Indulge in Rich Delight with Chocolate Pound Cake Recipe
Howdy there, folks! I reckon you’re here ’cause you love yourself some good ol’ cake recipes. Well, today, I got a real treat for y’all – a recipe for some delicious chocolate pound cake!
Now, let me tell you, a pound cake is something special. The name itself comes from the fact that the recipe calls for a pound each of flour, butter, sugar, and eggs – making it one rich and decadent dessert.
But add some cocoa powder to that mix, and we’ve got ourselves a real treat. This chocolate pound cake is moist, fudgy, and downright irresistible. It’s perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a holiday gathering or just a plain old Saturday afternoon.
So grab your apron and dust off that bundt pan – we’re about to make some serious magic happen in the kitchen. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Alright, my taste buds are already doing a little wiggle of excitement at the mere mention of this amazing dessert. Trust me, folks, this chocolate pound cake is a game-changer in the world of baking. You’re going to absolutely fall in love with it and here’s why:
Firstly, let’s talk about the chocolate. This cake isn’t just your average chocolate flavored cake. It’s made with Dutch-processed and unsweetened cocoa powder, which gives it a rich and decadent flavor that is out of this world. If you’re a chocolate lover like myself, you’ll be transported to heaven with each bite.
Secondly, let’s talk texture. Unlike some pound cakes that can be dry and crumbly, this chocolate pound cake is moist and dense. It has the perfect balance of sponginess and stickiness that will make your taste buds go wild.
Thirdly, versatility. This cake can be enjoyed on its own or paired with different toppings such as ice cream or fresh berries. It’s also perfect for all kinds of occasions – from birthdays to family gatherings or even as an afternoon snack with coffee.
And finally, it’s simple to make at home! Yes, you read that right – this incredible cake can be made right in the comfort of your own kitchen thanks to its hassle-free recipe.
So if you’re looking for a recipe that will wow your family and friends, then you’ve come to the right place. Make no mistake about it – once tasted, this chocolate pound cake will quickly become one of your favorite recipes for life!
Ingredient List
Let’s get down to business! To make this decadent moist chocolate pound cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Dutch-processed unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
If you want to make a classic chocolate pound cake and skip the cocoa powder, just replace it with an additional cup of all-purpose flour. Don’t compromise on the quality of the cocoa powder, use only the best chocolate for best results.
The Recipe How-To
So, are you ready to get your hands chocolaty with this incredible Chocolate Pound Cake recipe? Let’s get started!
Preheat the Oven and Grease the Bundt Pan
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 10-12 cup bundt pan well with baking spray or butter and flour. This step is important so that the cake comes out of the pan smoothly.
Mixing the Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Set it aside.
Take another large mixing bowl, then cream together 1 1/2 cups of softened unsalted butter or salted butter with 3 cups granulated sugar until it’s fluffy and pale in color using an electric mixer. Beware not to overdo it! It should take around five minutes on medium-high speed.
Next, add in 5 large eggs, one at a time while constantly mixing at low speed until thoroughly combined. Scrape down the sides of your bowl as needed to ensure everything is mixed.
Now add in approx 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or adjust it to your liking. Mix again for around 30 seconds to combine everything.
To this mixture, gradually mix in the powder mixture with an electric mixer at low speed. Alternating between adding the powder mixture and 1 cup whole milk, starting and ending with dry ingredients until everything is smoothly combined.
Finally, fold in 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional), stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until evenly distributed.
Baking the Cake
Pour the cake batter into your greased bundt pan and spread out its top surface evenly with a spatula. Bake it in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 1 hour 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake’s center comes out clean with no cake batter.
Remove it from the oven and let it cool on a cooling rack for around 30-45 minutes or bring it to room temperature. Then carefully invert the cake onto a plate or cake stand.
Decorating the Chocolate Pound Cake (Optional)
You may want to add toppings to your cake for an even more decadent aesthetic appeal. Melt 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and drizzle it over the top using a spoon or piping bag if desired. You can also dust the top of the chocolate pound with powdered sugar before serving.
This classic chocolate pound cake recipe produces an incredibly delicious final product that will wow your taste buds and impress any chocolate lover. Enjoy all of its decadent moist flavor as is, or with fresh whipped cream or berries.
Substitutions and Variations
Listen, I know that sometimes you don’t have all the ingredients for a recipe. But don’t worry, I’m here to help with some substitutions and variations for this chocolate pound cake recipe.
First up, let’s talk about the cocoa powder. If you don’t have dutch processed cocoa powder, you can use unsweetened cocoa powder instead. Just make sure to add ½ teaspoon of baking soda to the dry ingredients so that the acid in the cocoa powder can react properly with the baking soda.
Next, let’s talk about the fat. If you don’t have shortening, you can use all butter instead. And if you’re looking for a healthier version, you could try substituting half of the butter with yogurt or applesauce.
Want to mix things up? Try adding some chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work great) or chocolate chips into the batter for an extra crunch. You could also add some espresso powder or orange zest to give it a fun twist.
If you want to make individual portions rather than one big cake, try making mini bundt cakes instead. Just adjust the baking time accordingly so that they don’t overcook.
Lastly, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to make a fudge version of this decadent moist chocolate cake from scratch, check out some recipes online and use this pound cake as a base. The possibilities are endless!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have prepared your scrumptious chocolate pound cake, it’s time to figure out how to serve it. There are many great ways to present this delicacy, depending on your preferences.
Firstly, you can serve your chocolate pound cake plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar. The dense and rich texture of the cake is already a treat in itself. A simple presentation will let the flavors speak for themselves.
Alternatively, frosting your pound cake can make it extra special. You can try whipped cream, cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache for an indulgent touch. To add some extra flair, top with fresh fruit like raspberries or strawberries.
Pairing is key when it comes to serving desserts, and there are many irresistible options for serving pound cake. Chocolate pound cake pairs well with a good cup of coffee. If you want to elevate the experience even more, then try pairing it with a rich-tasting hot chocolate for a heavenly combination that will tantalize your taste buds.
If you’re feeling adventurous, then try something completely different such as pairing your rich chocolate pound cake with sweetened whipped cream and berries for a balanced contrast of flavors.
No matter how you like to pair this classic dessert, one thing is sure: there are endless possibilities when it comes to serving and pairing this delicious dessert.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you plan to make this chocolate pound cake ahead of time, rest assured that it stores well. In fact, this cake tastes even better on the second day once the flavors have had a chance to meld together. To make ahead, simply wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to three days.
You can also freeze this decadent moist chocolate pound cake for up to three months. It’s important to store it properly if you want to avoid freezer burn! You can do this by double-wrapping the cooled cake in plastic wrap and then in foil. When you’re ready to serve, just let the cake thaw at room temperature for an hour or two before slicing.
When it comes to reheating, there are a few ways you can do it depending on your preference. If you’re looking to enjoy a warm slice of cake as if it’s fresh from the oven, try reheating individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Alternatively, you could reheat the entire cake in the oven. This is especially useful if you’re serving a larger crowd. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the wrapped cake on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes or until slightly warmed throughout.
One thing to note is that reheating may dry out some of the moisture and fudginess of the cake. To combat this issue, serve it with a drizzle of hot fudge or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra dose of decadence!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now let’s talk about how to get that perfect chocolate pound cake every time. Here are some tips to help you achieve success.
Firstly, make sure to thoroughly cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step helps to create a tender crumb and ensures even distribution of ingredients throughout the cake.
Secondly, when it comes to adding the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt), be sure to sift them first. Sifting helps to remove lumps and ensures even mixing.
Thirdly, don’t forget to alternate adding the dry ingredients with the milk. This will help keep the batter from becoming too thick or dry.
Fourthly, make sure your eggs are at room temperature before adding them in. Room temperature eggs will mix more easily into the batter and won’t cause it to curdle.
Fifthly, don’t overmix the batter once you’ve added in the dry ingredients. Overmixing can result in a tough texture rather than a tender one.
Sixthly, if you’re using a bundt pan, be sure to generously butter and flour it before pouring in the batter. This will help prevent sticking and ensure an easy release of the finished cake.
Lastly, allow the cake to cool completely in its pan before attempting to remove it. Trying to remove it while still warm can cause it to break or stick to the pan.
By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to making a delicious, decadent, moist chocolate pound cake from scratch!
FAQ
Now that you have learned all about the ingredients, steps, serving and pairing, make-ahead storage tips and more for our delectable Chocolate Pound Cake recipe, it’s time to address some common questions or concerns that may arise while baking this classic dessert. So, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions (FAQ) and their answers to make sure you get a perfect result every time!
What’s the difference between bundt cake and pound cake?
When it comes to cakes, bundt cakes and pound cakes are quite distinct from one another. While any cake can be made into a bundt cake by using a bundt pan, pound cakes have their own traditional recipe. They’re known for their dense texture, as well as their original ingredients of a pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour.
What makes a pound cake different from a regular cake?
Pound cakes have a distinctly dense texture compared to American-style butter cakes. They don’t rise excessively, which gives them their signature richness. As a result, these cakes are typically infused with subtle flavors and served either unadorned or with a basic glazing. This type of cake is most frequently prepared in a Bundt or loaf pan.
Why is pound cake so dry?
One possible cause of a dry cake is over-baking it, while another reason could be using too much flour or not enough butter and sugar. To overcome this situation, one can experiment with lowering the oven temperature or taking the cake out of the oven a little earlier.
What is Elvis Presley pound cake?
The Sterns revealed that Elvis Presley had a special fondness for pound cake, which was baked by his childhood friend Janelle McComb. The Sterns acquired the recipe from McComb in 1987, on the anniversary of Elvis’s passing. They also shared that McComb would bake two loaves of the cake every year for Christmas, and bring them over to Graceland.
Bottom Line
Now that you have all the information you need, I urge you to give this chocolate pound cake recipe a try. With its rich chocolate flavor and decadent moistness, it is sure to satisfy all of your sweet tooth cravings. And with the easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips provided, you can be confident in achieving perfect results.
So go ahead and make this cake for a special occasion, or just because you want to treat yourself. Your taste buds will thank you. And who knows? You may even impress your friends and family with your baking skills.
Remember, baking is not just a skill, it’s an art form. And with this chocolate pound cake recipe, you have all the necessary ingredients to create a masterpiece. So have fun in the kitchen, embrace your creativity, and happy baking!
Chocolate Pound Cake!! Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 3 cups sugar
- 5 eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cocoa
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- cream butter, shortening, and sugar until light. Add eggs one at a time. Blend the dry ingredients and add alternately with milk and vanilla. Pour batter into greased and slightly floured bundt pan or two medium loaf pans. Bake at 325 F for 1 hr and 45 mins to 2 hours.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.