German Chocolate Cake
Rich chocolate cake layered with a classic coconut-pecan filling and topped with silky chocolate frosting β a truly irresistible homemade dessert! πβ¨
π Ingredients
π° Chocolate Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee or hot water
π₯₯ Coconut Pecan Filling
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
π« Chocolate Frosting
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2/3 cup cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
π©βπ³ Step-by-Step Instructions
π° 1. Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat oven to 175Β°C / 350Β°F.
- Grease and line two cake pans.
- In a large bowl mix:
- flour
- sugar
- cocoa powder
- baking soda
- baking powder
- salt
- Add:
- eggs
- buttermilk
- oil
- vanilla
- Mix until smooth.
- Slowly stir in hot coffee or water.
π₯ 2. Bake the Cakes
- Divide batter evenly between pans.
- Bake for 30β35 minutes.
- A toothpick should come out clean.
- Cool completely before frosting.
π₯₯ 3. Make Coconut-Pecan Filling
- In a saucepan, combine:
- evaporated milk
- brown sugar
- egg yolks
- butter
- Cook over medium heat while stirring until thickened.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in:
- vanilla
- coconut
- pecans
- Let cool completely.
π« 4. Prepare Chocolate Frosting
- Beat butter and cocoa powder together.
- Add powdered sugar gradually.
- Mix in milk and vanilla until creamy.
π 5. Assemble the Cake
- Place first cake layer on serving plate.
- Spread coconut pecan filling on top.
- Add the second cake layer.
- Frost sides with chocolate frosting.
- Add extra coconut and pecans on top if desired.
β¨ Tips for Best Results
- Use room-temperature ingredients.
- Coffee enhances chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee.
- Cool cakes fully before frosting.
- Toast pecans for richer flavor.
π½οΈ Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Hot coffee β
- Vanilla ice cream π¨
- Fresh berries π
Perfect for birthdays, holidays, and celebrations!
β Frequently Asked Questions
β Why is it called German Chocolate Cake?
Itβs named after βGermanβs Sweet Chocolate,β created by baker Samuel Germanβnot Germany.
βCan I make it ahead?
Yes! The cake tastes even better the next day.
βCan I freeze it?
Absolutely. Freeze slices for up to 2 months.
βCan I use store-bought frosting?
Yes, but homemade gives the richest flavor.
βHow should I store it?
Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.