German Chocolate Cake

German Chocolate Cake

Introduction

German Chocolate Cake is a decidedly delightful treat that brings together rich chocolate flavors with a decadent topping of coconut and pecans. This homemade cake stands tall as a crowd-pleaser, perfect for entertaining friends or celebrating special occasions. With its moist layers and sweet frosting, it’s hard to resist a slice! If you’re looking to impress with a dessert that truly shines, keep reading to learn how to create this delicious cake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: This recipe simplifies the baking process, making it accessible to everyone.
• Unique Flavor: The combination of chocolate, coconut, and pecans delivers a mouthwatering experience unlike any other cake.
• Perfect for Celebrations: Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or whenever you want to treat yourself or others!
• Unbelievably Delicious: Each bite is a fantastic blend of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more.

Ingredients Needed

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup evaporated milk

How to Make German Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
5. Add Water: Carefully stir in the boiling water. This will make the batter thin, but it’s crucial for a moist cake.
6. Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Prepare the Frosting: While the cakes cool, make the frosting. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, butter, evaporated milk, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Stir constantly for about 12 minutes until it thickens.
8. Mix in Coconut & Pecans: Remove the frosting from heat and stir in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans. Let it cool before using.
9. Frost the Cakes: Once the cakes have completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate and spread frosting evenly on top. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides.
10. Serve: Slice generously and serve with extra frosting if desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve German Chocolate Cake

Serve your beautifully frosted German Chocolate Cake on a decorative platter or stand. Adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate the experience. A sprinkle of cocoa powder or extra coconut can make it look even more appealing!

How to Store German Chocolate Cake

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the unfrosted cake halves wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before frosting and serving.

Tips to Make German Chocolate Cake

• Ensure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature to create a smoother batter.
• Be careful not to overbake; the cakes should be soft and moist.
• For added flavor, you can toast the pecans before adding them to the frosting.

Variations

Feel free to switch up the nuts based on your preference. You can also experiment with different extracts or add some espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Conclusion

This German Chocolate Cake is not only a feast for the senses but also a wonderful treat that is surprisingly easy to make. With its delightful chocolate layers and rich coconut-pecan frosting, it’s a guaranteed hit for any occasion. If you tried this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating below! Share your experience on social media, and tell us—what variations did you try?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

Yes, all-purpose flour works perfectly for this recipe. It helps keep the cake moist and tender.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking instead of all-purpose flour.

Why did my frosting not thicken?

Make sure to stir the frosting constantly and allow it to cook long enough to reach the proper consistency. If it’s still runny, return it to heat for a few more minutes while stirring.

German Chocolate Cake

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• Author: chef-ava
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A rich chocolate cake topped with a decadent mixture of coconut and pecans, perfect for celebrations.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup granulated sugar (for frosting)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 1 cup evaporated milk

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Stir in the boiling water to achieve a thin batter.
6. Divide the batter between the pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. For frosting, combine sugar, butter, evaporated milk, egg yolks, and vanilla in a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring for about 12 minutes until thickened.
8. Mix in shredded coconut and pecans, then let cool.
9. Once the cakes are cooled, layer them, spreading frosting in between and on top.
10. Serve and enjoy your delicious cake!

Notes

Ensure eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for best results. Toast pecans for added flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 50g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 70mg