Chocolate-Pecan Cake

Submitted by: Martha	Country: Canada
Category: Home/Cakes & Muffins
Quantity: 10 to 12 servings	Preparation time: 0:30 hr. Cooking time: 0:14 hr.

Ingredients

Chocolate-Pecan Cake
4	large eggs, separated	4
1/2 cup	sugar	125 mL
2/3 cup	all-purpose flour	160 mL
1/2 tsp	baking soda	3 mL
1/4 tsp	salt	1 mL
3/4 cup	ground pecans	175 mL
1/3 cup	cocoa	75 mL
1/4 cup	water	60 mL
1 tsp	vanilla extract	5 mL
1/4 cup	sugar	60 mL
1/2 cup	chopped pecans, toasted (to garnish)	125 mL
Chocolate Frosting
2/3 cup	sifted powdered sugar	160 mL
1/3 cup	cocoa	80 mL
2 cups	whipping cream	500 mL
1-1/2 tsp	vanilla extract	8 mL
Chocolate Glaze
2 tbsp	cocoa	30 mL
2 tbsp	water	30 mL
1 tbsp	butter or margarine	15 mL
1 cup	sifted powdered sugar	250 mL
1/4 tsp	vanilla extract	1 mL

Directions

Chocolate-Pecan Cake

Grease bottoms of 2 (9-in/23-cm) round cakepans. Line bottoms of pans with wax paper; grease wax paper. Set aside.

Beat egg yolks at high speed of an electric mixer; gradually add 1/2 cup sugar, beating until mixture is thick and pale. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, ground pecans and cocoa; add to yolk mixture alternately with water, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Stir in vanilla.

Beat egg whites at high speed of an electric mixer until foamy; gradually add 1/4 cup /60 mL sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Fold into batter. Pour batter into prepared pans.

Bake at 375°F/190°C for approximately 14 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes; remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks.

Chocolate Frosting

Combine sugar and cocoa; gradually stir in cream and vanilla. Beat at low speed of an electric mixer until mixture is blended; then beat at high speed until stiff peaks form.

Chocolate Glaze

Combine cocoa, water and butter in a small saucepan; cook over medium heat, stiring constantly, until mixture thickens. Remove from heat; stir in powdered sugar and vanilla.

To assemble

Split cake layers in half horizontally to make 4 layers. Place 1 layer on a serving plate; spread 1 cup Chocolate Frosting on top of layer. Repeat procedure with second and third layers and 2 additional cups frosting. Top stack with fourth cake layer. Spread remaining 1/2 cup/125 mL frosting on sides of cake; press chopped pecans into frosting. Spread Rich chocolate Glaze over top.

Chef's Note

A rich and elegant dessert to serve on special occasions.