The Ultimate German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake Recipe!

Sinking your teeth into a decadent German chocolate pecan pound cake that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Rich, velvety layers promise a luxurious dessert experience that goes beyond ordinary treats.

Pecans add a delightful crunch to every tender slice of this classic Southern-inspired confection.

Warm hints of coconut and chocolate weave through the dense, buttery cake like delicate ribbons of flavor.

Each carefully crafted bite tells a story of comfort and indulgence.

The aroma alone will draw hungry friends from every corner of your kitchen.

This cake transforms an ordinary afternoon into a celebration of pure sweetness.

Grab a fork and let the magic begin – you won’t want to miss a single crumbly, nutty moment.

German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake Expert Tips

• Butter Softening Trick: Take butter out of the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before baking to achieve the perfect soft, creamy texture for smooth mixing.
• Prevent Flour Clumping: Sift dry ingredients together to eliminate lumps and ensure even distribution throughout the cake batter.
• Pecan Toasting Technique: Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet for 3-5 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the cake.
• Moisture Monitoring Hack: Use the toothpick test carefully – insert it into the cake's center, and if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked.
• Glaze Application Pro Tip: Let the cake cool completely before adding the coconut-pecan glaze to prevent it from sliding off and ensure a beautiful, even coating.

Store German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake Properly

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
• Freeze: Slice cake before freezing for easier portioning. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Reheat: Thaw refrigerated or frozen cake at room temperature for 30 minutes. Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes until just heated through.
• Refresh: Restore cake's moisture by drizzling a small amount of simple syrup or brushing with melted butter before reheating to prevent dryness.

What Goes With German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake

• Pair with Rich Coffee Companions: Brew a dark roast or espresso to complement the cake's deep chocolate and nutty flavors. The robust coffee cuts through the sweetness and enhances the richness of the German chocolate and pecans.
• Match with Creamy Dessert Wines: Select a sweet dessert wine like port or moscato to mirror the cake's decadent texture. These wines provide a luxurious counterpoint that elevates each bite's complexity.
• Serve with Smooth Bourbon Highlights: Choose a smooth Kentucky bourbon with caramel undertones that beautifully echo the cake's coconut-pecan glaze. The bourbon's warmth and subtle sweetness will dance perfectly with the cake's intricate flavor profile.
• Create Ice Cream Harmony: Top a slice with vanilla bean or butter pecan ice cream for a temperature and texture contrast. The cold, creamy scoop balances the cake's dense richness and adds an extra layer of indulgence.

Try These Versions Of German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake

• Chocolate Orange Zest Cake: Enhance the German chocolate base by adding orange zest to the batter and replacing vanilla with orange extract for a bright, citrusy flavor profile.
• Salted Caramel Pecan Version: Drizzle a rich salted caramel sauce over the cake instead of traditional coconut-pecan glaze, creating a decadent sweet-salty experience.
• Spiced Chocolate Rum Cake: Incorporate dark rum into the batter and add a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, sophisticated twist on the classic recipe.
• Mocha Pecan Indulgence: Mix instant espresso powder into the cake batter and top with a chocolate coffee glaze to elevate the rich chocolate notes.

German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake Q&A

• What makes this German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake different from a regular pound cake?

This cake elevates the classic pound cake by incorporating melted German chocolate, which adds a rich, deep chocolate flavor, and toasted pecans for a nutty crunch. The coconut-pecan glaze also sets it apart from traditional pound cakes, making it more decadent and flavorful.

• Can I substitute the German chocolate if I can't find it?

Yes, you can use semi-sweet or dark chocolate as an alternative. However, German chocolate has a unique mild sweetness that contributes to the cake’s distinctive taste. If you substitute, the flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.

• How do I know when the pecans are properly toasted?

Toasted pecans should have a golden-brown color and release a warm, nutty aroma. You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 35 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Watch them carefully as they can quickly go from perfectly toasted to burnt.

• Is this cake suitable for special occasions?

Absolutely! The luxurious combination of chocolate, pecans, and coconut glaze makes this pound cake perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration that calls for a show-stopping dessert. Its elegant appearance and rich flavor will impress your guests.

Why You’ll Want More Of German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake

• Indulge in Decadent Layers: This German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake combines rich chocolate, crunchy pecans, and creamy coconut glaze for a luxurious dessert experience that feels like a celebration in every bite.
• Master Effortless Baking Technique: The recipe offers a straightforward method with simple steps, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels while delivering professional-looking results that will impress family and friends.
• Enjoy Texture-Perfect Harmony: Expect a moist, dense pound cake with contrasting textures – soft cake crumb, crunchy toasted pecans, and silky coconut-pecan glaze that creates a delightful sensory journey with each slice.
• Elevate Special Moments: Perfect for weekend gatherings, holiday celebrations, or when you want to treat yourself to an extraordinary dessert that feels both comforting and sophisticated without requiring advanced baking skills.

Everything Needed For German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake

• Butter: Rich, creamy base for tender cake texture, softened at room temperature.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy cake structure.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add moisture to the cake, room temperature recommended.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor to enhance overall taste.

• All-Purpose Flour: Foundational ingredient for cake structure, use unbleached if possible.
• Baking Powder: Helps cake rise and become light and airy.
• Baking Soda: Provides additional leavening and helps balance acidic ingredients.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Buttermilk, German Chocolate, Pecans: Adds rich moisture, deep chocolate flavor, and nutty crunch to the cake.

• Butter, Brown Sugar: Creates rich, caramel-like base for glaze.
• Evaporated Milk: Provides creamy consistency to the glaze.
• Egg Yolks: Thickens and enriches the glaze texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor to the glaze.
• Shredded Coconut, Toasted Pecans: Provides texture and traditional German chocolate cake flavor.

How To Put Together German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

• In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to blend softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy.
• Beat the ingredients on medium speed for 3-4 minutes, creating a fluffy base.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

• Crack eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture.
• Mix thoroughly after each egg addition.
• Pour in vanilla extract and blend until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture.
• Alternate adding dry ingredients with buttermilk.
• Start and end with flour mixture.
• Mix gently to avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Incorporate Chocolate and Nuts

• Fold in melted German chocolate.
• Add toasted pecans, distributing evenly throughout the batter.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

• Grease a 10-inch Bundt pan thoroughly.
• Dust pan with flour or use baking spray.
• Pour batter into prepared pan.
• Smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

• Place pan in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C).
• Bake for 60-70 minutes.
• Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center.
• Toothpick should come out clean when cake is ready.

Step 8: Cool the Cake

• Let cake rest in pan for 10-15 minutes.
• Carefully invert onto a wire rack.
• Allow cake to cool completely.

Step 9: Create Coconut-Pecan Glaze

• In a saucepan, combine
• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Evaporated milk
• Egg yolks
• Whisk continuously over medium heat for 5-7 minutes.
• Cook until mixture thickens.

Step 10: Finish Glaze

• Remove from heat.
• Stir in vanilla extract.
• Add shredded coconut.
• Mix in toasted pecans.
• Let glaze cool slightly.

Step 11: Decorate and Serve

• Drizzle glaze over completely cooled cake.
• Allow glaze to cascade down sides.
• Optional: Sprinkle extra pecans on top.
• Optional: Dust with powdered sugar.

German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent German chocolate pecan pound cake beckons with rich layers of Southern comfort and European elegance. Warm spices and toasted pecans create a luxurious dessert experience you’ll savor with each delectable slice.

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Ingredients

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Primary Cake Ingredients:

• 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk, at room temperature
• 4 ounces (115 grams) German chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 cup (120 grams) pecans, toasted and chopped

Dry Cake Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups (315 grams) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Glaze Ingredients:

• 1 cup (200 grams) brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) evaporated milk
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 cup (120 grams) sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup (120 grams) toasted pecans, chopped
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cake foundation by blending softened butter and sugar until the mixture transforms into a velvety, airy consistency using an electric mixer.
2. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring each is thoroughly integrated before adding the next, then infuse with vanilla extract for aromatic depth.
3. Separately combine flour, leavening agents, and salt, creating a delicate dry mixture that will provide structure to the cake.
4. Gradually introduce the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk to maintain a smooth, cohesive batter. Mix gently to preserve the cake’s delicate texture.
5. Gently fold melted German chocolate and toasted pecans throughout the batter, distributing them evenly to ensure balanced flavor in every slice.
6. Transfer the batter into a prepared Bundt pan, carefully smoothing the surface to create an even layer for uniform baking.
7. Bake in a preheated oven, monitoring the cake’s progress until a toothpick emerges clean when inserted into the center, indicating perfect doneness.
8. Allow the cake to rest in the pan briefly, then carefully release onto a cooling rack, permitting complete temperature reduction.
9. Craft the luxurious glaze by whisking butter, brown sugar, evaporated milk, and egg yolks over medium heat until the mixture thickens and develops a rich, glossy consistency.
10. Remove glaze from heat, incorporating vanilla, shredded coconut, and toasted pecans to create a decadent topping.
11. Once the cake has cooled entirely, generously drape the glaze over the surface, allowing it to cascade elegantly down the sides.
12. Optionally embellish with additional toasted pecans or a delicate sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elevated presentation.

Notes

• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch, ensuring they’re evenly golden brown without burning.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and buttermilk to create a smoother, more uniform cake batter that rises consistently.
• Check cake doneness early by inserting a toothpick at 60 minutes, as ovens vary and preventing overbaking maintains the cake’s moisture.
• Adjust glaze thickness by cooking slightly longer for a more caramel-like consistency or shorter for a more pourable texture, depending on personal preference.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 487
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 170 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 57 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg