Super Moist Chocolate Pound Cake Recipe | Rich, Fudgy & Easy to Make

Moist Chocolate Pound Cake is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Whether you’re baking to impress guests or simply to satisfy your late-night chocolate craving (we’ve all been there), this simple, rich, and super moist chocolate pound cake recipe is the answer to your sweet tooth’s dreams.

I remember the first time I made this—it was one of those chaotic evenings where the kids were hangry, the laundry pile was judging me, and dinner was… let’s say uninspired. But once that heavenly chocolate aroma started wafting through the house, suddenly everyone was a lot less grumpy. Chocolate is magical like that.

Why You’ll Love This Moist Chocolate Pound Cake

If you’ve ever bitten into a chocolate cake and thought, “Hmm… this could use more oomph,” then this best moist chocolate pound cake is your redemption story. Here’s why you’ll adore it:

• It’s lusciously moist—thanks to sour cream, milk, and hot water (or coffee!)

• Easy enough for a weeknight, yet decadent enough for celebrations

• Stores beautifully—if you somehow don’t eat it all in one sitting

• Pairs perfectly with coffee, whipped cream, or let’s be honest… straight from the pan

This is the chocolate cake you’ll be known for. Promise.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 2 ½ cups granulated sugar

• 5 large eggs

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup whole milk

• ½ cup sour cream

• ½ cup hot water or brewed coffee (to deepen the chocolate flavor—your call!)

For the Chocolate Frosting:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 3–4 cups powdered sugar

• ¼ cup heavy cream or milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step: How to Make the Best Moist Chocolate Pound Cake

1. Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan or two loaf pans. You can also line them with parchment paper for easy release. Set aside.

2. Cream Butter & Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes). This is the foundation of the cake’s dreamy texture.

3. Add Eggs & Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Mix Dry Ingredients

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

5. Combine with Wet Ingredients

Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined—don’t overdo it.

6. Stir in Sour Cream & Hot Water

Fold in the sour cream. Then add the hot water or coffee, stirring gently until the batter is silky and rich. It should look slightly loose but luscious.

7. Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and smooth the top. Bake for 65–75 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Chocolate Frosting

While your cake cools, whip up this indulgent frosting:

1. Beat the butter and cocoa powder until smooth.

2. Add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, alternating with the cream or milk, until your desired consistency is reached.

3. Stir in the vanilla and a pinch of salt.

4. Once the cake is cool, frost generously. Or drizzle. Or serve it on the side—we don’t judge.

Baking Tips (Because We’ve All Been There)

• Use coffee for depth. Even if you’re not a coffee drinker, a bit of brewed coffee makes the chocolate flavor deeper. It won’t taste like coffee—just chocolatey goodness.

• Don’t skip the sour cream. It’s the secret to that tender, moist crumb.

• Resist overbaking. Start checking around 60 minutes. Every oven has its own personality.

• Want more chocolate? Toss in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips for a fudgy bonus.

Variations

Feeling creative? Here are a few twists:

• Mocha Marble: Swirl in espresso powder or a mocha ribbon before baking.

• Nutty Love: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.

• Holiday Cheer: Add a touch of cinnamon and chili powder for a Mexican chocolate vibe.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is a chameleon. Dress it up or down:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream + hot fudge drizzle = heaven

• Dust with powdered sugar for a minimalist look

• Serve with fresh berries and whipped cream for brunch-worthy presentation

• Pair with Homemade Whipped Cream for a crowd-pleaser

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cooking Time:

70 minutes

Total Time:

1 hour 30 minutes

Servings:

12–14 slices

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Approximate)

• Calories: 460

• Protein: 5g

• Sodium: 180mg

FAQs

Can I substitute yogurt for sour cream?

Yes! Use full-fat plain Greek yogurt for a similar texture.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 7. It also freezes beautifully—just wrap in plastic and foil.

Can I make this a layer cake?

Absolutely. Just divide the batter into two 9-inch round pans and reduce the baking time to 30–35 minutes.

What’s the difference between this and a regular chocolate cake?

This is a denser, richer, more decadent version—think elegant tea party meets late-night chocolate craving.

Looking for more chocolatey inspiration? Try our Milk Chocolate Pound Cake with Fudge Frosting or the indulgent Hot Fudge Pie—because there’s no such thing as too much chocolate.

Want to read more about cocoa’s flavor-boosting science? Check out this article from King Arthur Baking on deepening chocolate flavor—it’s a game-changer!

Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a holiday, or just because Tuesday deserves chocolate, this Moist Chocolate Pound Cake is about to become your go-to dessert. It’s not just the best moist chocolate pound cake you’ve ever made—it’s one that brings people together, bite by bite.

So go ahead. Pour a cup of coffee, preheat that oven, and bake yourself a slice of happiness.

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