Decadent Chocolate Pound Cake
Indulge in a slice of heaven with this Decadent Chocolate Pound Cake, a timeless recipe cherished for generations. This rich, moist cake combines the luscious flavors of butter, chocolate, and a hint of vanilla, creating a mouthwatering treat that is perfect for any celebration or simply as a comforting dessert. The generous portions yield 20-25 slices, making it ideal for gatherings, parties, or a cozy family dinner. With its rich chocolate flavor and tender crumb, this cake is sure to impress your guests and become a staple in your baking repertoire. Remember, the secret to a perfect pound cake lies in stirring the flour before measuring and ensuring that you sift all dry ingredients for a light, fluffy texture.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1 cup (softened)
shortening
1/2 cup (softened)
sugar
3 cups
eggs
5 (room temperature)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
all-purpose flour
3 cups (sifted)
baking powder
1/2 teaspoon (sifted with the flour)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (sifted with the flour)
cocoa powder
4 tablespoons (sifted with the flour)
milk
1 cup (warm)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch tube or bundt pan.
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and shortening until light and fluffy.
3
Gradually add the sugar to the creamed mixture and continue to mix until well combined and smooth.
4
Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a uniform batter.
5
Stir in the vanilla extract until thoroughly blended.
6
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial for achieving a light texture.
7
Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined and creamy. Do not overmix.
8
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Decadent Chocolate Pound Cake?
It is a rich, moist, and timeless dessert that combines the flavors of butter, chocolate, and vanilla into a dense yet tender cake.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields generous portions, typically providing between 20 to 25 slices.
What is the secret to a perfect pound cake texture?
The secret lies in stirring the flour before measuring and sifting all dry ingredients to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (163°C).
What type of pan is recommended for this cake?
You should use a 10-inch tube pan or a bundt pan.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
The pan must be greased and floured thoroughly to prevent the cake from sticking.
What fats are used in this chocolate pound cake?
The recipe uses 1 cup of softened butter and 1/2 cup of softened shortening.
How do I start the mixing process?
Begin by creaming together the softened butter and shortening in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy.
How is the sugar incorporated?
Gradually add the 3 cups of sugar to the creamed butter mixture and continue mixing until smooth.
What is the best way to add eggs to the batter?
Incorporate the 5 eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure the batter remains uniform.
Do the eggs need to be a specific temperature?
Yes, for the best results, use eggs that are at room temperature.
When is the vanilla extract added?
Stir in the vanilla extract after the eggs have been fully incorporated into the creamed mixture.
Which dry ingredients should be sifted together?
Sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
How much cocoa powder does this recipe require?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of sifted cocoa powder.
What type of milk should I use?
Use 1 cup of warm milk for this recipe.
How do I combine the dry ingredients and milk?
Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients alternately with the warm milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture.
Is it okay to overmix the batter?
No, you should mix only until just combined and creamy to maintain the proper texture.
How long does the cake take to bake?
The cake needs to bake for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
How do I check if the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is finished baking.
What is the cooling process for the cake?
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
How much flour is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 3 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
Is baking powder included in this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder is sifted in with the flour.
What type of chocolate flavor does it have?
It has a rich chocolate flavor derived from cocoa powder combined with buttery undertones.
What are the suggested tags for this recipe?
Common tags include pound cake, chocolate, dessert, baking, cake recipe, and celebration cake.
Can this cake be served at parties?
Yes, its large yield of 20-25 slices makes it ideal for gatherings, parties, or family dinners.
What is the preparation for the butter and shortening?
Both the butter and the shortening should be softened before you begin mixing.
Does the recipe include salt?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is used to balance the flavors.
What should the batter look like before baking?
The batter should be uniform, creamy, and smoothed evenly into the pan with a spatula.
Why is it important to sift the dry ingredients?
Sifting is crucial for removing lumps and achieving a light, airy crumb in the dense pound cake.
What is the primary liquid used in the batter?
The primary liquid is 1 cup of warm milk, added in stages with the dry ingredients.