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#### **For the Coconut Pecan Topping:**
– **1 cup shredded coconut** – Adds texture and sweetness to the topping.
– **1/2 cup chopped pecans** – Toasted to enhance the flavor.
– **3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk** – The liquid base that makes the topping rich and creamy.
– **1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract** – To add some warmth to the topping.
– **2 tablespoons unsalted butter** – Helps create a smooth, buttery consistency for the topping.
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### **Step-by-Step Instructions for Creating This Delectable Cake**
Now that you have your ingredients gathered, let’s break down the preparation process. Don’t worry – though this cake might seem involved, it’s actually quite straightforward. The result will be worth every step!
#### **Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan**
Start by preheating your oven to **325°F (165°C)**. This ensures that the cake bakes evenly. Grease and flour a **10-inch bundt pan** or any other tube pan of your choice, making sure to get into all the crevices to prevent sticking.
#### **Step 2: Melt the German Chocolate**
In a small saucepan, melt the **German sweet chocolate** with **1/4 cup of milk** over low heat. Stir constantly to avoid burning. Once fully melted and smooth, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
#### **Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients**
In a medium bowl, whisk together **all-purpose flour**, **baking powder**, **baking soda**, and **salt**. Set this bowl aside – this mixture will ensure that your cake rises evenly and has a smooth texture.
#### **Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar**
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the **unsalted butter**, **granulated sugar**, and **brown sugar** until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes on medium speed with a hand mixer or stand mixer. The air incorporated during this step helps make the cake light and tender.
#### **Step 5: Add Eggs and Sour Cream**
Next, add the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the **sour cream** and **vanilla extract**, and mix until smooth. The sour cream adds moisture and richness to the cake’s crumb.
#### **Step 6: Mix in the Melted Chocolate**
Gradually add the melted **German sweet chocolate** to the batter, mixing until smooth. This will add a beautiful chocolatey base to your pound cake.
#### **Step 7: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients**
Alternately add the dry flour mixture and the remaining **milk** to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until incorporated – be careful not to overmix, or the cake may become dense.
#### **Step 8: Fold in the Pecans**
Lastly, fold in the chopped **pecans**. These will add a delightful crunch to the cake and help make each bite a bit more interesting.
#### **Step 9: Bake the Cake**
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about **55-60 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once done, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn the cake out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
#### **Step 10: Prepare the Coconut Pecan Topping**
While the cake cools, prepare the coconut-pecan topping. In a saucepan, combine **shredded coconut**, **chopped pecans**, **sweetened condensed milk**, and **butter**. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes thick and golden. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the **vanilla extract**.
#### **Step 11: Assemble the Cake**
Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the coconut-pecan topping generously over the top. The topping should be gooey, sticky, and loaded with flavor, making every slice decadent.
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### **Tips for the Perfect German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake**
1. **Use Fresh Ingredients**: Fresh butter, eggs, and chocolate will elevate the flavor and texture of your cake.
2. **Don’t Overmix**: Overmixing the batter can cause the cake to be dense. Mix just until combined for a light, fluffy texture.
3. **Room Temperature Ingredients**: Ensure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother, more cohesive batter.
4. **Check Cake Doneness**: Ovens vary, so start checking for doneness 5 minutes before the suggested bake time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when the cake is done.
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### **Variations and Customizations**
While this cake is decadent on its own, here are some variations and customizations you can try:
1. **Chocolate Chips**: Add **chocolate chips** to the batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
2. **More Nuts**: If you love nuts, you can add a variety of nuts such as **walnuts** or **almonds** along with or instead of the pecans.
3. **Whipped Cream Topping**: For a lighter topping, serve the cake with freshly whipped cream alongside the coconut-pecan mixture.
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### **Conclusion: A Slice of Heaven**
This **German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake Delight** is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. The rich chocolate, the satisfying crunch of pecans, and the creamy coconut-pecan topping all come together to create a cake that feels as luxurious as it tastes. Whether it’s a special occasion or a simple family gathering, this cake is sure to impress and leave everyone asking for seconds. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake a treat that will transport your taste buds to a whole new level of decadence!
