Elegant Chocolate Pound Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Elegant Chocolate Pound Cake offers a rich, moist texture with deep cocoa flavor, perfect for special occasions or as a luxurious treat. Its classic design and decadent taste appeal to chocolate lovers and those seeking a sophisticated dessert that pairs well with coffee or tea.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter or margarine
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 3 cups sugar
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon extract
  • 1 1/8 cups milk or 8 ounces sour cream
  • 5 eggs
  • 3 cups flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 cup cocoa
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Cream butter and shortening with sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Add vanilla extract and lemon extract, mixing well.
  3. Add egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  4. Sift together flour, baking powder, cocoa, and salt.
  5. Alternately add dry ingredients and milk or sour cream to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix well after each addition.
  6. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
  7. Gently fold beaten egg whites into the batter.
  8. Pour batter into a greased and floured 10-inch tube pan or loaf pan.
  9. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for approximately 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using a high-quality cocoa powder. If you're out of milk or sour cream, you can substitute with yogurt or buttermilk. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results. If you'd like to experiment, try adding a hint of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor, similar to techniques used in American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

This elegant chocolate pound cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it by serving with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a nice touch. Pair it with coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. It also pairs beautifully with Orange Butter Coffee Cake for a dessert spread.

Storage & Reheating

Once cooled, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped in foil and placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply allow to thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Elegant Chocolate Pound Cake contains roughly 515 calories, with 13g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (78% of the Daily Value), iron (55% of the Daily Value), and potassium (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 22g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

515 kcal 26% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 12.7g 25% DV
Total Fat 25.8g 33% DV
Carbs 52.6g 19% DV
Fiber 21.8g 78% DV
Sugar 2.3g 5% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 196mg 9% DV
Potassium 1595mg 34% DV
Cholesterol 31.1mg 10% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.7mcg
Vitamin C 7.3mg 8% DV
Calcium 172.2mg 13% DV
Iron 10mg 55% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if needed. However, the texture may vary slightly. Make sure your blend includes xanthan gum for the best results. If you prefer a denser cake, consider using cake flour instead.

What can I do if my cake sinks in the middle?

A sinking cake can be caused by underbaking or overmixing. Ensure you bake the cake until a toothpick comes out clean, and avoid overmixing the batter after adding the egg whites. Using room temperature ingredients can also help achieve a better rise.

How can I enhance the chocolate flavor in this cake?

To enhance the chocolate flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter or using dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa. Adding chocolate chips or chunks can also add richness and texture, making it even more indulgent.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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