Imagine sinking your fork into a slice of German chocolate cake, where layers of rich chocolate mingle with a luscious coconut and pecan frosting. The aroma wafts through the air, promising a mouthwatering experience that teases your taste buds. Each bite is a symphony of flavors, celebrating the sweet balance between chocolate and the nutty sweetness of coconut.
This delightful dessert has been a staple in my family for years, often making an appearance at birthdays and holiday gatherings. The joy on my friends’ faces when they take that first bite is priceless, as if I’ve magically transported them to dessert heaven. Whether it’s for a special occasion or an everyday treat, German chocolate cake never fails to impress!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This German chocolate cake is easy to make yet looks like a masterpiece
- Its flavor profile combines rich chocolate with sweet coconut and crunchy pecans
- Visually stunning with its layered design, it will steal the spotlight at any gathering
- Versatile enough for birthdays, holidays, or just because you deserve a treat!
I remember once serving this cake at my sister’s birthday party—the way everyone gathered around the table, eyes wide in anticipation, was absolutely priceless. The oohs and ahhs were music to my ears.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: Choose unbleached all-purpose flour for a balanced texture that supports the cake’s structure.
Cocoa Powder: Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for that deep chocolate flavor we all crave.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness while helping to create a moist crumb in the cake.
Baking Soda: This leavening agent ensures your cake rises beautifully without being too dense.
Baking Powder: A little extra lift from baking powder helps achieve that perfect fluffy texture.
Salt: Don’t skip the salt; it enhances all the flavors and balances out the sweetness.
Eggs: Large eggs add moisture and richness, resulting in a tender cake.
Buttermilk: This secret ingredient contributes to tenderness and adds a slight tanginess to the batter.
Vegetable Oil: Using oil instead of butter keeps the cake moist for days (if it lasts that long!).
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates the flavor profile with its sweet aroma.
Coconut Flakes: Sweetened shredded coconut provides that signature chewy texture in our frosting.
Pecans: Chopped pecans offer crunchiness and nutty flavor—essential for our frosting!
Evaporated Milk: This creamy milk base makes our frosting rich and decadent.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds creaminess to our frosting while balancing sweetness perfectly.
- German chocolate cake is all about the rich, velvety layers and that irresistible coconut pecan frosting
- Make sure to let your cake cool completely before frosting; this ensures the layers stay intact and delicious
- The smell alone will have everyone rushing to the kitchen!
- To ensure your German chocolate cake rises perfectly, avoid overmixing your batter after adding flour
- Use room temperature ingredients for better blending and fluffiness
- Let your cake layers cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- In another bowl, blend eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually mix into dry ingredients until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- For the frosting, combine evaporated milk, sugar, butter, and egg yolks in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until thickened (about 10 minutes). Remove from heat and mix in coconut and pecans. Let cool slightly before frosting the cake.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
- Serving Size: 1 slice (107g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together!
Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients on the counter. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans so they’re ready to go.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, sugar, and salt until evenly combined—this will ensure no chocolate lumps sneak up on you.
Create Your Batter: In another bowl, mix eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add this mixture into your dry ingredients while stirring gently until just combined.
Bake Your Cake: Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean—your kitchen should smell divine by now!
Make Your Frosting: While your cakes cool down completely (patience is key!), combine evaporated milk, sugar, butter, egg yolks in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until thickened—around 10 minutes should do it!
Add Coconut and Pecans: Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in coconut flakes and chopped pecans. Let frosting cool slightly before spreading generously between cake layers and on top.
Enjoy every scrumptious bite of your homemade German chocolate cake! Each piece tells a story of love and laughter shared around the table.
Now you are equipped with everything you need to create this iconic dessert! Happy baking!
You Must Know
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking the cakes first, then whip up the frosting while they cool. This saves time and keeps everything fresh. Layer and frost once cooled for a stunning presentation.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out some ingredients like using almond extract instead of vanilla for a unique flavor twist. You can also add chocolate chips to the batter for extra indulgence.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze it, ensuring it’s well-wrapped to maintain moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
The first time I made German chocolate cake, my friends devoured it in minutes! One even asked if I’d opened a bakery—talk about motivation!
FAQ
What makes German chocolate cake different from regular chocolate cake?
German chocolate cake features a unique coconut-pecan frosting that sets it apart from traditional chocolate cakes.
Can I use a different type of frosting?
Absolutely! Cream cheese or buttercream can create delicious alternatives for your German chocolate cake.
How should I store leftover German chocolate cake?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for freshness over several days.
German Chocolate Cake
Indulge in the rich, decadent layers of German chocolate cake, where velvety chocolate meets a delightful coconut and pecan frosting. This show-stopping dessert is perfect for any celebration, from birthdays to holidays, or simply as a well-deserved treat. With its irresistible flavor profile and stunning appearance, this cake is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more.
