German’s Chocolate Pound Cake

A luscious, rich, German Chocolate Pound Cake made with Baker’s German sweet chocolate. This old fashioned chocolate pound cake is delicious with the yummy powdered sugar frost and sweet chocolate glaze.

This cake is not a traditional German chocolate cake because it is not dressed with the coconut, pecan, evaporated milk topping. That topping is the iconic detail that takes a chocolate cake from being a chocolate cake, to a German chocolate cake.

The name comes from the specific brand of chocolate used in this recipe. This is an old family recipe that was found in Grandma’s recipe box, complete with the sweet chocolate glaze. German Chocolate is actually named after the man who created it, Samuel German, rather than Germany. Here’s the History of German’s Chocolate.

This cake could go by many different generic names including triple chocolate pound cake, and southern chocolate pound cake; though there are differences in the way these cake recipes are executed as well as the ingredients used.

The Baker’s German sweet chocolate bring a delicious depth of sweet chocolate for a rich cake that can be made as a bundt cake, a loaf cake, or a traditional staked cake. We chose to make this cake in a bundt cake form because the shape creates a beautiful, sophisticated presentation when finished with a shiny chocolate glaze.

What makes a German chocolate cake?

Traditional German chocolate cakes are made with a rich, silky chocolate cake and either filled with, or covered in a sweet pecan and coconut icing. Baker’s German chocolate is typically used in German chocolate cakes because the ratio of cocoa to sugar is different than their other chocolate baking bars, lending to a sweeter finish.

We chose to follow Grandma’s recipe and make this as more of an old-fashioned chocolate pound cake. We love the light and airy texture that this recipe produces, and the chocolate glaze is not overpowering, rather it finishes the cake with an added layer of moist chocolate.

What is chocolate glaze made of?

Chocolate glaze is made by melting unsweetened chocolate or coco powder and gently mixing it with butter, powdered sugar, a bit of salt if desired, and a dash of vanilla for added flavor. Glaze is different from ganache which is made using heavy cream producing a thicker, more frosting like consistency.

Chocolate glaze is pourable and thin with the ability to cool and becoming slightly firm. This makes it fantastic to use for cakes and cookies.

What makes a cake more moist?

Moist, fluffy cakes can easily be achieved by following some simple baking tips, respecting the specific techniques necessary to cake baking, and using the right tools for the job. Here is our list of tips and tricks to help you make a soft, fluffy, moist chocolate cake every time.

• Working with warmed ingredients is important when making cakes. Butter, eggs, and milk should be set out ahead of time and warmed to room temperature. This will help the texture of the cake be smooth and lump free. It also requires less mixing time which is another important tip.
• Make sure you are using fresh ingredients, as well as the proper ingredients for the best results. Baking powder, baking soda, and eggs should be fresh to ensure the best rise and texture of the cake. Using cake flour is another important ingredient because it has been sifted and produced specifically for use in delicate recipes like cakes.
• Mixing the ingredients in the order the recipe calls for will give you the best consistency and require less mixing. Minimal mixing is important, because an over mixed batter will fall and become dense during the baking process.
• Using oils will retain moisture for longer after the cake has finished baking.
• Bake cakes on the lowest temperature the recipe calls for, and for the shortest time possible. Cakes will dry out very quickly in the oven if they are baked too hot, or for too long.
• Brushing your baked cake with a simple syrup will add moisture.

Should your chocolate cake be refrigerated?

No, you do not need to refrigerate a cake that is drizzled with a glaze. Once your cake is cooled and decorated store it in an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dark area of your kitchen. The cake will stay moist and fresh as long as it is not exposed to air, and the glaze is stable at room temperature.

Can you fill a bundt cake?

Bundt cakes can be filled in a variety of ways from nuts, to chocolate chips, dried fruits, and dollops of cream icings. Simply incorporate whatever add ins you choose while mixing the batter, and then pour into the cake pans and bake. You can also create a layer of filling in the middle of your cakes by filling the pans halfway, adding the filling layer, and then finishing with the remaining batter and baking.

How do you serve chocolate cake?

Chocolate cake is a long loved, traditional dessert that can be served and enjoyed in just about every way imaginable. We love chocolate cakes with a simple glaze, a rich chocolate frosting, or a decadent decorated birthday cake. Here are some ideas for how you can decorate your chocolate bundt cake.

• Brushing with a simple syrup and dust with a light coating of powdered sugar
• Add sprinkles over the top to bring a flair and pop of color
• Garnish with fresh fruit for a sophisticated finish
• Top with chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips
• Whip up a rich frosting and flavor it to compliment the chocolate cake
• Make it a true German chocolate cake

How to make chocolate pound cake

This recipe is made from Baker’s German sweet chocolate. We used Baker’s unsweetened chocolate and added sugar until it was just barely sweet. This recipe is probably best when made as directed with the German sweet chocolate, but the adaptation still gave a delicious cake with a rich chocolate flavor.

Combining sweetened, melted chocolate with whole milk, eggs, and soft cake flour gives this homemade chocolate pound cake a wonderful texture that is light and fluffy. It keeps fresh for days when stored properly, and can be garnished as directed or left plain.

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