German Chocolate Cake Recipe

There's nothing quite like the indulgent aroma of German Chocolate Cake baking in the oven, filling your kitchen with hints of rich chocolate and toasted coconut. This classic dessert is a celebration in every bite, featuring layers of moist chocolate cake and a luscious, nutty coconut pecan frosting that makes it truly irresistible.

My love for German Chocolate Cake started when my grandmother made it for family gatherings. Her version always had just the right balance of sweetness and texture, and now, I'm excited to share a recipe that captures that magic. Let’s dive in and create this show-stopping treat together.

Why You'll Love This German Chocolate Cake

Get ready to impress everyone with this timeless dessert. Whether it's for a birthday, holiday, or simply because you're craving chocolate, this cake never fails to delight.

First, it’s all about the flavor. The combination of deep chocolate cake layers and the caramelized coconut pecan frosting creates a perfect harmony of sweetness and richness. Every forkful is a burst of chocolatey goodness with a nutty, buttery finish.

It's also easier to make than you might think! While the layered appearance might seem intimidating, the steps are straightforward, and you'll end up with a bakery-worthy result that’s worth every effort.

And let’s not forget its versatility. You can bake it as a traditional layer cake, in a sheet pan for easy slicing, or even as cupcakes for individual servings. No matter the format, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.

Finally, this recipe is made with love and pantry staples, so you don’t need to hunt for fancy ingredients. Gather your flour, sugar, and cocoa powder, and you're already halfway there!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this cake lies in its thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building the cake’s signature flavors and textures.

The foundation of this cake is all-purpose flour, which provides just the right structure to support those rich, chocolatey layers. Make sure to sift it for a smooth batter and light crumb.

Unsweetened cocoa powder brings the deep chocolate flavor to life. Be sure to use a high-quality brand for the best taste. You could also experiment with Dutch-process cocoa for an even richer profile.

For moisture and tenderness, we rely on buttermilk. It adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness while ensuring the cake stays soft and fluffy.

The frosting is where the magic happens. Sweetened shredded coconut and chopped pecans are the stars, lending a nutty, chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth caramel base. Toasting these ingredients beforehand elevates their flavor even more.

Finally, you’ll need evaporated milk, butter, and brown sugar to create the signature frosting. These ingredients come together to form a rich, caramelized sauce that ties the whole dessert together. Don’t forget to keep a heavy-bottomed pan handy to prevent scorching during cooking.

How to Make This German Chocolate Cake

Creating this stunning dessert is simpler than it looks. With a little organization and patience, you’ll have a masterpiece to serve.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing three 9-inch round cake pans. Grease the pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure easy release.

Next, sift together your flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract for that extra layer of flavor.

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting. In a saucepan, combine evaporated milk, brown sugar, butter, and egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. This should take about 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in toasted coconut and pecans. Let the frosting cool completely before assembling.

To assemble, place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous portion of frosting on top. Repeat with the remaining layers, finishing with frosting on the top and sides if desired. Decorate with extra pecans and coconut for a stunning finish.

Storage Options

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this cake stores beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days. The frosting firms up slightly in the fridge but remains delicious. Let slices sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture.

You can also freeze the cake! Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a quick treat.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of German Chocolate Cake is its flexibility. Here are some ways to customize it to suit your preferences.

• Want a deeper chocolate flavor? Swap unsweetened cocoa powder for Dutch-process cocoa.
• Prefer walnuts to pecans? Go ahead and substitute – they’ll add a slightly earthier crunch.
• For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk in the frosting and a plant-based butter alternative.
• Make it gluten-free by replacing the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
• Try it as cupcakes! Reduce the baking time to 18-22 minutes and top each cupcake with a dollop of frosting.

Don’t be afraid to experiment! This recipe is a canvas for your creativity, so have fun making it your own.

German Chocolate Cake is more than a dessert – it’s a labor of love. Every layer and swirl of frosting is a reminder of why homemade always tastes best. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a chocolate craving, this cake is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. Happy baking!

Print