Step 1: **Prepare Your Stage – Preheat and Pan Prep.** Always begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Next, meticulously prepare a 10-12 cup bundt pan. Generously grease the entire interior of the pan with butter or a baking spray that contains flour, then dust it thoroughly with cocoa powder. Tap out any excess. For an extra layer of insurance, you can chill the prepared pan for 10-15 minutes before adding the batter.
Step 2: **The Foundation of Flavor – Creaming Butter and Sugar.** In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the softened unsalted butter and softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and continue beating until the mixture is visibly light in color and incredibly fluffy, which typically takes 5-7 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 3: **Building Structure – Incorporating Eggs Gradually.** Once the butter, cream cheese, and sugar are perfectly creamed, begin adding the room temperature eggs, one at a time. After each egg addition, beat well for about 30-60 seconds, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: **Alternating for Tenderness – Dry and Wet Ingredients.** In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. With the mixer on low speed, begin adding the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start with about one-third of the dry ingredients, mix briefly, then add half of the buttermilk, mix, then another third of the dry, the remaining buttermilk, and finally, the last third of the dry ingredients. Mix just until no streaks of flour remain; do not overmix.
Step 5: **Baking to Perfection – The Oven's Role.** Pour the prepared batter evenly into your greased and floured bundt pan. Gently tap the pan on the counter a few times to release any trapped air bubbles. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the thickest part of the cake comes out with only moist crumbs attached.
Step 6: **The Art of Cooling – Patience is a Virtue.** Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the bundt pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes. After this initial cooling, carefully invert the cake onto the wire rack and lift the pan away. Let the cake cool completely to room temperature before frosting.
Step 7: **Crafting the Iconic Frosting – The Crowning Glory.** While the cake cools, prepare the coconut-pecan frosting. In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, evaporated milk, egg yolks, and granulated sugar. Cook this mixture slowly over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a whisk, until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency (10-15 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, shredded sweetened coconut, and chopped pecans.
Step 8: **The Grand Finale – Frost and Serve.** Once your German Chocolate Pound Cake recipe is completely cool, and the frosting has cooled slightly (it should still be warm enough to spread but not hot), spoon the luscious coconut-pecan frosting generously over the entire cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Allow the frosting to set slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy!