Here’s a classic German Chocolate Cake recipe you can make at home — rich, moist, and topped with that signature coconut-pecan frosting. 🍫🥥
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 4 oz unsweetened baking chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
1. Make the Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg yolks one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Mix flour, baking soda, and salt together in a separate bowl.
- Add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk, mixing until smooth.
- Fold in melted chocolate.
2. Beat Egg Whites
- In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold into the cake batter.
3. Bake
- Divide batter into prepared pans.
- Bake 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove to wire racks.
4. Make the Frosting
- Combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter in a saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 10 minutes).
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans. Cool to room temperature.
5. Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting.
- Repeat with second layer. Top with third layer.
- Frost the top with remaining coconut-pecan mixture (traditionally, sides are left unfrosted).
Tips
- Use high-quality chocolate for best flavor
- Toast coconut lightly for extra depth
- Refrigerate leftovers — the frosting keeps it moist
If you want, I can also give a quick 30-minute German Chocolate Cake shortcut that’s still rich and moist — perfect if you don’t have hours to bake.
Do you want me to do that?
