Description
Decadent German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake Delight is a luxurious fusion of rich German chocolate, buttery pecans, and the dense, moist texture of a traditional pound cake. This cake combines the best elements of a classic German chocolate cake—sweet chocolate, pecans, and a creamy coconut-pecan frosting—with the hearty structure of a pound cake, resulting in a dessert that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and buttery flavors, making it ideal for celebrations or special gatherings. Serve it with a cup of coffee, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or simply enjoy it on its own as a rich, showstopping treat.
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups white sugar
4 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
1 cup sour cream
1 cup German chocolate, chopped
1 cup pecans, chopped and toasted - For the German Chocolate Pecan Glaze:
1 cup German chocolate, chopped
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup pecans, chopped and toasted
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream, mixing until just combined.
Fold in Chocolate and Pecans: Fold in the chopped German chocolate and toasted pecans.
Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top.
Bake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan to cool completely on a wire rack.
For the German Chocolate Pecan Glaze:
Heat Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer.
Melt Chocolate: Remove the saucepan from heat and add the chopped German chocolate. Let it sit for a few minutes, then stir until smooth and creamy.
Glaze the Cake: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled pound cake and sprinkle with toasted pecans. Enjoy!
Notes
- Toasting Pecans for Extra Flavor
Toasting the pecans before adding them to the batter intensifies their nutty flavor and gives them a crisp texture. Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes until fragrant, then allow them to cool before incorporating into the batter. - German Chocolate Alternatives
If German’s Sweet Chocolate isn’t available, you can substitute with semi-sweet chocolate, but note that the cake will have a more intense chocolate flavor. For a sweeter profile, milk chocolate can also be used, though this will alter the traditional flavor slightly. - Flour-Coating Pecans
Toss the chopped pecans in a small amount of flour before folding them into the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake. This helps ensure even distribution throughout the cake for a consistent nutty texture in every bite. - Baking Tip
To avoid overbaking, start checking for doneness about 10 minutes before the recommended baking time ends. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is done. Overbaking can cause the cake to dry out. - Coconut-Pecan Frosting
For those looking for an authentic German chocolate cake touch, the addition of a homemade coconut-pecan frosting is highly recommended. The frosting’s sweet, creamy texture pairs beautifully with the dense pound cake, adding another layer of flavor and richness. - Storage
The cake stays fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container. To extend its shelf life, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw frozen cake in the refrigerator overnight before serving. - Customizing the Cake
This cake can easily be customized by substituting other nuts (like walnuts or almonds) or by adding a layer of chocolate ganache for even more indulgence. You can also make it gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, or dairy-free by using plant-based butter alternatives.