Chocolate Pound Cake with Chocolate Frosting

Introduction

Few desserts deliver pure chocolate bliss like a perfectly baked Chocolate Pound Cake with Chocolate Frosting. This cake is everything a chocolate lover dreams of: dense yet tender, rich yet balanced, sweet but not overwhelming, and deeply infused with cocoa flavor. Pound cakes are known for their classic proportions—traditionally “a pound” of each main ingredient—but today’s version takes the timeless structure and elevates it with bold chocolate, real butter, and a creamy, glossy frosting that melts into every slice.

This recipe is ideal for celebrations, potlucks, holiday dessert tables, or simply for treating yourself on a quiet afternoon. It’s a cake that tastes even better the next day, slices beautifully, and never fails to impress guests. The combination of velvety chocolate crumb and smooth chocolate frosting creates a luxurious dessert with bakery-level quality right at home.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner wanting a reliable and impressive dessert, this chocolate pound cake delivers extraordinary flavor with simple ingredients. Prepare for compliments—everyone will ask for seconds.

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Ingredients

For the Chocolate Pound Cake:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk or buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream (for moisture and richness)
• ½ cup melted chocolate (semi-sweet or dark), slightly cooled

For the Chocolate Frosting:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: ½ cup melted chocolate for extra shine

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Preparation

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan & Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a loaf pan or bundt pan with butter and lightly dust with cocoa powder instead of flour. This prevents white streaks and enhances the chocolate flavor.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light, creamy, and slightly fluffy. This step is crucial for a smooth, velvety texture and proper rise.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Melted Chocolate

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in the slightly cooled melted chocolate and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined and glossy.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Sifting helps eliminate lumps and ensures the cake has an even chocolate flavor throughout.

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients to the Wet Mixture

Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk/buttermilk to the butter mixture. Begin and end with dry ingredients. Stir in the sour cream last for extra moisture and tenderness.

Step 6: Bake the Pound Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 55–70 minutes, depending on the size of your pan. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Make the Chocolate Frosting

In a bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Add cocoa powder and powdered sugar gradually. Pour in heavy cream and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth, thick, and spreadable. Add melted chocolate if you want a richer, shinier frosting.

Step 8: Frost the Cake

Once the cake cools completely, spread the chocolate frosting generously over the top (or glaze the entire cake if using a bundt pan). Allow the frosting to slightly set before slicing.

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Variation

• Mocha Pound Cake: Add 1 tablespoon instant coffee dissolved in warm milk.
• Chocolate Chip Version: Fold in 1 cup mini chocolate chips for extra bursts of flavor.
• Orange Chocolate Pound Cake: Add orange zest and replace ¼ cup milk with fresh orange juice.
• Nutty Twist: Mix crushed pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the batter.
• Ganache Frosting: Replace buttercream with a glossy chocolate ganache for a more decadent finish.

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COOKING Note

• Make sure all ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature.
• Do not overbeat once you add the flour—overmixing can make the cake dense.
• Allow cake to cool fully before frosting to prevent melting.
• A pound cake improves in flavor over 12–24 hours, so it’s great for making ahead.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm slices with a glass of cold milk.
• Top with fresh berries or strawberries for contrast.
• Add a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a complete dessert.
• Dust with powdered sugar for a bakery-style presentation.
• Serve with whipped cream for an even richer experience.

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Tips

• Use high-quality cocoa powder for deeper chocolate flavor.
• Buttermilk creates the best texture—substitute if possible.
• If cake browns too quickly on top, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking.
• Store cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days; it stays moist.
• Freeze slices individually wrapped for long-term storage.

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Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 60 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

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Nutritional Information (estimated per slice):

• Calories: 430
• Protein: 5g
• Sodium: 210mg

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FAQs

1. Can I make this cake without frosting?

Yes! The cake is flavorful enough to stand alone. You can dust with powdered sugar instead.

2. Can I bake this in a bundt pan?

Absolutely. Baking time may increase slightly.

3. Why is my pound cake dense?

Overmixing or using cold ingredients are the most common reasons.

4. Can I substitute the butter?

Butter gives the best flavor, but margarine can be used in a pinch.

5. How can I make the frosting thicker?

Add more powdered sugar until it reaches your desired consistency.

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Conclusion

This Chocolate Pound Cake with Chocolate Frosting is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers. Moist, tender, and intensely chocolatey, it’s the kind of dessert that makes any day special. Whether you’re hosting a celebration, bringing dessert to a family gathering, or simply craving something sweet and luxurious, this pound cake delivers every time. With its velvety crumb and rich frosting, it offers an unforgettable chocolate experience in every slice. Enjoy it warm, chilled, or the next day—this cake only gets better with time.

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