Rich chocolate. Buttery cake. Crunchy toasted pecans. This Decadent German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake is everything you want in a dessert—and more. With a tender crumb, indulgent glaze, and the nostalgic flavor of German chocolate, it’s a cake that feels luxurious without being overly fussy.
Whether you’re baking for a birthday, the holidays, or just because you love cake, this bundt beauty brings both flavor and flair to the table.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about pound cake. It’s dense but soft, sturdy yet melt-in-your-mouth. Add in German chocolate and toasted pecans, and now we’re in elite territory.
This cake bakes up golden and fragrant, with pockets of chocolate and nutty goodness in every slice. The rich glaze adds a fudgy finish that pushes it over the top. It’s the kind of dessert you cut “just a sliver” of—and then come back for three more.
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
Swaps and Notes
- German Chocolate Substitution: Semi-sweet chocolate works in a pinch, but German chocolate gives a more mellow, cocoa-buttery taste.
- Sour Cream: You can use full-fat Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor and similar texture.
- Pecans: Toasting them brings out their natural oils and flavor—don’t skip it!
- Bundt Pan Tip: Grease and flour it thoroughly to avoid sticking disasters.
Step-by-Step Instructions
🔹 Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan well.
🔹 Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes.
🔹 Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.
🔹 Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
🔹 Mix the Batter
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with sour cream. Stir just until combined. Fold in the chopped chocolate and toasted pecans.
🔹 Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan. Smooth the top. Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
🔹 Cool
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
For the German Chocolate Pecan Glaze
🔹 Heat Cream
In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
🔹 Melt Chocolate
Remove from heat and add chopped German chocolate. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until silky smooth.
🔹 Glaze the Cake
Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled pound cake and sprinkle with toasted pecans.
Tips for Success
- Room Temp Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Once the flour goes in, mix gently to avoid a dense texture.
- Toasting Pecans: Bake them at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until fragrant and golden. Cool before adding.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Serve thick slices of this cake on its own or elevate it with:
- A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream
- A swirl of whipped cream and berries
- A mug of hot coffee or mocha latte
For a dessert spread, try pairing it with:
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs
- Pecan Pie Bars
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites
- Grasshopper Pie
- Peanut Butter Brownies
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Room Temperature: Store covered at room temp for 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps for up to a week in an airtight container.
- Freezer-Friendly: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 2 months.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If rich desserts are your thing (and let’s be real—they are), don’t miss:
Final Thoughts
This Decadent German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake Delight is the kind of recipe that earns you rave reviews at every gathering. It’s deeply chocolaty, a little nutty, and completely irresistible. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a potluck, or just to treat yourself—you’ve found your showstopper.
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