Treat your family to a show-stopping dessert with this classic German Chocolate Cake. Moist chocolate cake layers are generously layered with a sweet, gooey coconut-pecan frosting, offering the perfect balance of deep chocolate flavor and nutty sweetness in every bite. Ideal for celebrations or simply indulging in a rich treat at home.
Ingredients
For the Cake
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 2 cups |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | ¾ cup |
| Baking soda | 2 tsp |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Buttermilk | 1 cup |
| Vegetable oil | ½ cup |
| Large eggs | 2 |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp |
| Hot water (or hot coffee) | 1 cup |
For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Evaporated milk | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Large egg yolks | 3 |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Sweetened shredded coconut | 1 ½ cups |
| Chopped pecans | 1 cup |
Instructions
Make the Cake
Prep Oven & Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla until the batter is smooth.
Incorporate Hot Water: Carefully mix in hot water or hot coffee; the batter will be thin, which is normal.
Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool: Let layers cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
Make the Frosting
Cook Custard Base: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter.
Thicken: Stir constantly for 10–12 minutes until thickened to a custard-like consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
Finish Frosting: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans. Let cool to room temperature; it will thicken further as it cools.
Assemble the Cake
Layer First: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a third of the frosting on top.
Repeat Layers: Add the second layer, spread another third of frosting, then top with the third layer and remaining frosting.
Optional Sides: Traditionally, the sides remain unfrosted to show the chocolate cake layers, but you can also cover the sides with leftover frosting or chocolate ganache if desired.
Enjoy your homemade German Chocolate Cake—perfect for special occasions or any time you want a decadent chocolate indulgence!
