German Chocolate Pound Cake

🍫 German Chocolate Pound Cake

🧈 Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup shortening

• 2 ½ cups granulated sugar

• 5 large eggs

• 1 (4 oz) bar German sweet chocolate, melted and slightly cooled

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp almond extract (optional)

For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting (optional but recommended):

• 1 cup evaporated milk

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 ⅓ cups sweetened shredded coconut

• 1 cup chopped pecans

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

Make the Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt or tube pan.

2. In a large bowl, cream the butter, shortening, and sugar until light and fluffy (about 4–5 minutes).

3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

4. Stir in the melted German chocolate.

5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

6. Add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix just until combined.

7. Stir in vanilla and almond extract.

8. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

9. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

10. Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:

1. In a saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 10–12 minutes).

2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans.

3. Let cool slightly before spooning over the cooled cake.

🔁 Variations:

• Chocolate Drizzle: Skip the frosting and top with melted chocolate or ganache for a sleeker look.

• Layered Version: Slice cake into layers and spread frosting between them for a traditional presentation.