German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake: The Most Delicious 7-Step Recipe!

Let’s talk about this German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake, my friends. It’s the kind of cake that makes your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery and brings everyone running to the kitchen. Imagine a rich, buttery pound cake, deeply chocolatey, studded with toasty pecans, and swirled with a sweet, coconut-pecan frosting.

It’s a showstopper that’s surprisingly simple to make. This recipe is a labor of love, but I promise, every single step is absolutely worth it.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS GERMAN CHOCOLATE PECAN POUND CAKE RECIPE

You will adore this German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake for many reasons! Firstly, it delivers that classic, decadent German chocolate flavor in a wonderfully simple, no-fuss pound cake format. Secondly, the texture is pure magic, incredibly moist and dense, just like a perfect pound cake should be.

Furthermore, it’s packed with crunchy, buttery pecans in every single bite. Finally, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for holidays, potlucks, or just satisfying a serious chocolate craving.

Print

HOW TO MAKE GERMAN CHOCOLATE PECAN POUND CAKE

This process is straight forward, but a few key tips will ensure your success. First, always bring your cold ingredients like eggs and butter to room temperature. This simple step helps them emulsify into the batter, creating a smooth, high-rising cake. Additionally, don’t overmix once you add the flour; mix just until the streaks disappear. Consequently, you’ll have a tender crumb instead of a tough one.

INGREDIENTS GERMAN CHOCOLATE PECAN POUND CAKE

For the Cake:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 5 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process preferred)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 oz German sweet chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 cup chopped pecans

For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:

• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans

DIRECTIONS GERMAN CHOCOLATE PECAN POUND CAKE

STEP 1: PREPARE
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Then, generously grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan or bundt pan. After that, in a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside.

STEP 2: CREAM BUTTER AND SUGAR
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the softened butter, oil, and sugar together on medium-high speed for a full 5-7 minutes. The mixture will become very light and fluffy.

STEP 3: ADD EGGS
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.

STEP 4: COMBINE WET AND DRY
With the mixer on low, alternately add the flour mixture and the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix only until just combined. Next, gently fold in the melted German chocolate and the chopped pecans.

STEP 5: BAKE
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 80-90 minutes, or until a long skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

STEP 6: MAKE THE FROSTING
While the cake bakes, make the frosting. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla, coconut, and pecans. Let it cool completely; it will thicken further as it cools.

STEP 7: COOL AND FROST
Let the cake cool in the pan for 20 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once the cake and frosting are both cool, spread the frosting over the top of the cake.

IS A NUTRITION HERO GERMAN CHOCOLATE PECAN POUND CAKE (A BALANCED VIEW)

• Acknowledging Indulgence: While this German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake is an indulgent dessert, its individual components do offer nutritional merits.
• Benefits of Pecans:
  • They are a good source of healthy monounsaturated fats.
  • They provide dietary fiber.
  • They contain important minerals, including manganese and copper, which support metabolic processes and immune function.
• Benefits of Eggs:
  • They contribute high-quality protein.
  • They supply essential vitamins necessary for various bodily functions.
• The Guiding Principle: The key takeaway is “everything in moderation.” This cake should be viewed as a special occasion treat, not an everyday food.
• Mindful Enjoyment: By savoring a slice on occasion, you can fully appreciate its richness and complexity without guilt, making the experience a conscious pleasure.

GREAT FOR WEIGHT MANAGEMENT (WHEN PORTIONED)

Point	Key Concept	Explanation & Details
1	Context & Reality	An indulgent cake like this German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake is not typically considered a weight management food.
2	Primary Strategy	For those watching their intake, portion control is the most important tool.
3	Practical Application	A single, small slice can be incorporated into a balanced diet without derailing progress.
4	Psychological Benefit	Mindfully savoring a small, satisfying piece can prevent feelings of deprivation, which often lead to overeating or binge-eating on other foods later.
5	Recipe Modifications	For a lower-calorie version, you can: – Reduce the amount of frosting. – Swap some granulated sugar for a sugar-free alternative.
6	Modification Caveat	Be aware that these ingredient changes will slightly alter the final cake’s texture and classic taste.

HOW TO CHOOSE AND STORE PECANS AND COCONUT

Choosing quality ingredients is key for the best German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake. For pecans, look for halves or pieces that are plump, uniform in color, and have a rich, nutty aroma. Avoid any that smell rancid or are shriveled.

Store pecans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to nine months, or in the freezer for up to two years, as their high oil content can make them go rancid quickly at room temperature.

For coconut, sweetened, flaked coconut is standard for this recipe, but ensure it is fresh; a moist texture and sweet aroma indicate freshness. Store leftover coconut in a sealed bag in a cool, dry pantry.

EASY AND TASTY LOW-CAL RECIPES (USING PECAN FLAVOR)

Core Concept: You can enjoy the signature flavors of a German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake in healthier, lighter preparations.

• Dessert Alternative: A Pecan Crust Fruit Tart
  • Action: Create a crust for a tart using pecans.
  • Comparison: Use this instead of a traditional, buttery shortcrust pastry.
  • Benefit: This provides a rich, nutty base that pairs perfectly with fresh fruit, offering a more nutrient-dense option.
• Breakfast or Snack Idea: Enhanced Greek Yogurt
  • Base: Start with a serving of plain Greek yogurt for protein and probiotics.
  • Flavor Toppings:
    • Add a sprinkle of toasted pecans for crunch and healthy fats.
    • Add a pinch of unsweetened coconut for tropical flavor and texture.
    • Finish with a light drizzle of honey for natural sweetness.
  • Benefit: This creates a balanced, satisfying meal or snack.
• Overall Advantage:
  • Health Profile: These alternatives deliver the beloved flavor profile with significantly fewer calories and less added sugar than a slice of cake.
  • Sustainability: This makes the flavor combination a practical and guilt-free choice for regular, daily enjoyment.

SWEET TREATS THE HEALTHY WAY (A FOCUS ON NATURAL SWEETENERS)

• The Common Culprit: Traditional baking often relies on refined white sugar as the primary source of sweetness.
• The Core Strategy: To create healthier sweet treats, you can utilize natural sweeteners as alternatives or supplements.
• Application in Pound Cakes:
  • Method: Reduce the total amount of granulated sugar and supplement with a high-quality, non-nutritive sweetener like allulose or erythritol.
  • Why These Sweeteners: They are chosen specifically because they can help retain moisture, which is critical in a pound cake’s texture.
  • Primary Benefit: This substitution effectively cuts down on calories and carbohydrates.
• Application in Other Desserts:
  • Method: Use liquid natural sweeteners like date paste or maple syrup to replace a portion of the granulated sugar.
  • Added Benefit: These sweeteners contribute their own natural mineral content, adding a nutritional advantage.
• Important Technical Consideration:
  • Challenging Recipes: Sugar provides crucial structure and texture in certain recipes, like a dense pound cake, making direct substitution difficult.
  • Easier Substitutions: Simpler treats (such as muffins, energy balls, or no-bake bars) are more forgiving and ideal for experimenting with natural sweetener alternatives.
• Overall Goal: This approach allows you to enjoy the pleasure of sweetness in a more health-conscious way, with significantly less guilt.

DON’T FORGET THE SEEDS! (WHEN BAKING)

Although this German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake centers on nuts and chocolate, seeds can be a powerhouse addition to other baked goods. Chia seeds and flax seeds, for instance, are loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. When making quick breads or muffins, adding a tablespoon of ground flaxseed not only boosts nutrition but can also act as a binding agent, even replacing an egg in some recipes.

In the spirit of a healthy German-style bake, consider adding pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds to a rustic bread for texture and a nutritional punch!

TIPS AND NOTES: YOUR KITCHEN COMPANION

• DETAILS
  Room temperature ingredients are non-negotiable for the perfect texture. Do not skip the step of toasting your pecans for the frosting; it adds a deep, nutty flavor.
• VARIATION
  For a delightful twist, you can add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter along with the pecans. Alternatively, you can skip the frosting for a simpler, yet still delicious, chocolate pecan pound cake.
• NOTES
  If you can’t find German’s sweet chocolate, you can use 4 oz of semi-sweet chocolate and add 1-2 tablespoons of granulated sugar when melting. The cake tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together.

HOW TO SERVE GERMAN CHOCOLATE PECAN POUND CAKE

• Serving Temperature: Serve this glorious German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake at room temperature to best appreciate its flavor and texture.
• Beverage Pairing: Accompany each slice with a tall glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee for a classic and complementary pairing.
• Standalone Quality: The German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake is exceptionally rich and satisfying, making it perfect to enjoy on its own.
• Optional Enhancement: For an extra treat, a small scoop of vanilla ice cream served alongside is a highly recommended addition.

HOW TO STORE GERMAN CHOCOLATE PECAN POUND CAKE

Store any leftover German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. The cake also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months; just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.

GERMAN CHOCOLATE PECAN POUND CAKE FAQS