Scrumptious German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake Recipe for Bakers

Decadent layers of rich chocolate and toasted pecans dance together in this classic german chocolate pecan pound cake recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Soft, moist crumbs melt on your tongue with each delightful bite.

The cake balances sweet and nutty flavors in perfect harmony.

Buttermilk ensures a tender crumb that remains incredibly light and delicate.

Warm vanilla and deep chocolate notes create a symphony of taste that elevates this dessert beyond ordinary treats.

Each slice delivers a luxurious experience worth savoring slowly.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 11

Steps To Make German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake

• Cake Preparation

Gather your baking tools and warm up the oven to a cozy 325F. Grease a large Bundt pan generously to ensure a smooth cake release. Mix softened butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud-like texture. Gently incorporate eggs one by one, creating a silky smooth base.

• Flour Magic

Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl, creating a delicate powder blend. Slowly fold the flour mixture into the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk. This technique ensures a tender, moist cake. Stir in melted German chocolate and toasted pecans for an extra layer of deliciousness.

• Baking Adventure

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Slide the pan into the warm oven and let the magic happen. Bake for 60-70 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted, signaling the cake is ready.

• Glaze Creation

In a saucepan, blend butter, brown sugar, evaporated milk, and egg yolks. Whisk with love until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy. Remove from heat and fold in vanilla, shredded coconut, and pecans. Let the glaze cool slightly to achieve the perfect consistency.

• Final Touch

Once the cake has completely cooled, drizzle the luscious coconut-pecan glaze over the top. Watch as it cascades down the sides, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece. Optional: sprinkle some extra pecans or dust with powdered sugar for a stunning finish.

Tips And Variations For German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake

• Baking Mastery Tricks: Perfect German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake
• Room Temperature Magic: Ensure butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for smoother batter and more consistent cake texture. Cold ingredients can create uneven mixing and lumpy results.
• Pecan Perfection: Toast pecans beforehand in a dry skillet for 3-5 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor and add deeper complexity to the cake. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
• Moisture Maintenance: Insert a toothpick at multiple spots to check doneness, preventing overbaking. Slightly underbaked is better than dry, as the cake will continue cooking briefly after removal from oven.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend containing xanthan gum for similar texture. Add an extra egg for structural support and moisture retention.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: This pound cake freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving for maximum flavor preservation.

Serving Ideas For German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake

• Sweet Symphony for Serving
• Cozy Coffee Companion: Pair this rich, decadent cake with a warm cup of dark roast coffee or smooth cappuccino to enhance the chocolate and pecan flavors. The bitter notes perfectly complement the cake's sweetness.
• Elegant Dessert Plating: Slice the cake on a beautiful white ceramic plate and drizzle extra glaze around the edges. Sprinkle some additional toasted pecans and a light dusting of powdered sugar for a restaurant-style presentation.
• Indulgent Ice Cream Pairing: Serve a slice alongside a scoop of vanilla bean or caramel ice cream. The cold, creamy texture will beautifully contrast the warm, dense pound cake, creating a luxurious dessert experience.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Feature this cake as a stunning centerpiece during weekend brunches. Prepare it the night before and serve alongside fresh fruit and mimosas for a delightful gathering that will impress family and friends.

How To Keep German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake Fresh

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store the German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to maintain moisture and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Quick Room Temperature Tip: Keep the cake at room temperature for 24-48 hours if planning to consume soon. Place under a cake dome or cover loosely with aluminum foil to preserve freshness and prevent drying out.
• Freezing Friendly Approach: Slice the cake before freezing for easier portioning. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Frozen cake maintains quality for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.
• Glaze Management Method: Store the coconut-pecan glaze separately in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to restore smooth consistency before serving.

All You Need For German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy texture and helps create a tender crumb.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden, caramelized exterior.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the primary structure of the cake, creating a soft yet sturdy texture.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Ensure proper rising and lightness in the cake.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies other flavors.

• German Chocolate: Delivers deep, complex chocolate undertones with subtle sweetness.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a moist, tender crumb.
• Pecans: Provide nutty crunch and rich, toasted flavor throughout the cake.
• Shredded Coconut: Introduces tropical sweetness and textural interest.
• Brown Sugar: Contributes deep caramel notes to the glaze.
• Evaporated Milk: Creates a smooth, creamy consistency in the glaze.
• Egg Yolks: Thicken and enrich the glaze with luxurious depth.

Tools Required For German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake

• Electric Mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar to light, fluffy perfection.
• Large Mixing Bowls: Two needed – one for wet ingredients, another for dry ingredients.
• Bundt Pan (10-inch): Creates the classic cake shape with beautiful ridges.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients and preparing glaze smoothly.
• Spatula: Helps fold ingredients and smooth batter in the pan.
• Saucepan (Medium): Used for preparing the delicious coconut-pecan glaze.
• Wire Rack: Allows cake to cool evenly without getting soggy.
• Toothpick: Helps test cake doneness by checking for clean insertion.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient measurements.

Moist German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Rich german chocolate pecan pound cake merges Southern baking traditions with classic dessert techniques. Nutty pecans and smooth chocolate create a delectable Southern comfort treat you’ll savor with each luxurious slice.

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Ingredients

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• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
• 4 oz (115 g) German chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
• 1 cup (120 g) pecans, toasted and chopped
• 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
• ½ cup (120 ml) evaporated milk
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 cup (120 g) sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup (120 g) toasted pecans, chopped
• 3 tsps vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Creaming: Whip softened butter and sugar in an electric mixer until light and fluffy, creating a smooth foundational base for the cake.
2. Egg Integration: Add eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract to enhance the aromatic profile.
3. Dry Ingredient Preparation: Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution and a uniform cake texture.
4. Batter Development: Alternately fold dry ingredients and buttermilk into the butter mixture, gently mixing to maintain the batter’s delicate structure and prevent overmixing.
5. Flavor Incorporation: Fold melted German chocolate and toasted pecans into the batter, ensuring even distribution for consistent flavor throughout the cake.
6. Pan Preparation: Pour batter into a greased Bundt pan, smoothing the surface to create an even layer for uniform baking at 350°F for approximately 60-70 minutes.
7. Cooling and Unmolding: Rest the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely, allowing the cake to set and stabilize.
8. Glaze Creation: Combine butter, brown sugar, evaporated milk, and egg yolks in a saucepan, cooking over medium heat until the mixture thickens and transforms into a rich, glossy caramel.
9. Glaze Finishing: Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, shredded coconut, and toasted pecans to create a decadent, textured topping.
10. Final Assembly: Generously drape the warm glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to flow gracefully down the sides, creating an elegant and indulgent dessert presentation.

Notes

• Prevent Cake Crumbling: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to create a smooth, well-integrated batter that reduces the risk of a dry or crumbly texture.
• Master the Mixing Technique: Fold ingredients gently and minimally to maintain the cake’s delicate structure, avoiding overmixing which can develop tough gluten and result in a dense cake.
• Chocolate Melting Mastery: Melt German chocolate carefully using a double boiler or short microwave bursts, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and achieve a silky smooth consistency.
• Glaze Consistency Control: Watch the glaze closely while cooking, stirring continuously to prevent burning and achieve a thick, glossy finish that coats the cake perfectly without becoming too runny or too stiff.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg