German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake Recipe You’ll Love
When you smell rich chocolate and toasted pecans, you feel a warm, happy feeling. This German chocolate pecan pound cake is more than a dessert. It’s a journey to a place of comfort and indulgence.
Its moist texture and rich coconut-pecan topping make it unforgettable. It’s a cake that will become a special part of your family’s traditions.
This recipe is perfect for any occasion or when you just want something sweet. The mix of German sweet chocolate, pecans, and coconut is unique and delicious. Every bite takes you to a place of joy and nostalgia, celebrating life’s simple pleasures.
Table of Contents
The History and Origins of German Chocolate Cake
German chocolate cake is a favorite dessert worldwide. It wasn’t made in Germany, but in the United States by Samuel German in 1852. He created a special baking chocolate that became the base for this famous cake.
Samuel German’s Sweet Creation
In 1852, Samuel German, working for the Baker’s Chocolate Company, made a sweeter chocolate for baking. This chocolate, known as “German’s Sweet Chocolate,” gained widespread popularity. It was perfect for baking cakes and desserts because of its rich, creamy taste.
Evolution into a Modern Classic
The first German chocolate cake recipe was published in a Dallas newspaper in 1957. It was submitted by Mrs. George Clay. This recipe combined German chocolate, coconut, and pecans and quickly became a favorite. Today, bakers and home cooks still make their own versions, but the core ingredients stay the same.
Now, German chocolate cake is a key part of many celebrations. Its mix of chocolate sweetness, coconut richness, and pecan crunch is loved by many. Enjoying a slice at a family event or baking it yourself, German chocolate cake is a timeless treat.
Essential Ingredients for Your German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake
Baking a delicious German chocolate pecan pound cake needs the right ingredients. The mix of flavors and textures is what makes it special. Let’s explore the key ingredients for this tasty treat.
The cake needs a few important things. You’ll need German’s Sweet Chocolate, unsalted butter, sugar, vanilla, eggs, flour, and buttermilk. These ingredients make the cake moist and rich, just like a classic pound cake.
The frosting is just as important. It’s made with brown sugar, evaporated milk, egg yolks, pecans, and coconut. This creamy frosting adds a special touch to the cake, making it even more delicious.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Baker’s German’s Sweet Chocolate | 4 ounces |
| Unsalted Butter | 1 cup (2 sticks) |
| Granulated Sugar | 1 1/2 cups |
| Vanilla Extract | 2 teaspoons |
| Eggs | 5 large |
| Cake Flour or White Lily All Purpose Flour | 2 cups |
| Buttermilk | 1 cup |
| Light Brown Sugar | 1 cup |
| Evaporated Milk | 1 (12 oz) can |
| Egg Yolks | 4 large |
| Chopped Pecans | 1 1/2 cups |
| Shredded Sweetened Coconut | 1 1/2 cups |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious german chocolate pecan pound cake. The German’s Sweet Chocolate gives the cake its unique flavor. It’s a favorite among baking desserts.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
Baking a chocolate pound cake recipe or other baking desserts needs the right tools. From the baking pan to mixing equipment, we’ll cover what you need. This will help you make a moist and tasty German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake.
Baking Pan Selection
An Old Country Kitchenware square tube pan or a bundt pan is best for this recipe. These pans help shape the cake and bake it evenly. Remember to line the pan with parchment paper for easy cake removal.
Mixing Equipment Essentials
A stand mixer is crucial for mixing the ingredients well. It makes the batter light and airy. You’ll also need mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a whisk, and a spatula for mixing and folding.
Additional Tools for Success
- A baking sheet to catch drips during baking
- A wire rack for cooling the cake
- A knife and cutting board for topping preparation
With these kitchen tools and equipment, you’re ready to bake a delicious chocolate pound cake recipe. It will surely impress your taste buds.
| Item | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Old Country Kitchenware Square Tube Pan | 1 | Baking the pound cake |
| Parchment Paper | 1 sheet | Lining the baking pan for easy cake release |
| Stand Mixer | 1 | Mixing and incorporating the ingredients |
| Mixing Bowls | 3 | Holding and mixing the various components |
| Measuring Cups and Spoons | 1 set | Accurately measuring the ingredients |
| Whisk | 1 | Whisking and aerating the batter |
| Spatula | 1 | Folding and scraping the batter |
| Baking Sheet | 1 | Catching any drips during baking |
| Wire Rack | 1 | Cooling the cake after baking |
| Knife and Cutting Board | 1 each | Preparing additional toppings or garnishes |
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Making a german chocolate pecan pound cake is a fun cooking adventure. First, heat your oven to 350°F. Then, grease a 9-inch Bundt pan with butter or spray, and dust it with flour.
In a bowl, melt 2 (4-oz.) German’s sweet chocolate baking bars with 1/2 cup of strong coffee. Let it cool a bit. In another bowl, mix 2 1/4 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt.
- Cream 1 cup of unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add 4 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Then, stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the flour mix and 1 cup of buttermilk to the butter mix, mixing just until combined.
- Fold the melted chocolate mix into the batter until it’s evenly spread.
- Pour the batter into the Bundt pan and bake for 24 to 28 minutes. A wooden pick should come out clean.
- Let the chocolate pound cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, flip it onto a wire rack to cool fully.
After cooling, frost the cake with Coconut-Pecan Frosting. Serve it to family and friends. Enjoy this rich german chocolate pecan pound cake!
Making the Perfect Coconut Pecan Frosting
The coconut pecan frosting is the star of the classic german chocolate cake. It’s a rich, gooey topping that matches the cake’s chocolate flavors perfectly. To make the perfect frosting, just follow these easy steps:
Frosting Ingredients List
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup (124g) chopped pecans
Cooking and Assembly Tips
1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and evaporated milk until well combined.
2. Add the butter and heat the pan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, for 12-15 minutes, until the mixture thickens and turns golden brown.
3. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla, pecans, and coconut. Let it cool, stirring occasionally, until it’s spreadable, about 30 minutes.
4. Once the cake is cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top and sides of the german chocolate cake. Refrigerate until the frosting sets, about 1 hour.
The frosting’s richness paired with the cake’s moistness makes a fantastic pecan dessert. Your guests will love it!
Expert Tips for a Moist and Tender Cake
To get the perfect texture in your chocolate pound cake, pay close attention and use some special baking tricks. These tips will help your German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake be moist, tender, and super tasty.
- Make sure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing. This makes the batter smooth and helps it rise evenly.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Too much mixing can make the cake dense and tough. Just mix the dry ingredients until they’re just combined.
- Check if the cake is done by using a toothpick or skewer. Stick it into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, it’s ready.
- Let the cake cool completely before you frost it. This keeps the frosting from melting and gives you a clean, professional look.
Getting the right texture and flavor in your German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake is all about the right mixing and baking. Follow these expert tips for a moist, tender cake that will wow everyone.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Rating | 4.73 out of 5 from 43 votes |
| Preparation Time | 1 hour and 5 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 50 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour and 55 minutes |
| Skill Level | Intermediate |
| Dietary Info | Contains nuts and dairy; Can be made gluten-free |
| Key Flavors | Rich chocolate, coconut, and pecan |
| Textures | Velvety cake, chunky frosting |
The German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake recipe has gotten lots of great reviews. People love its amazing taste and quality. With the right techniques and care, you can make a moist, tender cake that will impress your loved ones.
Common Baking Mistakes to Avoid
Making the perfect german chocolate pecan pound cake means avoiding common mistakes. Issues like temperature, timing, ingredient prep, and mixing can affect the cake’s texture. Knowing these pitfalls can help you achieve a moist, tender cake instead of a dry one.
Temperature and Timing Issues
Make sure your oven is at 325°F before baking. Baking the german chocolate pecan pound cake for 1 hour and 15 minutes is crucial. This ensures the cake is not under or overbaked. Let the cake cool in the pan for 20% of the baking time before removing it.
Ingredient Preparation Errors
Having all ingredients at room temperature is essential. This ensures the butter, eggs, and other components mix well. A smooth mix leads to a moist and tender crumb.
Mixing and Handling Problems
Don’t overmix the batter. This can make the cake dense and tough. Mix gently until just combined. When removing the cake, handle it carefully to avoid cracks or crumbling.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll make a german chocolate pecan pound cake perfect for any occasion.
| Baking Mistake | Potential Consequence | Prevention Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Incorrect Oven Temperature | Uneven or incomplete baking | Ensure oven is preheated to 325°F |
| Overbaking | Dry, crumbly texture | Bake for the full 1 hour and 15 minutes |
| Rushing Cooling Process | Cake may fall apart when unmolded | Allow cake to cool in pan for 20% of total baking time |
| Using Cold Ingredients | Improper blending and texture | Bring all ingredients to room temperature before mixing |
| Overmixing Batter | Dense, tough cake | Gently fold in ingredients until just combined |
| Rough Handling During Unmolding | Cracked or crumbling cake | Use a gentle touch when removing cake from pan |
Creative Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Make your German chocolate pecan pound cake even better with these serving ideas. The cake’s rich flavors go well with many things, making the coconut-pecan frosting even more special.
Try serving a slice with a hot cup of coffee. The coffee’s bold taste balances the cake’s sweetness, creating a perfect mix.
For a classic choice, have a glass of cold milk with your cake. The milk’s creaminess contrasts nicely with the cake’s dense texture.
Add some fresh fruit like berries or kiwi to your dessert. They add a bright, tangy taste that’s a nice contrast to the cake.
For a fancy touch, serve vanilla ice cream with your cake. The ice cream’s coolness pairs well with the cake’s warm, comforting flavors.
Pairing the cake with dessert wine can also be a hit. A late-harvest Riesling or tawny port complements the coconut-pecan frosting nicely.
Try out these ideas to find the best way to enjoy your German chocolate pecan pound cake. You’ll discover a whole new level of indulgence and flavor.
Storage and Freezing Methods
After enjoying your homemade german chocolate pecan pound cake, you’ll want it to stay fresh. Whether you’re saving slices for later or freezing them, knowing how is key.
Short-term Storage Solutions
To keep your cake fresh for a few days, wrap it in plastic wrap or use an airtight container. This keeps it moist and prevents drying. You can store it this way for up to 3 days.
Long-term Freezing Guidelines
Freezing is a great way to keep your cake fresh longer. Slice the cake, then wrap each slice in plastic or foil. Put them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
When you’re ready, thaw the slices in the fridge or at room temperature. This way, your cake stays moist and tasty for up to 6 months.
With these storage and freezing tips, you can enjoy your german chocolate pecan pound cake for a long time. Whether it’s for dessert or to share with friends, these methods will keep it delicious.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
The classic German chocolate cake recipe is a favorite. But why not try some new twists? Try adding walnuts or macadamia nuts for a crunchy texture. For a deeper flavor, use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate.
Want a gluten-free version? Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free option. This makes the cake accessible to more people.
For a vegan version, use flaxseed meal instead of eggs and plant-based butter. Adding chopped cherries or blueberries gives a fruity twist. This adds sweetness and color to the cake.
Customizing the cake lets you make it your own. You can experiment with different ingredients to find your favorite pecan dessert recipe.
| Variation | Substitution |
|---|---|
| Nut Swap | Walnuts, Macadamia Nuts |
| Chocolate Change | Dark Chocolate, White Chocolate |
| Gluten-Free | Gluten-Free Flour |
| Vegan | Flaxseed Meal, Plant-Based Butter |
| Fruity Twist | Cherries, Blueberries |
These creative changes let you make the german chocolate cake your own. Every bite can be special. So, get creative and find your favorite pecan dessert recipe.
Conclusion
The German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake recipe is a mix of rich chocolate, crunchy pecans, and sweet coconut. It’s perfect for any occasion. By using the right techniques and ingredients, you’ll make a cake that’s moist and full of flavor. It will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
This dessert has a long history in the United States. It combines old traditions with new baking methods. The guide and tips help you make a great coconut-pecan frosting and avoid common mistakes. So, you can always make a delicious German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake at home.
Looking for a classic treat or want to try something new? This recipe is a rewarding baking experience. It offers a delightful dining experience. Enjoy the joy of baking and savor the delicious results of this timeless german chocolate pecan pound cake recipe.
