Decadent German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake Delight

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Pound Cake:
    • Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan or a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
    • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
    • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes. You can use an electric mixer or stand mixer for this.
  4. Add Eggs and Flavorings:
    • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using). If you’re adding the melted chocolate, incorporate it into the mixture at this stage.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in 3 additions, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
  6. Bake the Pound Cake:
    • Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 55-65 minutes (depending on your pan size), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Check the cake around the 50-minute mark to prevent overbaking.
    • Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Make the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:
    • While the cake is cooling, make the coconut-pecan frosting. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the evaporated milk, sugar, butter, and egg yolks. Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken (about 8-10 minutes). It should coat the back of a spoon.
    • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Allow the frosting to cool slightly—it will thicken as it cools.
  8. Assemble the Cake:
    • Once the pound cake has cooled completely, pour the coconut-pecan frosting over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let the frosting set for about 30 minutes before slicing to allow it to firm up.
  9. Serve:
    • Slice and serve this Decadent German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake Delight as a rich, indulgent treat. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk.