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German Chocolate Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 70 reviews

This classic German Chocolate Cake features a rich, moist chocolate cake layered and topped with a luscious coconut-pecan frosting and a smooth chocolate buttercream frosting. Perfect for celebrations and chocolate lovers, this recipe balances deep cocoa flavor with sweet, nutty frosting for an indulgent treat.

Ingredients

Scale

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 vegetable or canola oil (120 ml)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (10 ml)
  • 1 cup boiling water (240 ml)

Coconut-Pecan 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)

Chocolate Buttercream 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. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Heat oven to 375°F. Grease two 8 or 9-inch round baking pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy cake removal.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to combine evenly.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract until thoroughly mixed.
  4. Make Cake Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Carefully stir in boiling water; the batter will be thin, which is expected.
  5. Bake the Cake: Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes depending on pan size (9-inch pans require less time). Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs. Let cool 5 minutes in pans, then invert onto wire racks to cool completely.
  6. Prepare Coconut-Pecan Frosting: In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, egg yolks, and evaporated milk. Stir continuously over medium heat until the mixture comes to a low boil and thickens slightly, taking a few minutes.
  7. Finish Coconut-Pecan Frosting: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut. Allow the frosting to cool completely before using.
  8. Make Chocolate Buttercream Frosting: Melt butter in a bowl. Stir in cocoa powder. Alternate adding powdered sugar and evaporated milk, beating well until smooth and spreadable. Adjust by adding more milk or powdered sugar to achieve desired consistency. Stir in vanilla extract.
  9. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on serving plate or cake stand. Spread a thin layer of chocolate buttercream over the cake, then spread half the coconut-pecan frosting on top, leaving about 1/2 inch border from edge.
  10. Stack and Frost: Place second cake layer on top. Smooth chocolate buttercream all over the cake to cover sides and top.
  11. Top with Coconut-Pecan Frosting: Spoon the remaining coconut-pecan frosting onto the top of the cake and spread evenly.

Notes

  • Use parchment paper lined pans to ensure the cake layers come out easily.
  • The cake batter is thin due to boiling water, which helps create a moist cake texture.
  • Constant stirring while cooking the coconut-pecan frosting prevents curdling and ensures smooth texture.
  • Allow coconut-pecan frosting to cool completely before using to avoid melting the cake layers.
  • Adjust buttercream frosting consistency by adding milk or powdered sugar gradually.
  • Store the cake refrigerated to keep fresh; bring to room temperature before serving.
  • Chopped pecans can be toasted for extra flavor if desired.

Keywords: German Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Cake with Coconut Pecan Frosting, Moist Chocolate Cake, Classic American Cake, Layer Cake

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