German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake: A Rich Twist on a Classic Dessert

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This German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake is a delectable fusion of rich chocolate and crunchy pecans, ideal for any afternoon gathering or as a luxurious dessert. With its smooth texture and enchanting flavor, this cake is perfect for impressing guests at your next party. Plus, the secret lies in the melt-in-your-mouth pecans that elevate this cake to new heights!

Recipe at a Glance

Best for	Parties, gatherings, or dessert indulgence
Difficulty	Moderate
Total time	About 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings	10-12 slices
Key tip	Let the cake cool completely for the best texture
Smart swap	Use dark chocolate for a richer flavor

What Ingredients Make this Cake Unforgettable?

When it comes to baking a German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake, the blend of rich chocolate and buttery pecans truly makes it shine. This cake features unsalted butter that contributes a velvety texture and a slight sweetness, while buttermilk adds moisture and a tangy depth of flavor. The semi-sweet chocolate not only adds richness but also a delightful chocolaty flavor that everyone loves. You can swap out the pecans for walnuts if you prefer, but keep in mind that pecans lend a uniquely buttery flavor.

Ingredient	Quantity
Unsalted butter	1 cup
Granulated sugar	2 cups
Large eggs	4
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
All-purpose flour	3 cups
Baking powder	1 teaspoon
Salt	1 teaspoon
Buttermilk	1 cup
Semi-sweet chocolate (melted)	1 cup
Chopped pecans	1 cup

Equipment Essentials for Success

• Bundt pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

How Do You Create This Decadent Cake from Scratch?

Creating this German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake is a straightforward process that yields delicious results. Follow these steps carefully to ensure each ingredient shines through and provides that beautiful fluffy texture.

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a bundt pan by greasing and flouring it. Make sure to coat every corner of the pan to prevent sticking.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This process should take about 5-7 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and melted semi-sweet chocolate until well combined. The batter will develop a silky texture.

Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	60-70 minutes
Store Time	Up to 5 days at room temperature
Nutritional Values (per slice)	Approx. 400 calories

Step 3

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk to help keep the batter light and airy. Be gentle when folding in the chopped pecans. Once everything is well combined, pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remember to rotate the cake halfway through while baking for even cooking.

Once it’s done baking, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a cooling rack. Let it cool completely before slicing to achieve the best texture.

Avoid These Common Mistakes + Pro Tips for the Best Cake

Everyone has those moments in the kitchen where things don’t go as planned. Trust me, I have too. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when making your German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Not creaming the butter and sugar long enough: If this step is rushed, your cake may turn dense rather than light and fluffy.
• Overmixing the batter: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture.
• Pulling the cake out too soon: Always check for doneness with a toothpick before removing it from the oven.

Tips for Success

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the batter mix more evenly and rise better.
• Cool your cake completely before slicing: This prevents crumbling and ensures each slice holds together beautifully.
• Try adding a chocolate ganache topping: It enhances the chocolate flavor and looks fabulous.

The most important takeaway is to take your time during the mixing and baking process to achieve that heavenly texture.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake is a dessert lover’s dream. The combination of rich chocolate and crunchy pecans delivers a mouthful of delight in every bite. Plus, this recipe is perfect for gatherings, making it a versatile treat.

Decadent Chocolate Flavor

The semi-sweet chocolate in this cake creates a depth of flavor that can’t be rivaled. Each slice offers a perfect balance of sweetness and richness, perfect for chocoholics. Your guests will rave about this cake at any gathering!

Irresistible Texture

The combination of soft pound cake, lightened by buttermilk, has a moist crumb that’s simply divine. Moreover, the pecans offer a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the velvety chocolate cake. It creates a texture dynamic that keeps you coming back for more.

Easy to Make Ahead

This cake can easily be made ahead of time, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen during busy gatherings. You can bake it a day before and let it sit covered, enhancing the flavors overnight. It truly shines when served the next day.

A Personal Note

I love bringing this cake to gatherings because it always impresses! Plus, I’ll be sharing a clever tip on how to enhance the chocolate flavor even further in my next recipe.

Creative Variations, Serving and Storage Ideas

Whenever I make German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake, I love exploring variations and serving options. Each twist adds its own unique flair to the cake!

Unique Variations to Try

For a fun twist on this classic cake, consider making a chocolate and coconut variation by adding shredded coconut into the batter for a more tropical feel. You can also create mini bundt cakes for individual servings. Alternatively, transform it into a layered cake with creamy frosting between each layer to impress guests even further.

Ingredient Swaps for a Different Profile

If you are looking to keep things lighter, you can substitute unsweetened applesauce for half of the butter, which creates a moist cake without as much fat. Another option is to use gluten-free flour as a direct replacement, so even gluten-sensitive friends can indulge in this rich dessert.

If you want something a bit different, try an alternative sweetener like coconut sugar for a lower glycemic dessert while maintaining all the flavors. This cake is easy to adapt! Another delightful option is this Red Velvet Brownie Cake.

Perfect Serving Ideas

This German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake is delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, turning it into a whimsical dessert. You can also pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate ganache for extra indulgence. Best served with coffee or a spiced tea, it’s a fantastic way to finish any meal.

Storage Tips for Freshness

For fresh leftovers, store the cake at room temperature in an airtight container. This will keep it moist for up to five days. If you want to keep its texture intact, I recommend wrapping individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a container.

Variation	Serving Idea	How to Do It
Coconut twist with shredded coconut	Serve warm with ice cream	Incorporate shredded coconut into the batter
Mini bundt cakes for individual servings	Drizzle with ganache for a treat	Use a mini bundt pan instead
Layered cake with frosting	Top with whipped cream	Layer with frosting of choice between slices
Gluten-free version	Store slices in an airtight container	Use gluten-free all-purpose flour

More Recipes You Can Try Next

If you enjoyed this German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake, you will love trying out these delightful recipes.

Earthquake Cake	This cake is wonderfully unique and packed with flavors!
Cherry Cheesecake Trifle	A creamy delight perfect for summer gatherings!
Cinnamon Applesauce Bread	This bread is moist and fragrant with aromatic spices.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cake that combines the richness of chocolate with the delectable crunch of pecans, this German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake is your answer. I encourage you to give it a whirl; the reward is a beautifully moist cake that’s sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. And don’t forget to share your baking adventure on Pinterest! Trust me, your friends will be clamoring for the recipe. Check out more recipes on Pinterest!

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