Indulge in a rich and luxurious dessert with our Decadent German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake Delight. This cake is a celebration of flavors and textures, combining the dense, buttery goodness of a classic pound cake with the rich, sweet allure of German chocolate and the crunchy, nutty charm of toasted pecans. Perfect for special occasions, holidays, or any time you crave a truly decadent treat, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends.
The cake itself is made with a rich batter that includes sour cream for extra moisture and tenderness. Chopped German chocolate and toasted pecans are folded into the batter, ensuring every bite is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Topped with a smooth and creamy German chocolate pecan glaze, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to create this mouthwatering dessert step by step.
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
1. Preheat Oven:
- Set Oven Temperature: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This ensures the oven is hot and ready for baking.
- Prepare Bundt Pan: Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan. This prevents the cake from sticking and ensures easy removal after baking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
- Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 2 cups of white sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. This typically takes about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Incorporate Eggs: Beat in the 4 eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk Together: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the flour.
5. Mix Batter:
- Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with 1 cup of sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense.
6. Fold in Chocolate and Pecans:
- Incorporate Mix-ins: Gently fold in 1 cup of chopped German chocolate and 1 cup of toasted, chopped pecans. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Prepare for Baking:
- Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
8. Bake:
- Bake the Cake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
9. Cool:
- Initial Cooling: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This helps it set slightly before removing it from the pan.
- Final Cooling: Carefully remove the cake from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the German Chocolate Pecan Glaze:
1. Heat Cream:
- Simmer Cream: In a small saucepan, heat ½ cup of heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
2. Melt Chocolate:
- Combine and Melt: Remove the saucepan from the heat and add 1 cup of chopped German chocolate. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the chocolate to melt, then stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Glaze the Cake:
- Drizzle Glaze: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled pound cake, letting it flow down the sides for a beautiful presentation.
- Add Pecans: Sprinkle ½ cup of toasted, chopped pecans over the top of the glazed cake for added crunch and decoration.
4. Serve:
- Slice and Enjoy: Slice the cake and serve. Enjoy the rich, chocolatey, and nutty flavors of this decadent dessert.
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving (this will vary based on specific ingredients used)
- Servings: 12 servings
Tips and Variations
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results. This helps them blend together more smoothly.
- Chocolate Variations: You can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate instead of German chocolate for a different flavor profile.
- Extra Moisture: Add a tablespoon of milk or buttermilk to the batter if you prefer a slightly moister cake.
- Garnish Options: Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of elegance.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 25g
FAQs
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make the cake a day ahead. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature. Add the glaze just before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this cake? A: Absolutely! Allow the cake to cool completely, wrap it in plastic wrap, and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature and add the glaze before serving.
Q: What can I substitute for sour cream? A: You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk. Both will provide the necessary moisture and tanginess.
Q: How do I toast pecans? A: Spread the pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and lightly browned.
Q: Can I use a different type of pan? A: Yes, if you don’t have a bundt pan, you can use a 9×13 inch baking dish or two 9-inch round cake pans. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
Q: What is German chocolate? A: German chocolate is a sweet chocolate named after Sam German, who created it. It’s slightly sweeter and milder than semi-sweet chocolate. You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate if German chocolate is unavailable.
Q: Can I add other mix-ins? A: Yes, you can add shredded coconut, dried fruit, or other nuts to the batter for additional texture and flavor.
Enjoy making and indulging in this Decadent German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake Delight, a rich and luscious treat perfect for any special occasion!