German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake is the epitome of comfort baking. I remember the first time I baked this cake for a family gathering. The kitchen filled with a warm, chocolatey aroma, drawing everyone in like a magnet. We all gathered around the table, eagerly waiting for the first slice. As I cut into the cake, the soft, moist texture and the crunch of pecans added a delightful surprise. This cake is not just a dessert; it’s a memory-maker, creating a sense of togetherness with each comforting slice.
Table of Contents
Where Did German Chocolate Cake Originate?
The origin of German Chocolate Cake is quite fascinating. Contrary to many beliefs, it doesn’t hail from Germany but rather derives its name from an American named Samuel German, who developed a dark-baking chocolate for the Baker’s Chocolate Company in 1852. The decadence of this cake comes from a rich chocolate mixture, combined with coconut and pecan frosting. Over the years, as the cake became popular, variations emerged, leading to the creation of delightful adaptations like the German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake, which has become a beloved staple in households across America. You can explore more about its interesting history on Wikipedia.
What Ingredients Are Needed for German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake?
This cake is crafted with simple, classic ingredients that come together to create a deliciously decadent treat.
| 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 | 1 cup (melted) |
| Pecans | 1 cup (chopped) |
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in the overall outcome of the cake. The unsalted butter and granulated sugar are vital for creating that airy texture. The eggs contribute to the cake’s structural integrity, ensuring it holds up beautifully. The combination of baking powder and buttermilk provides leavening, allowing each slice to rise wonderfully.
Moreover, you can substitute buttermilk with yogurt in case it’s not available. Yogurt will provide similar acidity and moisture, ensuring the cake retains its rich texture.
How to Make German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake Step-by-Step?
Making this cake is a straightforward yet joyous process. You’ll find yourself excited as each step brings you closer to a beautiful cake that would impress anyone.
Step 1
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing a bundt pan. Greasing and flouring the pan is essential to ensure a clean release once the cake is done baking.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take around 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 combined.
Step 3
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating it with the buttermilk to keep the batter light. Once combined, gently fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly dispersed throughout the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula if needed. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
| Time | Prep Time: 20 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 60-70 minutes |
| Store | Up to 3-4 days at room temperature |
| Nutritional Values | Calories per slice: approximately 350 |
Why Does This German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake Work?
This cake is a celebration of flavors and textures, delivering a magical experience with every bite. The combination of rich semi-sweet chocolate and toasted pecans creates a perfect harmony that enhances each slice. The moistness of the cake is attributed to the buttermilk, which adds depth while the creaming of butter and sugar introduces air, making the cake light and airy.
Perfect Moisture
The use of buttermilk in the batter is a game-changer. It not only adds a slight tanginess but also makes the cake incredibly moist, ensuring it stays fresh longer. The result is a cake that feels luxurious in texture while melting in your mouth.
Deliciously Rich Flavor
Incorporating melted semi-sweet chocolate elevates this cake to the next level. It offers a deep, rich chocolate flavor that balances beautifully with the sweetness, but doesn’t overwhelm. This creates a well-rounded taste that can satisfy any chocolate craving without feeling overly indulgent.
Nutty Crunch
Chopped pecans add vital texture to each forkful. Not only do they provide a delightful crunch, but their buttery flavor enhances the cake’s richness. Toasting the pecans prior to adding them to the batter maximizes their flavor, bringing warmth and depth that plays beautifully against the moist chocolate cake. You can also experiment with different nuts, such as walnuts, for variation whenever you desire a change.
Variations & Serving Ideas
This cake lends itself beautifully to creativity, inviting numerous variations and serving suggestions. You can serve it as is or transform it into a truly decadent dessert.
With Chocolate Glaze
Consider drizzling a chocolate glaze on top for an extra layer of sweetness. Simply melt some butter and chocolate together, then allow it to slightly cool before drizzling it over the cake.
With Whipped Cream
Serve the slices with a dollop of homemade whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This will enhance the dessert and provide a delightful contrast to the cake’s rich flavors.
Customizable Toppings
Try adding shredded coconut to the batter along with the pecans for a tropical twist or incorporate chocolate chips for an even more chocolatey experience. Not to mention, garnishing each slice with toasted pecans will make for an elegant presentation. You might also enjoy this apple grape salad as a light side to balance the flavors.
Final Thoughts
German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake is a beautifully crafted dessert that marries rich flavors with comforting textures. No matter the occasion, it serves as a delightful centerpiece that will surely impress your family and friends. Relishing each slice transports you to moments filled with laughter and warmth. So why not give this cake a try? The experience is worth every bit of baking effort, I promise! Be sure to keep this recipe handy and perhaps even share it with a friend who loves baking!
You can find more delightful recipes and inspirations on my Pinterest page.
FAQ
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can make German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check the baking powder and any other ingredients for gluten-free labeling to ensure the entire cake remains gluten-free.
How do I store German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake?
Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also refrigerate it to prolong its freshness, but letting it come to room temperature before serving brings back its delightful texture.
Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely! German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It should be good for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing one cup of regular milk with one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens.
How can I make this cake more chocolatey?
To enhance the chocolate flavor, you can add chocolate chips to the batter or mix some cocoa powder into the flour. Both additions create a more indulgent flavor profile that chocolate lovers will adore.
German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake
A delightful blend of rich chocolate flavor and crunchy pecans, resulting in a moist, comforting cake perfect for any occasion.
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate (melted)
- 1 cup pecans (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a bundt pan by greasing and flouring it.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, 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.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk to keep the batter light. Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
Store up to 3-4 days at room temperature. Consider adding a chocolate glaze or serving with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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