Imagine sinking your fork into a slice of pure chocolate heaven – a moist, dense pound cake that's so rich and luxurious, it'll make chocolate lovers weak at the knees. This isn't just any ordinary cake; it's a chocolate experience that transforms a simple dessert into an extraordinary culinary masterpiece. Whether you're looking to impress guests or treat yourself to a seriously indulgent moment, this Chocolate Pound Cake is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 80 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Thoroughly grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer. Beat on medium-high speed for 4-5 minutes until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract, ensuring everything is fully incorporated and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This helps remove any lumps and ensures even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Fold gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-65 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center - it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, carefully turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice and serve. Optional: dust with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and other ingredients are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother, more uniform batter and ensures even baking.
- Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until they're incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake instead of a tender crumb.
- Use High-Quality Cocoa: The flavor of your cake depends heavily on the cocoa powder. Choose a premium Dutch-processed cocoa for the richest chocolate taste.
- Check for Doneness Carefully: A toothpick with a few moist crumbs is perfect. If it comes out completely clean, your cake might be overdone.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before removing. This helps prevent the cake from breaking and allows it to set properly.
- Storage Tip: Wrap the completely cooled cake in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain moisture. It stays fresh at room temperature for 3-4 days.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch of elegance, serve with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
