Decadent Chocolate Pumpkin Pound Cake: Your Go-To Fall Dessert Recipe

As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, there’s an undeniable call for all things cozy and comforting in the kitchen. And what could be more comforting than a rich, moist pound cake? This isn’t just any pound cake, though. We’re diving into the delightful world of Chocolate Pumpkin Pound Cake – a truly decadent treat that perfectly balances the depth of dark chocolate with just a subtle, inviting hint of pumpkin flavor. Prepare yourself for a dessert that’s not only incredibly moist and tender but also exquisitely elegant, especially when crowned with a luscious chocolate ganache drizzle.

Embracing Pumpkin Season: Even for the Skeptics!

Ah, Pumpkin Season. For many, it’s a cherished time, brimming with pumpkin spiced lattes, pumpkin pies, and all sorts of autumnal delights. But I must confess, for a long time, I wasn’t among them. In fact, I harbored a bit of an aversion to pumpkin. My family can attest to years of skipping pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving, a tradition born from my refusal to bake one. It’s been so long since I last willingly tried a slice that I honestly don’t even know if I truly dislike it anymore!

My culinary heart has always gravitated towards other desserts – especially those that involve generous amounts of chocolate! This annual internal struggle, however, presents a fun challenge. Every fall, I find myself staring down a can of pumpkin puree, determined to overcome my long-standing skepticism and create something truly delicious with it. It’s a personal mission to discover pumpkin recipes that even a self-proclaimed pumpkin non-fan can adore.

The Birth of a New Fall Favorite: Chocolate Pumpkin Pound Cake

This year, the quest for a palatable pumpkin creation took an unexpectedly delightful turn. I was in the mood for a classic pound cake – that dense, buttery, comforting bake that just hits all the right notes. My initial thought leaned towards a traditional spice pound cake, but then my eyes landed on a bag of dark chocolate chips sitting on the counter. And just like that, inspiration struck. Why not combine my love for chocolate with my annual pumpkin challenge?

What emerged from that spontaneous decision was nothing short of magical: a Chocolate Pumpkin Pound Cake. This recipe became my personal triumph in the world of pumpkin baking. The subtle earthiness of the pumpkin perfectly complements the rich, deep notes of the dark chocolate, creating a flavor profile that is both familiar and exciting. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate the season without overwhelming your taste buds with intense pumpkin spice, making it perfect for both pumpkin enthusiasts and those who prefer just a delicate whisper of fall flavor.

Baking Perfection: A Game-Changing Tip for Chocolate Cakes

Before we dive into the full recipe, I absolutely must share a baking tip that has revolutionized my chocolate cake creations. This isn’t just a good tip; it’s a total game-changer, especially when you’re aiming for that flawless cake release and a truly professional finish. When greasing your pan for any chocolate cake, ditch the shortening or plain cooking spray. Instead, try this brilliant method: combine one tablespoon of melted butter with one tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder. Stir these two ingredients together until they form a smooth, dark paste.

Once combined, use a pastry brush to evenly coat the inside of your baking pan. This simple technique ensures an incredibly easy cake release, preventing any pesky sticking and leaving you with beautifully intact cakes every time. But the benefits don’t stop there! This method also helps prevent that “floury” taste or overly crisp, slightly dry edges that can sometimes occur when using flour to dust your pan. Instead, your cake edges will be tender, moist, and infused with an extra hint of chocolate flavor. It’s a trick I picked up from a fantastic Tunnel of Fudge Cake recipe from Beantown Baker, and I’ve been faithfully using it for every chocolate cake I bake since. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never go back!

Elevate Your Pound Cake with a Simple Chocolate Ganache Drizzle

While this Chocolate Pumpkin Pound Cake is absolutely divine on its own, with its rich dark chocolate flavor and incredibly moist texture, a simple addition can transform it from wonderful to truly unforgettable. Imagine a delicate cascade of glossy chocolate ganache artfully drizzled over the top. This elegant touch not only adds another layer of deep chocolate flavor but also creates a stunning visual appeal, turning an ordinary pound cake into a sophisticated dessert centerpiece.

You could certainly serve this pound cake plain, perhaps with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a more understated look. But that quick and easy chocolate ganache takes it to an entirely new level, adding a luxurious finish that is sure to impress your guests or simply delight your family. The contrast between the dense cake and the smooth, slightly flowing ganache is simply irresistible, promising a delightful sensory experience with every bite. It truly showcases how a little extra effort can yield magnificent results.

This Chocolate Pumpkin Pound Cake is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to celebrate the flavors of fall in a genuinely delicious and satisfying way. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a new seasonal treat, this cake, with its rich dark chocolate, moist crumb, and subtle hint of pumpkin, is guaranteed to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection. It’s the perfect companion for a warm cup of coffee or tea on a crisp autumn afternoon, or a delightful dessert to share at any fall gathering.

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Yield: 2 loaf cakes

Chocolate Pumpkin Pound Cake

Ingredients

1 cup butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
4 eggs
15 ounce can pumpkin puree (almost 2 cups)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt

For Ganache

3/4 cup dark chocolate chips
1/4 cup cream

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter with mixer on medium speed. Add brown sugar and continue to beat until light and fluffy. Add in eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add in pumpkin puree and mix again. Mixture will be soupy.
Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Slowly add flour mixture to butter/pumpkin mixture, with mixer on low speed, until completely combined.
Pour batter into 2 greased and floured loaf pans. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 40-45 minutes, until toothpick inserted in center, comes out clean. Let cakes rest in pans for 30 minutes, then turn out onto racks to cool completely.
Place chocolate chips and cream in a microwave safe dish. Heat on high for 1 minute in microwave then let rest for 2 minutes before stirring until completely smooth and all chocolate is melted. For easy drizzling, Place ganache in a plastic freezer bag, then cut a small hole in one corner of bag, Squeeze chocolate to drizzle over cakes as desired.

Notes

You can bake these cakes in either 8 x 4 inch loaf pans or 8.5 x 4.5 loaf pans.

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More Delicious Pumpkin Recipes to Explore

If this Chocolate Pumpkin Pound Cake has sparked your interest in fall baking, or perhaps even started to convert you into a pumpkin fan, then you’re in luck! There are so many wonderful ways to enjoy pumpkin during this cozy season. Whether you prefer a classic twist or something completely new, these recipes offer a variety of pumpkin-infused delights. Here are some more fantastic pumpkin recipes from our kitchen and from some talented friends:

Pumpkin Pie Crunch: A delightful dessert offering the best of both worlds – the comforting essence of pumpkin pie with a crunchy, sweet potato soufflé-like topping.

Pumpkin Spice White Chocolate Pudding Cookies: These cookies are incredibly soft, chewy, and bursting with warm pumpkin spice, perfectly balanced with sweet white chocolate chips.

35 Pumpkin Recipes: Dive into a comprehensive collection of pumpkin-inspired dishes, ensuring you’ll find a favorite for every occasion this season.

Frosted Pumpkin Cake Cookies: Experience the delightful texture of cake in a cookie form, generously topped with a decadent caramel frosting, all made from scratch.

Even More Pumpkin Inspiration from Our Friends:

Pumpkin Caramel Layer Bars from Dinner, Dishes and Desserts: A rich, layered dessert that combines the warmth of pumpkin with gooey caramel.

Pumpkin Cake from Barefeet in the Kitchen: A simple yet satisfying pumpkin cake, perfect with a dollop of vanilla icing.

Pumpkin Butter Quick Bread Bars from Garnish with Lemon: A convenient and flavorful way to enjoy pumpkin, ideal for breakfast or a snack.

Pumpkin Coffee Cake from Crazy for Crust: The ultimate fall breakfast or brunch treat, combining the best elements of coffee cake and pumpkin pie.

And
Classic Pumpkin Pie from Cook the Story: For those who appreciate the timeless tradition of a perfectly baked pumpkin pie.

Whether you’re a long-time pumpkin lover or, like me, someone who needed a little convincing, this Chocolate Pumpkin Pound Cake is a must-try. Its rich dark chocolate, incredibly moist crumb, and subtle whisper of pumpkin make it an ideal dessert for any fall occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a new favorite that celebrates the best of both worlds!