Name: Easy Chocolate Pound Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs (room temperature); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 teaspoons instant coffee powder; 2 tablespoons hot water; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup sour cream (room temperature); 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (semi-sweet); 1 cup powdered sugar; 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 3-4 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup chocolate shavings (for garnish)

Chocolate lovers, rejoice! If you’re searching for a dessert that combines rich flavors with a tender crumb, look no further than this Easy Chocolate Pound Cake. This cake is so decadent and delightful that it will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re serving it at a special occasion or savoring it with your afternoon coffee, every bite is a moment to cherish. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort. Let’s dive into the details to discover why this cake should be your next baking project.

Why This Recipe Is Reliable

This Easy Chocolate Pound Cake recipe stands out for several reasons. First, the ingredients are simple and often already found in your pantry. Second, the cake’s method is foolproof—perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. It results in a moist, dense cake that has a deep chocolate flavor enhanced by the addition of instant coffee. Plus, it holds up beautifully for days, making it ideal for meal prep or entertaining.

Ingredient Notes

1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The base of this cake, providing richness and moisture.
2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetness to balance the chocolate and a key ingredient for a light texture.
4 large eggs, room temperature: Essential for structure and binding the ingredients together.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth to the flavor profile.
2 teaspoons instant coffee powder: Enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
2 tablespoons hot water: Helps dissolve the coffee and amplifies its flavor.
2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, providing structure.
1/2 cup cocoa powder: For that rich chocolatey goodness.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a bit of lift to the pound cake.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the cocoa for a perfect rise.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
1 cup sour cream, room temperature: Ensures moisture and a tender crumb.
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, semi-sweet: For added bursts of chocolate goodness throughout the cake.
1 cup powdered sugar: Used for the frosting, making it sweet and creamy.
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds richness to the glaze.
3-4 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the consistency of the frosting to your preference.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: For added flavor in the frosting.
1/4 cup chocolate shavings: A beautiful and delicious garnish for presentation.

Equipment Breakdown

Mixing bowl: For combining the ingredients.
Electric mixer: Makes beating butter and sugar easy and efficient.
Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accuracy in baking.
Rubber spatula: Helpful for scraping down the sides of the bowl.
9×5 inch loaf pan: The perfect size for this pound cake.
Cooling rack: Allows the cake to cool evenly.
Whisk: For mixing dry ingredients and the frosting.

Cook Easy Chocolate Pound Cake Like This

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

Grease your 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal.

Step 3: Brew the Coffee

In a small bowl, dissolve the 2 teaspoons of instant coffee powder in 2 tablespoons of hot water. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Eggs and Flavorings

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and the dissolved coffee mixture, combining until fully incorporated.

Step 6: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leaveners and cocoa.

Step 7: Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the flour mixture and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 8: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 9: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 10: Cool the Cake

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 11: Make the Frosting

In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, 3 tablespoons of milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 12: Frost and Garnish

Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the frosting on top and sprinkle with chocolate shavings for a beautiful presentation.

Fit It to Your Goals

For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
For a dairy-free option, use vegan butter and a dairy-free sour cream alternative.
Make it richer by adding more chocolate chips or using dark chocolate cocoa powder.
For a healthier twist, you can reduce the sugar by 1/2 cup and still enjoy a deliciously sweet cake.

What I Learned Testing

The quality of cocoa powder significantly affects the flavor of the cake; opt for a high-quality brand.
Using room temperature ingredients helps create a smoother batter and a better rise.
The addition of sour cream not only provides moisture but also enhances the cake’s tenderness.
Letting the cake cool completely before frosting prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off.

Storage Pro Tips

Once your Easy Chocolate Pound Cake is baked and cooled, you can store it in several ways:

Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate the wrapped cake for up to a week.
You can also freeze the cake! Wrap it in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil; it will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
To preserve the frosting, apply it just before serving if you plan to store the cake for more than a day.

Your Top Questions

Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend if you need a gluten-free version. Just be sure to check the blend for proper measurements and baking instructions.

Why is my pound cake dense?

Pound cake should be dense, but if it’s too heavy, it may be due to overmixing. Make sure to mix until just combined to avoid developing too much gluten.

Can I add other flavors or ingredients?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, or even a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella for added flavor and texture.

How can I tell when my cake is done?

A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out wet with batter, give it a few more minutes in the oven.

Final Thoughts

Baking this Easy Chocolate Pound Cake is not just about creating a delicious dessert; it’s about experiencing the joy of homemade goodness. With its rich chocolate flavor, moist texture, and the delightful addition of chocolate chips, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it plain, with a scoop of ice cream, or dressed up with frosting, it’s bound to impress.

So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to indulge in the sweet satisfaction of baking your own Easy Chocolate Pound Cake. Your taste buds will thank you!