German Chocolate Cake 1
This classic German Chocolate Cake is a timeless favorite, celebrated for its deep, cocoa-rich flavor and incredibly moist crumb. The real star, however, is the homemade coconut-pecan frosting—a luscious, caramel-like topping that balances the sweetness of the cake with salty, toasted nuts and chewy coconut. Unlike dense dark chocolate cakes, this recipe uses sweet chocolate for a milder, buttery profile that pairs perfectly with the nutty filling. It’s the ultimate comfort dessert for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion calling for a slice of nostalgia. Serve it warm from the oven for a gooey center, or chilled for a firm, sliceable perfection that holds up beautifully. A true Southern classic that brings joy to every bite.
Description
This classic German Chocolate Cake is a timeless favorite, celebrated for its deep, cocoa-rich flavor and incredibly moist crumb. The real star, however, is the homemade coconut-pecan frosting—a luscious, caramel-like topping that balances the sweetness of the cake with salty, toasted nuts and chewy coconut. Unlike dense dark chocolate cakes, this recipe uses sweet chocolate for a milder, buttery profile that pairs perfectly with the nutty filling. It’s the ultimate comfort dessert for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion calling for a slice of nostalgia. Serve it warm from the oven for a gooey center, or chilled for a firm, sliceable perfection that holds up beautifully. A true Southern classic that brings joy to every bite.
Ingredients
- 4 oz german sweet chocolate
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1 cup butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 4 egg whites, stiffly beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 1/3 cups coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Directions
- 1 Melt the german sweet chocolate in the boiling water until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- 2
In a large bowl, cream the 1 cup butter and 2 cups sugar together until light and fluffy.- 3
Beat in the 4 egg yolks, vanilla, and the melted chocolate mixture until well combined.- 4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.- 5
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.- 6
Gently fold in the stiffly beaten egg whites until no white streaks remain.- 7
Divide the batter evenly among three 9-inch round cake pans lined on the bottoms with wax paper.- 8
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.- 9
While the cakes bake, prepare the frosting: Combine 1 cup evaporated milk, 1 cup sugar, 3 egg yolks, 1/2 cup butter, and 1 tsp vanilla in a heavy saucepan.- 10
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for about 12 minutes or until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.- 11
Remove the frosting from heat and stir in the coconut and chopped pecans. Cool until spreadable.- 12
Once the cake layers are cool, frost the tops with the Coconut Pecan Frosting, leaving the sides unfrosted as traditional.NoteEnsure the egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks before folding into the batter for a lighter, airier cake texture.
Do not overcook the frosting; it will thicken further as it cools. If it gets too thick, whisk in a teaspoon of milk.
This cake freezes well. Wrap unfrosted layers tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months.
For a richer flavor, you can toast the pecans and coconut lightly before adding them to the frosting.
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