Chocolate Pound Cake Recipe
Decadently rich chocolate cake topped with a velvety smooth chocolate ganache sounds like a dream come true, right? That's what you get with this easy chocolate pound cake recipe! Whip up a moist, dense loaf cake, then drizzle on a simple three-ingredient glaze to add sweetness on top of sweetness. Whether you're looking for a sweet snack to satisfy your chocolate cravings or a simple dessert to bring to a pot luck, this easy cake recipe is it!
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Reasons we love this Chocolate Pound Cake Recipe
If you're a chocolate lover, this recipe might just be your new obsession. With a delectably rich flavor and a moist, dense texture, this chocolate pound cake ticks all the boxes. Here's why we're head over heels for it:
- Rich Chocolate Flavor: Decadence takes center stage with this recipe. The combination of unsweetened cocoa powder and semi-sweet chocolate creates a bold, intense chocolate taste that feels indulgent with every bite.
- Velvety Chocolate Ganache Topping: The cake isn't complete without its finishing touch! A silky three-ingredient chocolate ganache drizzled over the top provides an extra layer of sweetness and richness that's utterly irresistible.
- Perfectly Moist Texture Goodbye dry cake! Thanks to the addition of ingredients like yogurt, brown sugar, and avocado oil, this pound cake is incredibly moist while retaining its classic dense pound cake structure.
- Customizable for Any Occasion: Serve it bare as a flavorful snack or dress it up with whipped cream, fresh berries, or even a scoop of ice cream to elevate it into an elegant dessert. There's no wrong way to enjoy this chocolate masterpiece!
- The Secret Ingredient: Instant coffee or espresso powder isn't just for lattes! Adding it to this recipe enhances the chocolate flavor, making it even more indulgent and luxurious.
What Do I Need to Make This Chocolate Pound Cake Recipe?
Enjoy a soft, moist cake perfect for snacking with this quick and easy loaf pan recipe! All you need are a handful of pantry ingredients to create a delicious dessert in minutes. When you're ready to start baking, grab these ingredients to make your own chocolate pound cake at home:
- Flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- No-sugar yogurt or sour cream
- Instant coffee or espresso powder
- Hot water
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Avocado oil
- Heavy cream
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How Do I Make This Chocolate Pound Cake Recipe?
Now that you have all your ingredients ready to go, it's time to start baking so you can enjoy a delicious slice of chocolate cake in no time! Just follow these easy steps to make your own pound cake topped with a gooey chocolate glaze.
Step One: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Before you can start baking your cake, begin by preheating the oven to 325 degrees, then line a 9x5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper to keep the cake from sticking. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk the ingredients together until they're well combined.
Step Two: Make the Cake Batter
In a separate bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using an electric mixer. Continue beating for 2 to 3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs and vanilla and mix until well combined.
Step Three: Add the Dry Ingredients
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Pour half the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, along with half the yogurt. Beat to mix the ingredients until they're just combined, then add the remaining dry ingredients and yogurt. Mix the ingredients again, until just combined.
Step Four: Pour in the Coffee
Stir together the instant coffee and hot water until the coffee has fully dissolved. Then, pour the warm coffee into the batter, along with the melted semi-sweet chocolate chips. Fold the ingredients into the batter until everything is well mixed.
Step Five: Bake the Pound Cake
Pour the cake batter into the prepared loaf pan and lightly tap the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles inside the cake. Place the cake in the preheated oven to bake for around 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Transfer the cake to a wire cooling rack and allow it to cool completely
Step Six: Make the Glaze
When the cake has cooled, pour the heavy cream into a small saucepan and warm it over medium low heat until it reaches a simmer, being careful not to let it come to a full boil. Place the chocolate in a bowl and pour the hot cream over the top. Let the cream and chocolate rest for around 30 seconds to give the chocolate time to melt, then stir to mix. Add the avocado oil and continue stirring until the ganache is smooth and glossy. Pour the ganache over the top of the cooled cake and allow it to set before slicing and serving.
How Do You Store Chocolate Pound Cake?
Everyone is going to love this delicious chocolate loaf cake, so you might not have any left after you serve it! But if you do have some leftovers, make sure to transfer them to an airtight container to keep the cake from drying out. It can be stored at room temperature for up to one week.
Chocolate Pound Cake Recipe Ideas
You're going to love just how quickly and easily this chocolate dessert recipe comes together! And with these easy recipe ideas, you can create a delicious treat every time you bake it.
- Swap out the yogurt for sour cream. Don't have any plain yogurt on hand? You can replace the yogurt with the same amount of sour cream. It's a good idea to use full-fat sour cream for the best flavor.
- Use pre-made coffee. If you have a pot of coffee on hand, you can use it in place of the instant coffee granules. Simply add 2 tablespoons of hot coffee or espresso directly to the batter.
- Add some toppings. Dress up your chocolate pound cake with some simple decorations! You can top your cake with rainbow or chocolate sprinkles, chocolate shavings, mini chocolate chips, or chopped up candy bars.
Perfect Pairings for Chocolate Coffee Cake
Chocolate pound cake is rich, indulgent, and utterly satisfying on its own-but pairing it with the right side or topping can take your dessert game to the next level! Here are some delicious ideas to complement your chocolate pound cake:
- Fresh Berries: The tartness of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries beautifully contrasts the sweetness of chocolate pound cake. Top a slice with a handful of berries or serve them in a bowl on the side.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing that melts perfectly over a warm slice of chocolate pound cake. The cool, milky flavor balances the cake's dense, chocolaty richness.
- Whipped Cream: Light, fluffy whipped cream adds an airy texture and subtle sweetness to your slice. Add a dollop (or two!) for an easy yet elegant touch.
- Espresso or Coffee: Pair your cake with a small cup of espresso or coffee for a bold and slightly bitter flavor that complements chocolate perfectly. Coffee drinkers know that nothing pairs better with chocolate than a hot brew.
- Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm, gooey salted caramel sauce over your cake for an irresistibly sweet and salty combo. The caramel enhances the cake's chocolate flavor while adding a buttery richness.
No matter which pairing you choose, these options are sure to enhance your chocolate pound cake and delight your guests (or yourself!). Which one will you try first?
Chocolate Pound Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter softened (2 sticks)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- 3 whole eggs + 1 yolk or if they are large ones you can use 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ cup no-sugar yogurt or sour cream
- ½ tablespoon instant coffee or espresso powder
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- ⅓ cup semi sweet chocolate chips melted
- Chocolate Glaze:
- ½ cup semi sweet chocolate chips
- ½ tablespoon avocado oil
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
Chocolate Cake
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F and line a 9x5 loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar together for 2-3 minutes until light & fluffy.
- Add in the vanilla and eggs and mix until combined.
- Mix in half of the dry ingredients and half of the sour cream. Mix only until combined, and continue to add the rest of the dry ingredients and cream.
- Mix the coffee with hot water until integrated. The pour into the batter together with the melted chocolate. Mix until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and tap the pan on the counter a few times to release air bubbles.
- Bake the pound cake for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack and allow the pound cake to cool completely.
Chocolate Ganache
- In a small saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream until it reaches a simmer, being careful not to let it boil.
- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and allow it to sit undisturbed for about 30 seconds.
- Add the avocado oil, then use a rubber spatula or spoon to slowly stir the mixture until the chocolate is fully melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy.
- Pour the ganache evenly over the cake, slice, and enjoy!
