Elegant Chocolate Cake

Name: Elegant Chocolate Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 9 servings.
Ingredients: 1 cup sugar; 3/4 cup canola oil; 3 eggs; 1/4 cup milk; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup baking cocoa; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 package (14 ounces) caramels; 1/4 cup water; 1 cup chopped pecans; Whipped cream and additional chopped pecans, optional

"My mom fixed this dressed-up chocolate cake for me when I came home from college," recalls Laura German of West Warren, Massachusetts. "Now I serve it to my family. They love the yummy pecan-packed caramel sauce."

Ingredients

1 cup sugar
3/4 cup canola oil
3 eggs
1/4 cup milk
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup baking cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 package (14 ounces) caramels
1/4 cup water
1 cup chopped pecans
Whipped cream and additional chopped pecans, optional

Directions

In a large bowl, beat the sugar, oil, eggs and milk. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt; gradually add to egg mixture until well blended. Stir in vanilla.
Pour into a greased 8-in. square baking pan. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
Meanwhile, in a heavy small saucepan, combine caramels and water. Cook and stir over low heat until smooth. Add pecans. Cool slightly. Cut the cake into squares; drizzle with warm caramel sauce. Top with whipped cream and pecans if desired.