Few desserts are as comforting and indulgent as a Chocolate Pound Cake. With its dense, buttery texture and deep chocolate flavor, this cake is perfect for dessert, afternoon tea, or even breakfast (because who doesn’t love chocolate in the morning?).
Traditional pound cake gets its name from the classic ratio of a pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, resulting in a rich and tender crumb. This chocolate version takes it up a notch with cocoa powder and melted chocolate, making it extra fudgy and delicious.
Whether you serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with a chocolate glaze, this cake is a true crowd-pleaser. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from the best ingredients to baking tips and common mistakes to avoid. Let’s get baking!
What is Chocolate Pound Cake?
Chocolate Pound Cake is a rich, dense, and buttery cake infused with deep chocolate flavor. It’s a variation of the classic pound cake, which originally followed a 1:1:1:1 ratio of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour.
What Makes a Pound Cake Different from a Regular Cake?
Unlike regular cakes, which often use leavening agents like baking powder or baking soda, traditional pound cakes rely on eggs and butter to create their structure. This results in a denser, richer cake rather than a light and airy one.
How This Chocolate Version Stands Out
- Double the Chocolate: A mix of cocoa powder and melted chocolate ensures a deep, fudgy taste.
- Extra Moist Texture: The high butter and egg content gives the cake a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Dense Yet Tender Crumb: Unlike fluffy cakes, this one has a satisfying, compact crumb that pairs beautifully with coffee or ice cream.
In the UK, pound cake is often referred to as “Madeira Cake” due to its similar texture, though it’s not traditionally chocolate-flavored.
💡 Love rich, comforting cakes? Try this German Chocolate Pound Cake for another decadent twist!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chocolate Pound Cake is a dessert lover’s dream—rich, dense, and full of deep chocolate flavor. Here’s why you’ll love making it:
- ✅ Easy to Make: A simple batter with pantry staples, no fancy techniques required.
- ✅ Incredibly Moist & Fudgy: The perfect balance of butter, eggs, and chocolate keeps it soft and tender.
- ✅ Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or with a decadent chocolate glaze.
- ✅ Lasts for Days: Pound cakes stay moist longer, making them a great make-ahead dessert.
- ✅ Pairs Wonderfully with Toppings: Enjoy with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients Needed For This Chocolate Pound Cake
To make this Chocolate Pound Cake, you’ll need simple pantry staples that create a rich and indulgent dessert.
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process for a deeper flavor)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking powder (adds slight lift)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (adds moisture)
- ½ cup whole milk
Chocolate Boost:
- 4 oz melted dark chocolate (for a richer flavor)
How to Make Chocolate Pound Cake
Follow these simple steps to achieve a rich, moist, and perfectly baked Chocolate Pound Cake every time.
1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.
2: Cream Butter & Sugar
- Using a hand or stand mixer, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in vanilla extract and melted chocolate until fully incorporated.
3: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
- Add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix on low speed.
- Pour in sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and milk, then mix again.
- Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined—do not overmix!
4: Bake to Perfection
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Pound Cake
Want your Chocolate Pound Cake to be extra moist, rich, and perfectly textured? Follow these expert tips:
- Use Quality Chocolate – The better the chocolate, the richer the flavor! Use high-quality cocoa powder and real melted chocolate for the best taste.
- Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature to create a smooth, even batter.
- ❌ Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overmixing can make the cake dense and tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Bake Low & Slow – Baking at 325°F (163°C) allows the cake to cook evenly, preventing a dry or cracked top.
- 🧁 Sour Cream = Moisture Booster – Adding sour cream or Greek yogurt prevents the cake from drying out.
- Let It Cool Before Slicing – Cutting into a hot cake can make it crumble. Let it cool completely for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions For Chocolate Pound Cake
This Chocolate Pound Cake is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some delicious serving ideas:
With Ice Cream: Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or caramel ice cream for an indulgent treat.
With Fresh Berries: A side of strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries adds a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate.
☕ With Coffee or Tea: Enjoy a slice alongside your favorite latte, espresso, or black tea for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
🍫 With Chocolate Ganache: Drizzle a warm chocolate ganache over the cake for an extra layer of decadence.
As a Dessert Base: Use thick slices to make chocolate trifle or as the base for strawberry shortcake.
💡 Want another delicious baked treat? Check out this Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake for a warm, spiced dessert!
FAQs About Chocolate Pound Cake
1. What makes a pound cake different from a regular cake?
Pound cake is denser and richer than regular cakes because it traditionally doesn’t use baking powder or baking soda for leavening. Instead, it relies on butter, eggs, and sugar to create its structure, resulting in a hearty, buttery texture rather than a light and airy crumb.
2. What is pound cake called in the UK?
In the UK, pound cake is similar to Madeira cake, which has a dense, buttery texture but is often flavored with lemon rather than chocolate.
3. Why is my chocolate pound cake dry?
A dry pound cake can result from:
- Overbaking – Check for doneness at 60 minutes and remove when a toothpick has a few moist crumbs.
- Too much flour – Always measure flour correctly using the spoon-and-level method.
- Skipping sour cream or milk – These ingredients help keep the cake moist and tender.
4. What is the secret to a super moist cake?
For an ultra-moist Chocolate Pound Cake:
- Use sour cream or Greek yogurt for added moisture.
- Bake at a low temperature (325°F) for even cooking.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing to retain moisture.
💡 Want another rich and indulgent cake? Try this Pecan Pie Pumpkin Cheesecake for a creamy, nutty dessert!
