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German Chocolate Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 133 reviews

This classic German Chocolate Cake recipe features a moist, rich chocolate cake layered and topped with a signature gooey coconut-pecan frosting and a smooth chocolate buttercream frosting. Perfectly balanced between decadent chocolate and nutty coconut flavors, this cake is ideal for celebrations or an indulgent dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chocolate Cake:

  • 2 cups granulated sugar (400 g)
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (210 g)
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (75 g)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder (6 g)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda (7.5 g)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (5 g)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk (240 ml)
  • 1/2 cup oil (vegetable or canola oil) (120 ml)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (10 ml)
  • 1 cup boiling water (240 ml)

For the Coconut Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar (100 g)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 g)
  • 1/2 cup butter (115 g)
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 3/4 cup evaporated milk (180 ml)
  • 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract (15 ml)
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (120 g)
  • 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut (80 g)

For the Chocolate Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup butter (115 g)
  • 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (65 g)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar (360 g)
  • 1/3 cup evaporated milk (80 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cake Pans: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease two 8 or 9-inch round baking pans and line the bottoms with round pieces of wax or parchment paper to ensure the cakes release easily after baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with buttermilk, vegetable or canola oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Make Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Carefully stir in the boiling water; the batter will be thin, which is expected. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
  5. Bake the Cake: Bake for 25 to 35 minutes depending on the pan size (9-inch pans bake faster) or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then invert them onto wire racks to cool completely.
  6. Make Coconut Frosting: In a medium saucepan, combine light brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, egg yolks, and evaporated milk. Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture reaches a low boil and thickens, about several minutes. Remove from heat, then stir in vanilla extract, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut. Allow the frosting to cool completely before using.
  7. Make Chocolate Buttercream Frosting: Melt butter in a bowl. Stir in unsweetened cocoa powder. Gradually alternate adding powdered sugar and evaporated milk, beating until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency. Adjust with additional milk or powdered sugar as needed. Stir in vanilla extract.
  8. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand. Spread a thin layer of chocolate buttercream frosting over the top. Spoon half of the coconut frosting over the chocolate layer and spread evenly, leaving about 1/2 inch border from the edge. Position the second cake layer on top.
  9. Finish Frosting: Coat the entire cake with the remaining chocolate buttercream frosting. Spoon the remaining coconut frosting over the top of the cake and spread evenly. Allow to set before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs for better mixing.
  • Make sure to stir the coconut frosting constantly when cooking to prevent burning and to achieve proper thickening.
  • Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
  • You can substitute pecans with walnuts if desired.
  • For a richer cake, use high-quality cocoa powder.
  • For best results, refrigerate the assembled cake for an hour before serving to let frostings set.

Keywords: German Chocolate Cake, chocolate cake, coconut pecan frosting, chocolate buttercream, classic dessert

Find it online: https://www.cheftara.com/german-chocolate-cake-recipe/