Chocolate Pound Cake

This recipe came in an envelope from Southern Living Magazine. It was a teaser recipe to get me to purchase their magazine. I’ve received the same recipe several times. But, hey, it is a wonderful magazine.

Chocolate Pound Cake

1 (8-oz.) package semisweet chocolate baking squares, chopped
1 cup butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
½ cup chocolate syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
Powdered sugar (optional)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Microwave chocolate baking squares in a microwave-safe bowl at HIGH for 1 minute and 15 seconds or until chocolate is melted and smooth, stirring at 15-second intervals. Beat butter at medium speed with a heavy-duty electric stand mixer 2 minutes or until creamy. Gradually add granulated sugar, beating 5-7 minutes or until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until yellow disappears after each addition. Stir in melted chocolate, chocolate syrup and vanilla, until smooth.

Combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Add to butter mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed just until blended after each addition. Pour batter into a greased and floured 10-inch (14-cup) tube pan.

Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour and 10 minutes or until a long wooden pick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from pan to wire rack, and let cool completely (about 1 hour and 30 minutes).

Sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.

Makes 16 servings.