Chocolate Pound Cake with Chocolate Frosting Recipe

If you’re searching for a chocolate dessert that’s as impressive as it is deeply satisfying, you can’t go wrong with this Chocolate Pound Cake with Chocolate Frosting. This is the kind of cake that transforms ordinary evenings into special occasions, with a rich, buttery crumb and a luscious, creamy frosting that will leave everyone swooning. Whether you’re looking to create a centerpiece for a dinner party or just want a decadent treat to savor at home, this cake always delivers pure chocolate bliss in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Great cakes start with great ingredients! The magic of this Chocolate Pound Cake with Chocolate Frosting comes from simple pantry staples, each playing a critical role in building that tender texture and bold chocolate flavor you’ll crave again and again.

• Unsalted butter: Softened butter is the foundation for a rich, moist crumb. Use high quality for best results.
• Vegetable shortening (or more butter): Adds tenderness and helps the cake achieve a classic pound cake texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and creates that irresistible golden crust.
• Large eggs (room temperature): Bind everything together and help produce a luxurious, velvety crumb.
• All-purpose flour: The structure of your cake—be sure to measure carefully for the perfect density.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted): Gives an intense chocolate flavor and beautiful deep color.
• Baking powder: Just the right amount provides lift without compromising that classic pound cake density.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies all of the flavors.
• Whole milk (or buttermilk): Moisture and richness—choose buttermilk for extra tang and tenderness.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate and rounds out the flavor.
• Espresso powder (optional): A tiny bit magnifies the chocolate notes without making the cake taste like coffee.
• Butter (for frosting): Creamy and rich, this is the base for your showstopping chocolate frosting.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting): The key to frosting that’s both chocolaty and not too sweet.
• Powdered sugar (sifted, for frosting): Creates a smooth, fluffy finish that melts on your tongue.
• Milk (for frosting): Adjusts the texture so you get just the right spreadability.
• Vanilla extract (for frosting): Keeps your frosting flavor layered and delicious.
• Pinch of salt (for frosting): Gives depth and cuts the sweetness for that professional touch.

How to Make Chocolate Pound Cake with Chocolate Frosting

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Before anything else, set your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt or tube pan thoroughly. This ensures the Chocolate Pound Cake with Chocolate Frosting will release easily and hold its beautiful shape—no heartbreaking sticking!

Step 2: Cream Butter, Shortening, and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, shortening, and sugar together on medium-high speed for about 4–5 minutes, until the mixture is pale, light, and super fluffy. This step incorporates air, giving your pound cake its signature tender crumb.

Step 3: Add the Eggs One by One

Crack in your eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps everything emulsify perfectly, so your cake bakes up moist and cohesive—not crumbly. Don’t rush; the extra minute is worth it!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, sifted cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder (if using). Sifting and mixing ensures even distribution, which is crucial for both flavor and texture in this chocolate-rich cake.

Step 5: Alternate Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with milk and starting and ending with the flour mixture. Stir gently, just until combined. This creates an even crumb and locks in moisture. Finally, stir in the vanilla to finish off that dreamy batter.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour 10–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes—then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely. The scent alone will make your kitchen feel like a chocolate wonderland.

Step 7: Make the Chocolate Frosting

Beat softened butter in a bowl until creamy. Add in the cocoa powder, blending until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with splashes of milk until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable. Finish by incorporating vanilla and that pinch of salt for depth and balance.

Step 8: Frost Your Chocolate Pound Cake with Chocolate Frosting

Once your cake is fully cool, generously spread the frosting over the cake, getting into all those ridges and curves for maximum chocolate coverage. If you’re feeling extra fancy, finish with a drizzle of melted chocolate. Slice and serve—you’ve just created a true chocolate masterpiece!

How to Serve Chocolate Pound Cake with Chocolate Frosting

Garnishes

Dress up your Chocolate Pound Cake with Chocolate Frosting with a flourish! Scatter chocolate shavings, toasted nuts, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar on top. Even a dollop of whipped cream on the side adds an inviting touch—perfect for family gatherings or elegant fêtes alike.

Side Dishes

Pair this decadent cake with simple sides that enhance its richness. Think vanilla ice cream melting alongside a warm slice, sweet-tart raspberries for a pop of brightness, or a chilled glass of milk for that ultimate nostalgic combo. Each pairing brings out a new personality in the dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

For a wow-worthy showcase, try slicing and arranging the cake on a platter with swirls of extra chocolate frosting between each slice. Or transform it into individual mini cakes by cutting thick slices and topping each with a generous swirl of frosting and a berry. You can also use this pound cake as a stunning base for a trifle layered with cream and fruit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Tuck any leftover Chocolate Pound Cake with Chocolate Frosting into an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The flavors actually mingle and deepen overnight, so don’t be surprised if day-two slices taste even better!

Freezing

Want to save some chocolatey goodness for later? Wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. For frosted cake, freeze uncovered until firm, then wrap well. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to indulge.

Reheating

A quick 10–15 seconds in the microwave revives even chilled slices to soft, just-baked deliciousness. If you prefer your cake a bit warm, a gentle reheat also releases all those deep chocolate aromas and makes the frosting perfectly fudgy again.

FAQs

Do I have to use a Bundt pan?

While a Bundt or tube pan showcases the cake’s classic look, you can also bake this recipe in two loaf pans or a standard tube pan in a pinch. Just keep an eye on the baking time and test with a toothpick for doneness.

Can I substitute buttermilk for whole milk?

Absolutely. Buttermilk gives the Chocolate Pound Cake with Chocolate Frosting a tangy richness and extra tenderness. If you have buttermilk on hand, it’s a fantastic swap.

How do I keep the cake from sticking to the pan?

Be generous when greasing and flouring your pan, or try using a baking spray that contains flour. Letting the cake cool for 15 minutes in the pan before turning it out also helps it release cleanly.

What does espresso powder do in this recipe?

A small amount of espresso powder intensifies the chocolate flavor beautifully without making the cake taste at all like coffee. It’s a secret ingredient that deepens and balances the richness.

Can I make the frosting ahead?

Definitely. Prepare the frosting up to two days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature and whip it briefly before spreading on the cake for the perfect texture.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard to imagine a treat more universally loved than a Chocolate Pound Cake with Chocolate Frosting. With its crowd-pleasing flavors and inviting homemade charm, this is a recipe you’ll want to return to again and again. Bake it soon, share it generously, and watch every single slice disappear!