Homemade German Chocolate Cake is a classic dessert that’s rich, moist, and filled with layers of gooey coconut-pecan frosting. Known for its distinctive chocolate flavor and nutty-sweet filling, this cake is a decadent treat perfect for celebrations or evenings. Made from scratch with love and topped with creamy chocolate frosting, this German Chocolate Cake will become a family favorite and satisfy even the strongest sweet tooth.
“The Homemade German Chocolate Cake turned out amazing. My kids asked for seconds. Saving this one!”
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Ingredients
Cake
134 cups all-purpose flour. 134 cups all-
2 cups granulated sugar. 2 cups granulated sugar
34 cup unsweetened cocoa powder. 34 cup unsweetened coco
112 tsp baking powder. 112 t
1½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract. 2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
Coconut-Pecan Frosting
1 cup evaporated milk. 1 cup evaporated milk.
1 cup granulated sugar. 1 cup granulated sugar
3 large egg yolks, beaten
12 cup unsalted butter. 12 cup unsal
1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp vanilla extract 1
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut. 1 cup shredded coconut.
1 cup chopped pecans. 1 cup chopped pecans.
Chocolate Frosting (Optional)
12 cup unsalted butter. 12 cup unsal, softened
What is powdered sugar? 2 cups?
13 cup unsweetened cocoa powder. 14 cup unsweetened coco
¼ cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp vanilla extract 1
Directions
Cake
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Mix Dry IngredientsIn a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined. Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth and thin.
Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Coconut-Pecan Frosting
Cook the FrostingIn a medium saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 10–12 minutes.
Add pecans and coconut to a bowl and serve.: Remove from heat, then stir in the vanilla, coconut, and pecans. Let the frosting cool to room temperature before spreading.
Chocolate Frosting (Optional) (Dark Chocolate
How do you make chocolate frosting?In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy. Add more milk if needed for a spreadable consistency.
Assemble the Cake
Layer and Frost: Place one layer of the cake on a serving plate. Spread half of the coconut-pecan frosting over the top. The second cake layer should be topped with the remaining coconut-pecan frosting. Use the remaining frosting to frost the sides of the cake if desired.
Serve: Slice and enjoy this rich, decadent German Chocolate Cake!
Notes
Make Ahead: The cake layers can be baked a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Frosting can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Storage: Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Extra FlavorFor added depth, use dark cocoa powder or add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the cake batter.
How do you toast coconut and pecans?For a richer flavor, lightly toast the coconut and pecans before adding them to the frosting.
German Chocolate Cake is a true showstopper with its rich chocolate flavor and gooey coconut-pecan frosting. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a dessert that everyone will love!
★★★★★
“I don’t know if I’ve ever eaten a better Homemade German Chocolate Cake. The rub alone is wonderful, but the sauce??? Over the top!”
KEVIN
What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora
Can I make German chocolate cake layers and frostings ahead of time?
Can you make the cake layers and frostings ahead of time? The coconut-pecan frosting and the optional chocolate frosting can also be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. How do I make frosting at room temperature?
What are some good substitutions for German chocolate cake?
Can you substitute 1 cup of buttermilk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes before using? For the vegetable oil, you can use unsalted butter in equal measure. If you don’t have evaporated milk for frosting, you can use heavy cream, but reduce the amount of sugar slightly, and cook until thickened. Dark cocoa powder can replace unsweetened cocoa powder for a richer flavor, using the same amount.
How do I know when a cake is ready to be baked?
The cake layers are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating that the batter is fully cooked. The edges of the cake should be slightly pulling away from the sides of the pan, and the cake should spring back lightly when gently touched. The baking time is typically between 30-35 minutes, but always check for doneness using a toothpick.
Can I double or scale up this German Chocolate Cake recipe for a larger gathering?
Can you double the recipe to make a larger cake? Is it necessary to increase the baking time for frosting?
What are the nutritional highlights of this German Chocolate Cake?
German Chocolate Cake offers some nutritional benefits from its ingredients. Pecans and coconut provide healthy fats and fiber. Cocoa powder contains antioxidants. While this is a rich dessert, enjoying it in moderation can be part of a balanced diet.
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Homemade German Chocolate Cake
A delicious and moist chocolate cake with a classic coconut and pecan frosting.