Dreamy German Chocolate Cake Recipe: Layers of Sweet Bliss

Chocolate lovers rejoice over this decadent german chocolate cake recipe that promises pure dessert bliss.

Rich, moist layers meld together with signature coconut-pecan frosting for an unforgettable treat.

Generations of bakers have perfected this classic Southern delicacy with love and careful technique.

Each slice tells a story of sweet traditions and comforting indulgence.

Nutty coconut and silky chocolate create a harmonious dance of flavors that melts in your mouth.

The perfect balance of sweetness and texture makes this cake a showstopper at any gathering.

Ingredients Needed for German Chocolate Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Contributes rich flavor and helps create a moist cake.
• Eggs: Provide binding and help create a smooth, uniform cake batter.
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and helps activate the leavening agents.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor and rich color to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.

• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Help the cake rise and create a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies the other flavors in the cake.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a rich, creamy base for the frosting.
• Egg Yolks: Provide richness and help thicken the frosting.
• Shredded Coconut, Chopped Pecans: Add texture and traditional German chocolate cake flavor.

German Chocolate Cake How-To

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350°F.

Grab three round cake pans and give them a generous coating of butter and flour to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create Cake Batter Magic

In a large mixing bowl, whip together butter and sugar until they become light and fluffy.

Crack in the eggs and splash of vanilla, mixing until everything looks smooth and creamy.

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cocoa powder

Pour in buttermilk and blend everything until you have a silky chocolate batter that looks absolutely delicious.

Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers

Carefully divide the batter among the three prepared pans.

Slide them into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 4: Craft Decadent Coconut Pecan Frosting

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Butter
• Egg yolks

Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and turns a gorgeous golden color.

• Vanilla extract
• Shredded coconut
• Chopped pecans

Step 5: Assemble Stunning Cake

Once cake layers have completely cooled, start building your masterpiece.

Spread a generous layer of coconut-pecan frosting between each cake layer.

Cover the entire cake with remaining frosting, creating delightful peaks and swirls.

Sprinkle extra pecans on top for a beautiful finishing touch.

Tips for a Moist German Chocolate Cake

• Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before creaming to ensure smooth, even mixing without lumps.
• Don't overmix batter, which can develop gluten and create a tough texture; mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked.
• Toast pecans and coconut briefly before adding to the frosting to intensify their nutty, rich taste.
• Use an offset spatula and rotate cake while frosting to create even, professional-looking layers.

Fresh Takes on German Chocolate Cake

• Gluten-Free German Chocolate Cake: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and taste for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Chocolate Delight: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter, and swap condensed milk with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
• Nutless Wonder: Remove pecans from frosting and replace with toasted sunflower seeds or chopped almonds for those with nut allergies.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and opt for sugar-free condensed milk to reduce overall sugar content.

Ways to Serve German Chocolate Cake

• Decadent Date Night Dessert: Slice this luscious cake and serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a romantic evening treat.
• Elegant Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair thin slices with a hot cup of Earl Grey tea, creating a sophisticated dessert experience that feels like a special indulgence.
• Family Celebration Centerpiece: Showcase this stunning cake at birthdays or reunions, letting its rich layers and nutty frosting become the star of the gathering.
• Gourmet Gift Option: Wrap individual slices in elegant parchment paper for a homemade gift that shows how much you care about your loved ones.

German Chocolate Cake Storage Solutions

• Store covered cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping frosting fresh and preventing drying out.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, preserving for 2-3 months without losing quality or taste.
• Individually wrap cake slices in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags for quick single-serving defrosting.
• Keep cake covered at room temperature for 1-2 days, ensuring it stays moist and delicious for short-term storage.

FAQs

• Is German Chocolate Cake actually from Germany?

No, it was created in the United States by a baker named Sam German, who worked for Baker’s Chocolate Company in the 1850s.

• What makes the frosting unique in this cake?

The coconut-pecan frosting is cooked on the stovetop, creating a rich, caramel-like texture that’s different from traditional buttercream frostings.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have buttermilk?

Yes, you can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

• How do I prevent my cake layers from sticking to the pan?

Always grease the pans thoroughly and use parchment paper circles at the bottom of each pan to ensure easy cake removal.

German Chocolate Cake: Why People Love It

• Indulge in Rich Decadence: This German chocolate cake delivers an incredible taste experience with its luxurious layers of moist chocolate cake and creamy coconut-pecan frosting that melts in your mouth.
• Perfect for Celebration Moments: Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or special gatherings where you want to impress guests with a stunning homemade dessert that looks professionally crafted.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows bakers of different skill levels to create a delightful dessert, with simple steps that don't require advanced pastry techniques or expensive ingredients.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Treat: Combines classic chocolate flavor with nutty, sweet coconut frosting that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a universal crowd-pleaser for family dinners and potlucks.

German Chocolate Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Rich layers of moist German Chocolate Cake reveal a classic dessert beloved by chocolate enthusiasts. Silky coconut-pecan frosting and deep chocolate flavors create an irresistible experience you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

Cake Ingredients:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups flour
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Liquid/Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter
• 4 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk

Topping/Filling Ingredients:

• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 3 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut
• 1 cup pecans

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350°F and prepare three 9-inch round cake pans by lightly coating with butter and dusting with flour.
2. Using an electric mixer, combine softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly.
3. Gradually fold in flour mixture and buttermilk, alternating between dry ingredients and liquid. Integrate cocoa powder until batter is smooth and consistent.
4. Evenly distribute cake batter among prepared pans, ensuring balanced filling.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, rotating pans midway through cooking time. Test cake doneness by inserting a toothpick into center – it should emerge clean without wet batter.
6. While cakes cool, prepare coconut-pecan frosting by gently heating condensed milk, butter, and egg yolks in a saucepan, stirring continuously until mixture thickens.
7. Remove frosting from heat and fold in vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans until well combined.
8. Once cakes have completely cooled, carefully layer them, spreading generous amounts of coconut-pecan frosting between each layer.
9. Cover entire cake with remaining frosting, ensuring even coverage on top and sides.
10. Allow cake to set for 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavor melding.

Notes

• Perfectly grease cake pans with butter and flour to ensure smooth cake removal and prevent sticking.
• Consider using parchment paper rounds at the bottom of pans for extra insurance against cake sticking.
• Bring eggs and butter to room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, more evenly mixed batter that rises better.
• For gluten-free variation, substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better texture.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg