German Chocolate Cake – Prepare yourself for a dive, into the world of desserts with our irresistible recipe for German Chocolate Cake. This treasured American masterpiece is sure to satisfy any crowd and please the discerning sweet tooth. With its layers of moist chocolate cake heavenly coconut frosting and dreamy chocolate buttercream topping this dessert creates a symphony of flavors and textures. So let’s embark on this adventure and get ready to bake!
Every culinary journey has a starting point. For me it all began on that day when I first baked this German Chocolate Cake for my family. I can still recall the excitement as I carefully followed the recipe ensuring measurements of each ingredient. As the cake baked in the oven an enticing aroma filled the kitchen building anticipation within me. When it was finally time to share it with my husband and child their faces lit up with delight as they took their bite. At that moment I realized I had stumbled upon a dessert that would become a tradition in our home.
What makes this German Chocolate Cake truly special?
Immerse yourself in an experience, with our Homemade German Chocolate Cake Recipe. A dessert that truly stands out from the rest. This three-layered chef-d’oeuvre converges velvety chocolate cake with a coconut frosting. Crowns it all off with a luxurious chocolate buttercream. This cake is made with a lot of love and attention, from the beginning. It furnishes a sense of pride that only homemade dainties can offer. What really makes this cake stand out is how the soft layers of cake beautifully complement the pecans and sweet shredded coconut in the frosting. It’s like an orchestra of savors that will truly enchant your taste buds. Whether you’re glorifying an occasion or simply desiring something indulgence this cake guarantees an extraordinary experience that blends the comforting rememberings of a classic recipe, with the pure delight of homemade exemplar.
What You Need To Make This German Chocolate Cake Recipe?
Granulated Sugar: This sweet superstar not only brings sweetness. Also contributes to the moistness and tenderness of the cake. It forms the foundation of your indulgence.
All Purpose Flour: The workhorse, in the baking realm flour provides structure to the cake. It acts as a canvas upon which all the deliciousness is showcased.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Think of cocoa powder as the enchanting ingredient that transforms your cake into a chocolatey delight. It embodies the essence of chocolate flavor.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These two leavening agents work hand in hand to make your cake rise beautifully. Baking powder gives it a lift while baking soda adds a boost.
Salt: A pinch of salt may seem small but it plays an essential role in enhancing all other flavors resulting in a perfectly balanced dessert.
Eggs: The unsung heroes of baking eggs bind everything together. Provide structure. They act as the adhesive that holds our masterpiece intact.
Buttermilk: This secret ingredient is key to achieving a moist and tender crumb in your cake. It imparts a tanginess that elevates the flavor profile.
Canola Oil: The unsung hero responsible, for keeping your cake moist and. It’s, like having an angel, for the texture of the cake.
Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla extract enhances the chocolatey flavor and brings a hint of aroma. It’s the finishing touch that takes your cake to a level.
Boiling Water: Don’t be surprised by this addition. Boiling water actually intensifies the richness and depth of the chocolate. It’s that touch that makes your cake irresistibly moist.
Light Brown Sugar: In the coconut frosting light brown sugar adds a caramel-like sweetness that perfectly complements the richness of coconut.
Evaporated Milk: A splash of milk gives the coconut frosting an indulgent quality making it incredibly smooth.
Chopped Pecans: These little nuggets of nutty goodness provide a crunch. Bring out a wonderful nutty flavor that beautifully contrasts with the sweetness of the cake.
Shredded Sweetened Coconut: The shredded coconut takes stage in the frosting adding a chewy and tropical twist that’s simply irresistible.
Steps To Make German Chocolate Cake:
To make the Chocolate Cake:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease two baking pans measuring 8 or 9 inches in diameter. Place a piece of parchment paper at the bottom of each pan to remove the cake later.
Step 2: In a bowl combine sugar, flour, cocoa baking, powder baking soda and salt.
Step 3: In a bowl whisk together eggs, buttermilk, oil and vanilla extract. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
Step 4: Stir in boiling water; the batter will become thin.
Step 5: Pour the batter into the pans. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes or, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
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Step 6: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 5 minutes before flipping them onto wire racks to cool completely.
To prepare the German Chocolate Frosting:
Step 7: In a saucepan combine sugar, granulated sugar, butter, egg yolks and evaporated milk. Stir everything together. Bring it to a boil, over medium heat.
Step 8: Continue stirring for several minutes until the mixture thickens.
Step 9: Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut. Let it cool completely before spreading it between cake layers.
To make the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:
Step 10: Begin by melting the butter and stirring in the cocoa powder.
Step 11: In alternation gradually add sugar and milk while beating until you achieve a spreading consistency. Adjust the amounts of milk or powdered sugar as needed to reach your desired frosting texture.
Step 12: Stir in the vanilla extract.
Cake Assembly:
Step 13: Start by placing one of the cake rounds on your serving stand or plate.
Step 14: Apply a layer of chocolate frosting evenly over the cake layer.
Step 15: Spoon half of the coconut frosting onto the cake spreading it out smoothly while leaving about ½ inch, between the filling and the edge of the cake.
Step 16: Place the cake round, on top.
Step 17: Cover the cake with a layer of chocolate frosting.
Step 18: Finally, spread out the remaining coconut frosting on top of the cake.
Tip:
To add a touch of flavor and moisture to your German Chocolate Cake you can enhance the cake layers by brushing them with a sugar syrup infused with a hint of coconut or vanilla extract. Once you’ve done that proceed to assemble and frost the cake. This clever little trick will elevate the taste. Make your cake more delightful and unforgettable giving it that extra level of indulgence. Enjoy the sweetness and enhanced moisture that this professional tip brings to your masterpiece!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use different nuts in the coconut frosting?
Of course! While pecans are the choice feel free to try out nuts like walnuts, almonds or even hazelnuts to give the coconut frosting a unique twist.
Can I make this cake in advance and refrigerate it?
Absolutely! You can definitely make the cake ahead of time. Keep it in the refrigerator, for a day or two. Just remember to cover it so that it stays moist and doesn’t dry out.
Can I substitute buttermilk with regular milk?
Buttermilk adds a tanginess and moisture to the cake. If you don’t have buttermilk, on hand you can easily create a substitute by combining 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes before using it in your recipe.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
German Chocolate Cake Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 2 c granulated sugar
- 1¾ c all-purpose flour
- ¾ c unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 c buttermilk
- ½ c oil vegetable or canola oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 c boiling water
For the Coconut Frosting:
- ½ c light brown sugar
- ½ c granulated sugar
- ½ c butter
- 3 large egg yolks
- ¾ c evaporated milk
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 c chopped pecans
- 1 c shredded sweetened coconut
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- ½ c butter
- ⅔ c unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 c powdered sugar
- ⅓ c evaporated milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
To make the Chocolate Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease two baking pans.
- In a bowl combine sugar, flour, cocoa baking powder baking soda and salt.
- In another bowl whisk together eggs, buttermilk, oil and vanilla.
- Mix the dry ingredients together until well combined. Then add boiling water and stir until the batter becomes smooth.
- Pour the batter evenly into the pans. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes. Allow them to cool completely.
For the Coconut Frosting:
- In a saucepan, over medium heat combine sugar, granulated sugar, butter, egg yolks and evaporated milk.
- Cook the mixture until it thickens slightly. Then add vanilla extract along with pecans and coconut.
- Let the frosting cool completely before using it on the cake.
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- Melt butter in a microwave or on heat in a saucepan. Mix in cocoa powder until well combined.
- Gradually add sugar to achieve the desired sweetness while alternating with amounts of milk until it reaches a spreadable consistency. Stir in vanilla extract well for added flavor.
Cake Assembly:
- Place one layer of cake on a plate or cake stand; spread a layer of chocolate frosting on top followed by half of the frosting mixture.
- Add the second cake layer on top. Cover the cake, with chocolate frosting generously before finishing it off with remaining coconut frosting on top for decoration.
- Enjoy your German Chocolate Cake!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
