German Chocolate Pound Cake

Indulge in Rich, Heavenly Flavors with This Classic German Chocolate Pound Cake

If you love rich, chocolatey desserts that melt in your mouth, this German Chocolate Pound Cake is the perfect recipe for you. Combining the indulgence of German chocolate with the smoothness of a buttery pound cake, and topped with a coconut-pecan frosting, this cake is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering, holiday celebrations, or just as a sweet treat for yourself, this cake is sure to impress with its moist texture and deep flavors.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to make this delicious dessert, from the ingredients and tools to the steps for success. Plus, we’ve included some tips, serving suggestions, and answers to frequently asked questions to ensure your German Chocolate Pound Cake turns out perfectly every time.

Tools Needed, Servings, and Cooking Time

Before you dive into this mouthwatering recipe, make sure you have all the tools ready. Here’s what you’ll need:

Tools Needed

Bundt or tube pan (for baking the cake)
Large mixing bowls
Electric mixer or hand mixer (for creaming the butter and sugar)
Whisk (for dry ingredients)
Medium saucepan (for making the coconut-pecan frosting)
Toothpick or cake tester (to check if the cake is done)
Cooling rack (for cooling the cake)
Spatula (for spreading the frosting)

Number of Servings

This German Chocolate Pound Cake recipe yields 12-14 servings, depending on portion size. It’s perfect for a large family gathering or an intimate dinner party.

Total Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes
Cooling Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (including preparation and cooling)

Ingredients for German Chocolate Pound Cake

For the Cake:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
½ cup vegetable oil
2½ cups granulated sugar
5 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk
4 oz sweet German chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for deeper flavor)

For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:

1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup granulated sugar
3 egg yolks
½ cup unsalted butter
1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
1 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions for German Chocolate Pound Cake

Step 1: Prep and Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a bundt or tube pan to prevent the cake from sticking. This will ensure a smooth release once the cake has cooled.
Cream the butter, oil, and sugar together in a large bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed. Mix for about 4–5 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial to creating a light, moist texture for the cake.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This will help to incorporate the eggs smoothly into the batter and ensure an even distribution of ingredients throughout.
Stir in the vanilla extract and the melted German chocolate. Allow the chocolate to cool slightly before adding it to prevent it from scrambling the eggs.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and unsweetened cocoa powder. This mixture helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients and prevents lumps in your cake.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture. Start with the dry ingredients, then add half of the buttermilk, and continue alternating until both the dry ingredients and buttermilk are fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix at this stage to avoid a dense cake.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. This helps to ensure an even bake and a smooth appearance once the cake is finished.
Bake the cake for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The exact time may vary depending on your oven, so be sure to check it toward the end of the baking time.
Cool the cake in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Once it’s slightly cooled, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 2: Make the Coconut-Pecan Frosting

Combine the frosting ingredients in a medium saucepan. Add the evaporated milk, granulated sugar, egg yolks, and unsalted butter to the pan. Place it over medium heat.
Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, for about 10–12 minutes, or until the frosting thickens. Be sure to keep stirring to avoid the mixture from sticking to the pan or burning.
Once the mixture has thickened, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract. The texture should be thick but spreadable. Allow it to cool slightly before applying it to the cake.

Step 3: Frost the Cake

Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the coconut-pecan frosting evenly over the top of the cake using a spatula. Be generous with the frosting to ensure every slice gets a good portion of this delicious topping.
For a decorative touch, you can sprinkle a few extra chopped pecans on top of the frosting or add a few extra coconut flakes for added texture and visual appeal.

Recommendations for Success with This Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps to create a smoother batter and prevents clumping.
Sift the Dry Ingredients: Sifting the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder ensures that your cake will have an even texture and prevents lumps.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until they are incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
Check Cake Doneness Early: Start checking the cake at around the 1-hour mark to avoid overbaking it. Every oven is different, so be sure to check with a toothpick or cake tester.
Allow Frosting to Cool Slightly: Let the coconut-pecan frosting cool down slightly before spreading it onto the cake. This will prevent it from running off the sides.

Serving and Storage Tips

How to Serve German Chocolate Pound Cake

Serve at Room Temperature: Let the cake sit for 10–15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to fully develop and ensures that the frosting is at the perfect consistency.
Pair with Coffee or Tea: This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The rich chocolate and sweet frosting complement the warmth of your favorite drink.
Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or family gathering, this cake is perfect for any celebration. You can even serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

How to Store German Chocolate Pound Cake

Refrigeration: Keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cake will stay moist and flavorful.
Freezing: You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About German Chocolate Pound Cake

1. Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of sweet German chocolate?

While sweet German chocolate adds a specific flavor to the cake, you can use regular cocoa powder. However, the flavor may be slightly less rich, so you may want to add more sugar to compensate.

2. Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the coconut-pecan frosting in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Allow it to come to room temperature and stir it before spreading it on the cake.

3. Is there a way to make this cake less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the sugar in both the cake and the frosting. However, keep in mind that it may alter the texture and moisture of the cake.

4. Can I use a different type of nuts for the frosting?

While pecans are traditional in German chocolate cake, you can substitute them with other nuts such as walnuts or almonds if you prefer.

5. Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cake ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost it just before serving for the best presentation.

Conclusion

This German Chocolate Pound Cake is an indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich chocolate flavor, moist texture, and decadent coconut-pecan frosting, it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Follow the steps, tips, and recommendations outlined above, and you’ll be able to create a cake that’s both beautiful and delicious. Whether you’re sharing it with friends, family, or savoring a slice by yourself, this cake is bound to make every moment special. Happy baking!