The Best Chocolate Pound Cake Recipe

Rich, dense, and deeply chocolatey, this Chocolate Pound Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers. Made with simple ingredients, this cake delivers a moist, buttery texture with a perfect balance of sweetness and cocoa flavor. Whether served on its own, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or topped with a decadent chocolate glaze, this pound cake is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deep Chocolate Flavor – Made with cocoa powder and rich butter for the perfect taste.
• Moist & Dense Texture – Classic pound cake consistency that’s tender and buttery.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and a straightforward baking process.
• Versatile – Serve it plain, with whipped cream, or drizzled with chocolate ganache.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for celebrations, holidays, or as a cozy dessert.

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Whole milk
• Sour cream or buttermilk (for extra moisture)

For the glaze (optional):

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Heavy cream
• Powdered sugar (for dusting, if desired)

Directions

1. Preheat & Prepare – Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a loaf or bundt pan.
2. Cream Butter & Sugar – Beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs & Vanilla – Mix in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
5. Combine Wet & Dry – Gradually mix dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with milk and sour cream.
6. Bake – Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool & Glaze – Let the cake cool completely. If using a glaze, melt chocolate chips with heavy cream, then pour over the cake.
8. Serve – Slice and enjoy with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or extra toppings!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8–10 slices
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60–70 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Espresso Boost – Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder for deeper chocolate flavor.
• Nutty Addition – Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
• Chocolate Chip Swirl – Fold in mini chocolate chips for a double-chocolate experience.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free flour blend for a GF-friendly version.

Storage & Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to a week.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Let thaw at room temperature or warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds.

FAQs

What makes this pound cake moist?

The combination of butter, milk, and sour cream keeps it rich and moist.

Can I use Dutch-process cocoa powder?

Yes, but you may need to adjust the baking powder since Dutch-process cocoa is less acidic.

How do I prevent my cake from drying out?

Avoid overbaking and store it in an airtight container to retain moisture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

What’s the best way to glaze the cake?

Pour the warm chocolate ganache over a fully cooled cake for the best results.

Can I use a bundt pan instead of a loaf pan?

Yes! A bundt pan works beautifully but may require a slightly shorter baking time.

What’s the difference between pound cake and regular cake?

Pound cakes are denser and richer, while regular cakes tend to be lighter and fluffier.

Can I add frosting instead of glaze?

Absolutely! A chocolate buttercream or cream cheese frosting would be delicious.

Why did my pound cake crack on top?

This is normal for pound cakes due to their dense batter—it gives them a rustic look!

How do I know when my cake is done?

A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean with a few moist crumbs.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Pound Cake is a rich, indulgent dessert that’s perfect for chocolate lovers. Whether you enjoy it plain, glazed, or with a scoop of ice cream, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a try and savor every decadent bite!

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