German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake
Pecan Pound Cake Perfection
So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. Nothing feels better than whipping up a delicious cake that not only looks impressive but is also a total crowd-pleaser with the least amount of effort possible. Meet the German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake—an indulgent treat with a rich chocolate flavor and a crunch from the pecans. Buckle up because we’re diving into some seriously scrumptious baking.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
Let’s be real for a sec. This cake isn’t just good; it’s beyond amazing. Like, you could serve this at a fancy dinner party and people might think you actually know what you’re doing in the kitchen. Spoiler alert: You don’t need to! It’s idiot-proof—yes, even I didn’t mess it up. Plus, the combo of chocolate and pecans just dances together like they’re at a party. You might get asked for the recipe, so brace yourself. You’re welcome.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Grab your shopping list because here’s what you’ll need to make this heavenly cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (because hard butter is just rude)
- 2 cups granulated sugar (for that sweet, sweet life)
- 4 large eggs (pro tip: room temperature works best)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (the magical flavor booster)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (your cake’s best friend)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (for the rise that’ll make you proud)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to balance all that sweetness)
- 1 cup buttermilk (yes, you can use regular milk… but why?)
- 1 cup German chocolate, melted (oh la la, let’s get fancy)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (the crunch that takes it over the top)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you’ve got your ingredients, it’s time to get baking. Here’s how we do it:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Don’t forget this step—thinking it doesn’t matter is a rookie move.
- Grease and flour a bundt pan. Make sure to cover every nook and cranny; no one wants a stuck cake.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is where the magic starts, so whip it real good.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Show those eggs some love—this is key for a nice texture.
- Stir in vanilla extract. Your kitchen should be smelling divine by now.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix it all together like you’re making a mini sandcastle.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Go slow here—nobody needs a flour explosion in their kitchen.
- Fold in melted German chocolate and chopped pecans. As you do this, channel a pastry chef vibe. You got this.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Make sure it’s even—you want this cake to look fabulous.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Dance while you wait. You deserve it.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Patience is a virtue, my friend.

Common Mistakes to Avoid
We all mess up sometimes, but let’s try to avoid some classic blunders:
- Thinking you don’t need to preheat the oven. Seriously, this is a must. A cold oven equals sad cake.
- Not greasing the pan properly. You’ll regret it when your beautiful cake tries to imitate a stubborn barnacle.
- Overstuffing your ingredients. More isn’t always better, my friend. Follow the amounts, or your cake may end up looking like a volcano.
- Skipping the cooling time. Trying to cut into a hot cake is like trying to hug a cactus. Just don’t.
Alternatives & Substitutions
Life happens, and sometimes you don’t have everything you need. Here are some easy alternatives:
- Butter: If you’re in a pickle, you can use margarine, but let’s be honest; why not go all out with butter?
- Sugar: Brown sugar gives it a richer flavor. Mix it up; live your best life.
- Flour: Gluten-free flour can be swapped in if you want to cater to your gluten-sensitive pals.
- Buttermilk: If you’re in a rush, regular milk plus a teaspoon of vinegar will work just fine. Science at its finest.
FAQ
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Well, technically yes, but why hurt your soul like that? Butter is where the flavor’s at.
Can I leave out the pecans?
Sure, if you like your cake nut-free. But let’s face it, pecans are what make this cake special.
How do I know if the cake is done?
Stick a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, you’re ready to roll.
Can I bake this in a regular pan?
Absolutely. Just adjust the baking time; it might take a bit longer if you’re using a 9×13 pan.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to keep it fresh.
Can I add frosting?
Why not? A chocolate ganache could take it to another level.
Final Thoughts
Now you’ve made it to the end of this delightful journey. You’re armed with all the tools to bake the ultimate German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake. The best part? You can show off your new culinary skills or just keep it all for yourself. Either way, you totally deserve this delicious treat. So go on, preheat that oven and get baking! You’ve earned it!
Print
German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake
- Total Time: 85
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
An indulgent German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake with rich chocolate flavor and a crunch from pecans, perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup German chocolate, melted
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Grease and flour a bundt pan.
- Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk.
- Fold in melted German chocolate and chopped pecans.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
Avoid classic mistakes like skipping preheating the oven or not greasing the pan properly.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 70
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
