan Frosting

Prep Time

20 mins

Cook Time

50 mins

Total Time

1 hr 10 mins

 

This Pumpkin Cake with Chocolate Pecan Frosting is heaven in every bite. Spiced pumpkin cake paired with rich chocolate pecan frosting and stacked in a beautiful layer cake. So good!

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Pumpkin Cake, pumpkin dessert

Servings: 12

Calories: 837 kcal

Author: Amanda Rettke

Ingredients

Pumpkin Cake

• 3 c all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp. baking soda
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp. ground cardamom
• 1/4 tsp. ground allspice
• 1 15 oz can pumpkin
• 1 1/2 c granulated sugar
• 2 tsp. grated orange zest
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/4 c vegetable oil

Chocolate Pecan Filling

• 1 c sugar
• 1/4 c water
• 1 qt heavy cream
• 1/4 c dark corn syrup
• 2 tbsp. cold unsalted butter cut into chunks
• 8 oz semisweet chocolate chopped
• 1 tbsp. McCormick vanilla extract
• pinch of salt
• 2 c pecans chopped

Chocolate Glaze

• 6 oz bittersweet chocolate chopped
• 1 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 stick unsalted butter cut into chunks
• 2 tsp. honey

Instructions

Pumpkin Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray two 9" round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, allspice, set aside.
3. In another bowl combine the pumpkin, sugar, orange zest and vanilla and beat on medium speed with hand mixer until smooth.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating until each one is incorporated. Slowly add in your vegetable oil.
5. Add the flour mixture and mix just until incorporated.
6. Divide the batter between your 2 pans and bake in the oven for about 30 minutes or until top springs back and a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let cool in pans for about 10 minutes, then on a wire rack until completely cooled.

Chocolate Pecan Filling

1. To make the filling, combine the sugar and water in a large saucepan over medium-high heat; bring to a simmer and cook, without stirring, until deep amber, about 8-10 minutes.
2. Carefully whisk in your cream continuously whisking until smooth.

3. Add the corn syrup and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, whisking occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly about 40 to 50 minutes.

4. Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter, chocolate, vanilla, and salt until smooth.

5. Let cool completely, then fold in your pecans.
6. Cover and refrigerate until firm but spreadable, about 1 hour.

To Assemble Cake

1. Cut each cake in half horizontally with a serrated knife to make 4 layers.
2. Put 1 layer on a cake stand or turntable and spread one-third of the pecan filling on top.
3. Repeat for each layer, leaving the top of the cake unfrosted.
4. Refrigerate until set, about 1 hour.

Recipe Video

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Pumpkin Cake with Chocolate Pecan Frosting

Pumpkin season is upon us.  This is one of my favorite times of the year.  As soon as the air starts to get a little cooler I officially declare it fall in my house and begin searching for my newest takes on pumpkin recipes.  My husband once told me that he didn’t “get” chocolate and pumpkin. That it just seemed a bit weird. So, of course, I made it my life’s mission to convert him to a chocolate and pumpkin cake lover. Well, I am happy to report that I have succeeded. And THIS cake is part of the reason why!  The moist layers of spiced pumpkin cake, pair perfectly with the velvety chocolate ganache glaze and crunchy pecans.

Chocolate Ganache Glaze

I have to talk about that chocolate glaze for a second. It’s a smooth and velvety chocolate ganache glaze that just puts it a little more over the top but in the tastiest of ways. Watching it drip down the sides of the cake definitely made my mouth water!  There is something to be said about the presentation of a cake.  The prettier, the tastier, right?  Well, in this case, I would have to agree! If you like ganaches, there are a few recipes you can try in addition to this one. Some use milk chocolate and others use dark or even white chocolate.

Switch up your chocolate routine and pair it with some pumpkin and pecans this year because this Pumpkin Spice Cake with Chocolate Pecan Filling is a winner.  I promise you will not be disappointed!

Looking for more Pumpkin Cake Recipes?

Ever wanted to try a REAL pumpkin cake? This recipe is unlike anything you have ever seen!  Otherwise, here are a few more for your list:

Chocolate Pumpkin Cake

Ooey Gooey Pumpkin Cake

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Photos by Tornadough Alli