Decadent German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake Delight Recipe
If you’re craving a show-stopping dessert that effortlessly blends rich chocolate, toasty pecans, and classic coconut gooeyness, get ready to fall head over heels for this Decadent German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake Delight. Every slice is luxuriously moist and packed with layers of flavor—think deep cocoa, nutty crunch, and a buttery coconut-pecan topping that’s pure nostalgia. Whether you’re planning a special gathering or simply want to treat yourself, this easy-to-make bundt cake brings bakery-level magic right to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for this luscious pound cake is surprisingly simple yet essential. Each element is chosen for its impact on the overall flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden look—so try not to swap anything unless absolutely necessary!
- German chocolate cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The base of our cake, making it chocolatey, moist, and foolproof every time.
- Instant chocolate pudding mix (1 box, 3.4 oz): Enhances the cake’s structure and adds even more chocolaty richness—don’t skip this!
- Eggs (4 large): Provide lift and create that perfect dense-yet-tender crumb.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Infuses moisture and a tang that balances all the sweetness.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Adds richness and keeps your cake soft for days.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Helps bring everything together and adds a creamy finish.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and aroma—just a splash makes a difference.
- Chopped pecans, toasted (1 cup): Elevates the flavor with nuttiness and crunch in every bite.
- Sweetened shredded coconut (1 cup): The signature topping ingredient for all those chewy, buttery bites.
- Chopped pecans (1/2 cup for topping): Toast them if you like for richer flavor in the topping.
- Evaporated milk (1/2 cup): Creates an ultra-creamy coconut-pecan topping.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the topping, helping it caramelize and thicken.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup): For unbeatable richness in the topping.
- Egg yolks (2 large): Thicken the topping and give it that gorgeous golden hue.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon for topping): Brings out the best in the coconut-pecan topping.
How to Make Decadent German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake Delight
Step 1: Prepare Your Bundt Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Generously grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan—take a moment here, because a well-prepped pan ensures your Decadent German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake Delight comes out gorgeously intact, with all those beautiful ridges ready for their topping.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the German chocolate cake mix, instant chocolate pudding mix, eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer on medium speed and beat everything together for about 2 to 3 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed. The batter should turn glossy, dense, and ultra-smooth—this is what gives the cake its crave-worthy texture.
Step 3: Add Toasted Pecans
Fold in 1 cup of the toasted chopped pecans, being careful not to overmix. Toasting brings out their aromatic flavor and adds that unmistakable crunch throughout your Decadent German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake Delight. Each sprinkle truly makes a big difference!
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour your batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes. When a toothpick inserted in the thickest part comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a wire rack and allow it to cool completely—this patience pays off when it’s time to add the topping.
Step 5: Prepare the Coconut-Pecan Topping
While the cake cools, combine coconut, extra pecans, evaporated milk, sugar, butter, and egg yolks in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly so the mixture thickens slowly and evenly—around 8 to 10 minutes—until it turns a lovely light caramel color. Take it off the heat and stir in the vanilla. Let the topping cool slightly (so it’s thick but still spreadable), then generously spread it all over your cool cake.
Step 6: Optional—Add More Decadence
If you want to take things to the next level, drizzle melted semi-sweet chocolate over the coconut-pecan topping. The fudgy extra touch makes your Decadent German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake Delight even more irresistible.
How to Serve Decadent German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake Delight
Garnishes
A flourish of toasted pecans or a sprinkle of extra shredded coconut on top always earns applause. If you’re feeling fancy, add a drizzle of melted chocolate or a few chocolate curls for a truly bakery-style presentation. Each garnish invites a little extra luxury to your slice of Decadent German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake Delight.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs delightfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, or even a handful of fresh berries for a bright contrast. The cooling creaminess or tart, juicy bite accentuates the richness of the cake and completes that well-rounded dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve your Decadent German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake Delight as an impressive centerpiece on a cake stand or slice and plate each piece individually with chocolate drizzle and berries. For parties, consider cutting the cake into cubes and serving as decadent bites on a platter with pretty toothpicks—watch how quickly they disappear!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will stay moist and flavorful at room temperature for up to 3 days, or you can refrigerate it to extend freshness for up to a week—though it rarely lasts that long!
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze the Decadent German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake Delight! For best results, wrap individual slices or the whole cake (tightly wrapped and without the topping) in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. If freezing with the topping, be gentle when wrapping and consider using a hard container to prevent smushing.
Reheating
When you’re ready to serve, let the cake thaw at room temperature. For just-baked warmth, briefly zap individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds—just enough to perk up the flavor and soften the topping, turning your leftovers into a cozy treat.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
While you can experiment, the unique sweetness and milder chocolate notes of German chocolate cake mix are what give the Decadent German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake Delight its signature taste. Using other mixes may make it more intensely chocolatey, but it will still be delicious!
Do I have to toast the pecans?
Toasting the pecans isn’t strictly required, but it does make a noticeable difference in both aroma and flavor—highlighting the nutty depth that makes the cake extra special. Give it a try if you have a few minutes!
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely—swap in your favorite gluten-free chocolate cake mix and make sure the pudding mix is gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy adaptation.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
Be generous when greasing and flouring your bundt pan, making sure to get into every nook and cranny. A good nonstick spray designed for baking also works well. Let the cake cool slightly before turning it out, and run a thin knife around the edges if needed.
Is the topping safe for kids?
Yes! The topping is fully cooked on the stove, and the egg yolks help to thicken and bind the mixture safely. Just ensure you cook it long enough until it’s thick and slightly caramelized for that perfect decadent finish.
Final Thoughts
If your sweet tooth is tingling or you’re hunting for an unforgettable dessert for your next get-together, the Decadent German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake Delight will earn instant fans. Try it once, and you might just start inventing new occasions to bake it again!
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Decadent German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake Delight Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this Decadent German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake Delight. A rich German chocolate cake base topped with a luscious coconut-pecan concoction, this treat is sure to impress at any gathering.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) German chocolate cake mix
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Topping:
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Fold in toasted pecans.
- Bake Cake: Pour batter into pan and bake for 50–55 minutes. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Topping: In a saucepan, combine coconut, pecans, evaporated milk, sugar, butter, and egg yolks. Cook until thickened and caramelized. Stir in vanilla. Spread over cooled cake.
Notes
- For extra indulgence, drizzle melted semi-sweet chocolate over the coconut-pecan topping before serving.
- Toasting the pecans before adding them to the batter deepens their flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 39 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
