Chocolate Pound Cake Recipe

If you’re craving something decadent, a rich and indulgent Chocolate Pound Cake is the perfect treat.

This cake combines the deep, rich flavors of chocolate with the buttery tenderness of a classic pound cake, creating a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of coffee, serving it at a family gathering, or treating yourself to something sweet, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

By using a combination of semisweet chocolate chips, dark brown sugar, and a touch of espresso powder, this Chocolate Pound Cake has an irresistible depth of flavor.

The best part? It’s easy to make with just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make this mouthwatering dessert!

Ingredients List

Cake Ingredients

• Nonstick cooking spray (for greasing the pan)
• 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder (to intensify the chocolate flavor)
• 1 1/2 cups (326g) semisweet chocolate chips (divided)
• 1/2 cup boiling water
• 1 cup (196g) dark brown sugar (tightly packed, for a rich, caramel-like sweetness)
• 2 sticks (226g) unsalted butter (melted, for a moist and tender crumb)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (adds moisture and soft texture)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (for added flavor depth)
• 2 large eggs (at room temperature, to ensure smooth mixing)
• 1 1/4 cups (201g) all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup (35g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder (adds depth and richness)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (helps the cake rise)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (balances the sweetness)

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you get started, make sure you have the right kitchen tools on hand. These will help you mix, bake, and serve your Chocolate Pound Cake to perfection:

1. 9×5-inch loaf pan: A standard size for pound cakes, ensuring the right balance of texture and baking time.
2. Hand mixer or stand mixer: Perfect for quickly and evenly combining your ingredients.
3. Mixing bowls: You’ll need a couple of medium-sized bowls for mixing the dry and wet ingredients.
4. Heatproof measuring cup: For melting the butter and mixing the boiling water and espresso powder.
5. Cooling rack: To let your cake cool evenly after baking.
6. Parchment paper (optional): To line the pan for easy removal.

Cake Preparation

Now that we have our ingredients and tools ready, it’s time to prepare this decadent Chocolate Pound Cake. The key to a moist, tender cake lies in mixing the ingredients just right and properly melting the chocolate. Follow the steps below to create the perfect base for your cake!

Melting the Chocolate

Start by placing the semisweet chocolate chips and espresso powder into a heatproof bowl. Boil 1/2 cup of water and pour it over the chocolate and espresso powder. Let it sit for about 1 minute, then stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. The espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor, making your cake even richer. Set the melted chocolate mixture aside to cool slightly.

Mixing the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dark brown sugar, melted butter, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. The butter and oil combination ensures your cake will be both rich and moist. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air into the batter, giving it a light and fluffy texture.

Once the wet ingredients are well combined, slowly add the slightly cooled melted chocolate mixture to the bowl, mixing until fully incorporated. Be sure not to add the chocolate while it’s still too hot, as it could cause the eggs to cook and curdle the batter.

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. This ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed and that your cake rises properly. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. It’s important not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense cake.

Baking the Cake

With the batter ready, it’s time to get it into the oven and start baking. Follow these steps to ensure your Chocolate Pound Cake turns out perfectly every time!

Preparing the Pan

Begin by preparing your loaf pan. Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for extra ease when removing the cake later. This will help the cake release smoothly from the pan and prevent sticking.

Pouring and Smoothing the Batter

Pour the prepared batter into the greased loaf pan, using a spatula to spread it out evenly. The batter will be thick, so be sure to smooth the top so it bakes uniformly. It’s important not to overfill the pan—leave some space at the top for the cake to rise as it bakes.

Baking Time and Temperature

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the Chocolate Pound Cake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on the cake as it bakes to ensure it doesn’t over-brown. If the top begins to get too dark, you can loosely cover the cake with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.

Cooling the Cake

Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the cake to a cooling rack to cool completely. This step is essential because letting the cake cool in the pan too long can cause it to become soggy.

Serving and Decoration

Now that your Chocolate Pound Cake is cooled and ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy! This cake is delicious on its own, but you can also elevate it with a few simple touches.

Suggested Toppings and Coatings

While the rich, chocolatey flavor of the pound cake stands beautifully on its own, adding a few extra toppings can take it to the next level. Here are some delicious ideas for serving:

• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar is an easy way to add a delicate sweetness and a touch of elegance to your cake. Simply sift the powdered sugar over the cooled cake right before serving.
• Chocolate Ganache: For an extra layer of indulgence, drizzle a smooth, glossy chocolate ganache over the top of the cake. To make it, melt chocolate and heavy cream together until silky smooth, then pour it over the cake for a decadent finish.
• Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the dense texture of this cake, creating a satisfying contrast of flavors and textures.
• Fresh Berries: If you’re serving this cake for a special occasion or just want a pop of freshness, top it with fresh raspberries or strawberries. The tartness of the berries balances out the richness of the chocolate cake.

Serving Tips

This Chocolate Pound Cake is perfect for any occasion. Slice it into generous pieces and serve it with your favorite beverage—whether that’s a cup of hot coffee, a glass of milk, or a dessert wine for something a little more indulgent.

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare with this cake!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. The cake will remain moist and flavorful for several days, making it the perfect treat for a few days of indulgence.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cake. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours, or reheat gently in the microwave for a warm, gooey slice.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Pound Cake recipe is simple yet rich and decadent—perfect for chocolate lovers. With its deep, complex flavor and moist, tender crumb, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you enjoy it on its own or add a bit of whipped cream, berries, or chocolate ganache, this cake is versatile and delicious. Plus, with the option to store or freeze leftovers, you can enjoy it for days to come.

Baking this cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a rewarding experience. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of this heavenly chocolate goodness!