German Chocolate Cake

German Chocolate Cake is a classic dessert loved by many for its rich, sweet flavor and layered textures. It’s a great choice for celebrations or when you want to impress guests with a homemade treat. The combination of moist chocolate cake and creamy coconut-pecan frosting creates a delicious balance of sweetness and nuttiness.

This recipe is straightforward, and you don’t need fancy equipment to achieve bakery-quality results. Even if you’re new to baking, the simple steps make it easy to follow. It’s also a fantastic way to enjoy homemade desserts that taste much better than store-bought ones.

The unique frosting, with its caramelized coconut and pecan goodness, makes this cake stand out. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, a holiday dinner, or just because, German Chocolate Cake is a dessert that everyone will remember.

How to Make German Chocolate Cake

Making German Chocolate Cake is all about layering the flavors. Start by baking the cake layers, whip up the coconut-pecan frosting, and then assemble the dessert. Follow the steps below to get started.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)

2 cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs

4 oz sweetened German chocolate (melted)

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup buttermilk

For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:

1 cup evaporated milk

1 cup granulated sugar

3 egg yolks (beaten)

½ cup unsalted butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut

1 cup chopped pecans

Directions:

1. Prepare the Cake Layers:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Add melted chocolate and vanilla, mixing well.

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.

Pour batter evenly into the pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes before removing them from the pans to cool completely on a wire rack.

2. Make the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:

Combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 10-12 minutes or until thickened.

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans. Let cool to room temperature.

3. Assemble the Cake:

Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread frosting on top.

Add the second layer and frost again. Top with the third layer and frost the top and sides, if desired.

Garnish with extra coconut or pecans if you like.

How to Serve German Chocolate Cake

Serve German Chocolate Cake as a show-stopping dessert after dinner or at special events. Pair it with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a complete treat. This cake is best served at room temperature to let the flavors shine.

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