German Chocolate Cake Recipe
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of this classic German Chocolate Cake, featuring moist chocolate cake layers and a luscious coconut pecan frosting. Follow these simple steps to create a masterpiece that will impress any crowd.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups hot water
For the Coconut Pecan Frosting:
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/4 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions:
For the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Slowly add the vegetable oil and mix well.
- Gradually add the hot water to the batter and mix until smooth. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Coconut Pecan Frosting:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter over medium heat.
- Stir constantly until the mixture thickens, about 12-15 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the vanilla, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Mix well and let the frosting cool to room temperature.
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Stir in the cocoa powder and remove from heat.
- Add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Mix until the frosting is smooth.
To Assemble:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
- Spread a generous layer of the coconut pecan frosting on top of the first cake layer.
- Add the second cake layer on top and cover it with more coconut pecan frosting.
- Finally, place the third cake layer and frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the chocolate frosting.
- You can decorate the cake with additional chopped pecans or chocolate shavings if desired.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy this classic German Chocolate Cake!
This indulgent cake will be a hit at any gathering, thanks to its rich, chocolatey layers and the sweet, nutty coconut pecan frosting.