German Chocolate Cake Recipe
Desserts

German Chocolate Cake

German Chocolate Cake Recipe

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German Chocolate Cake Recipe

German Chocolate Cake

  • Author: Liana Brooks
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

Moist, nutty cake with coconut-pecan frosting made from scratch. A nostalgic dessert perfect for birthdays and holidays.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 oz German’s sweet chocolate
  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 1½ cups granulated sugar (for frosting)
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
  • 1⅓ cups sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Instructions

  1. Prep the Oven and Pans: Preheat to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans, or line with parchment.
  2. Melt the Chocolate: Gently melt 4 oz German’s sweet chocolate in a double boiler or microwave. Cool slightly.
  3. Cream Butter + Sugar: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup butter and 2 cups sugar until fluffy (3–4 min).
  4. Add Yolks + Chocolate: Beat in 4 egg yolks one at a time. Stir in melted chocolate and 1 tsp vanilla.
  5. Add Dry + Wet Ingredients: Whisk 2½ cups flour with 1 tsp baking soda and ½ tsp salt. Alternately mix with 1 cup buttermilk into batter until smooth.
  6. Fold in Egg Whites: Beat 4 egg whites to stiff peaks. Gently fold into batter without overmixing.
  7. Bake + Cool: Divide into pans and bake for 25–30 mins. Cool 10 mins in pans, then completely on racks.
  8. Cook the Frosting Base: Combine 4 yolks, 12 oz evaporated milk, 1½ cups sugar, and ¾ cup butter in a saucepan. Stir over medium heat until thickened, about 10–12 mins.
  9. Add Frosting Texture: Remove from heat. Stir in 1 tsp vanilla, 1⅓ cups coconut, and 1 cup pecans. Cool fully before frosting.

Notes

  • For coconut-free frosting, substitute with crushed graham crackers or oats.
  • Replace pecans with sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.
  • To make flour gluten-free, use 1:1 GF flour blend plus ½ tsp xanthan gum.
  • Nutrition values are estimated based on typical ingredient data.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th cake)
  • Calories: 490
  • Sugar: 42g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: german chocolate cake

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