German Chocolate Cake Recipe

Few desserts can rival the rich, indulgent flavor of a classic German Chocolate Cake. Known for its soft, moist layers of chocolate cake paired with the irresistible coconut-pecan frosting, this dessert is a showstopper for any occasion. Whether it’s a family celebration, a birthday party, or a simple treat to brighten your day, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step to create a decadent cake that will leave your guests asking for seconds.

Preparation Time

• Preparation: 30 minutes
• Cooking: 50 minutes
• Cooling: 1 hour
• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 package (4 oz) Baker’s German Sweet Chocolate
• ½ cup water
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, separated
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:

• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) butter
• 1 package (7 oz) sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 ½ cups chopped pecans

Instructions

Preparation

1. Prepare the Chocolate:
   Break the Baker’s German Sweet Chocolate into pieces and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the ½ cup of water and microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Baking Pans:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour three 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release.
3. Sift Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures a smooth batter with even texture.

Making the Cake Batter

4. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender cake.
5. Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla:
   Beat in the egg yolks, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Mix in the vanilla extract and melted chocolate.
6. Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
7. Beat Egg Whites:
   In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the cake batter to give it a light, airy texture.
8. Divide and Bake:
   Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Preparing the Coconut-Pecan Frosting

9. Cook the Frosting Base:
   In a medium saucepan, whisk the egg yolks, evaporated milk, and sugar until smooth. Add the butter and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 10–12 minutes).
10. Add Coconut and Pecans:
    Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Allow the frosting to cool to room temperature before spreading.

Assembling the Cake

11. Layer and Frost:
    Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of coconut-pecan frosting over the top. Repeat with the second and third layers, spreading frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
12. Decorate (Optional):
    For an extra touch, sprinkle additional coconut or pecans on top. You can also drizzle melted chocolate for a more dramatic effect.

Serving and Storage

Serve the German Chocolate Cake at room temperature for the best flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow the cake to sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving.

This German Chocolate Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers and coconut enthusiasts alike. Each bite is a harmonious blend of rich chocolate, creamy frosting, and nutty crunch. While it may take a bit of time to prepare, the effort is well worth it. Impress your family and friends with this homemade masterpiece, and enjoy the satisfaction of baking something truly special. Happy baking!