Sweet Slice of Bavaria: German Chocolate Cake Recipe Wonder

Chocolate lovers rejoice as this decadent German chocolate cake recipe promises pure indulgence.

Rich, velvety layers melt in your mouth with every delightful bite.

The classic dessert blends deep cocoa notes with a luscious coconut-pecan frosting that dance across your palate.

Each slice tells a story of tradition and sweet comfort, bringing warmth to any gathering.

Generations have treasured this beloved cake for its irresistible combination of textures and flavors.

chocolate enthusiasts will fall head over heels for this ultimate showstopping dessert that turns ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

Let’s find out this sumptuous creation and let your taste buds celebrate.

Tools You Need to Make German Chocolate Cake

• Saucepan (small): Perfect for melting chocolate chips and butter gently.
• Mixing bowls (2): One for wet ingredients, another for dry ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential for blending ingredients smoothly and evenly.
• 9-inch cake pan: Standard size for creating the perfect cake layer.
• Parchment paper: Ensures easy cake removal and prevents sticking.
• Wire rack: Helps cake cool evenly and prevents soggy bottom.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring mixtures and spreading ganache.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements guarantee delicious results.

How to Bake German Chocolate Cake Step-by-Step

• Chocolate Preparation

Gather high-quality chocolate and creamy butter to create a luxurious cake base with deep, rich flavors.

• Wet Mixture Blending

Combine melted chocolate with butter, gently mixing in eggs and vanilla until smooth and silky.

• Dry Ingredients Combination

Mix cocoa powder with sugar and a hint of salt, creating a foundation for an indulgent dessert.

• Pan Setup

Select a round cake pan and coat generously with butter, ensuring a perfect non-stick surface for easy cake removal.

• Batter Creation

Carefully fold wet and dry ingredients together, creating a velvety smooth batter with consistent texture.

• Baking Process

Place cake in preheated oven, allowing heat to transform batter into a luscious chocolate masterpiece in about 25 minutes.

• Cooling Stage

Let cake rest first in pan, then transfer to cooling rack, allowing it to settle and develop deep flavor profiles.

• Ganache Magic

Melt chocolate and cream together, creating a silky smooth coating that will elevate the cake’s decadence.

• Topping Transformation

Craft a luxurious caramel mixture with pecans and coconut, simmering until it reaches perfect golden consistency.

• Final Assembly

Generously spread ganache and topping over cooled cake, creating a stunning dessert that promises pure indulgence.

German Chocolate Cake Tips and Variations

• Add a tablespoon of strong coffee to chocolate batter for deeper, richer flavor that enhances cocoa's natural complexity.
• Always use room-temperature eggs and dairy ingredients to ensure smoother cake batter and more consistent baking results.
• Sift dry ingredients like cocoa powder and flour to eliminate potential lumps and create an incredibly silky cake texture.
• Experiment with different nuts like almonds or walnuts instead of pecans for a unique twist on the traditional coconut-pecan topping.
• This cake actually tastes better when made a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld and develop deeper, more luxurious taste profiles.

Serving German Chocolate Cake with Style

• Sweet Slice of Happiness: Serve this decadent German chocolate cake on a beautiful ceramic platter to make it look stunning and irresistible.
• Party-Perfect Pairing: Complement the rich cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream to balance its intense chocolate flavor.
• Beverage Bliss: Accompany your cake slice with a steaming cup of dark roasted coffee or a smooth bourbon-based cocktail that enhances the cake's deep chocolate notes.
• Garnish Glamour: Sprinkle extra toasted coconut flakes and chopped pecans around the cake's edges to add texture and provide a beautiful visual presentation that makes everyone want to dive in.

How to Store German Chocolate Cake Properly

• Chill and Seal Strategy: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to lock in moisture and prevent drying out in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Slice the cake into individual portions, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to store up to 3 months for quick dessert emergencies.
• Smart Serving Preparation: Remove cake from refrigerator 30-45 minutes before serving to allow it to reach room temperature, ensuring maximum flavor and soft texture.
• Topping Touch-Up Trick: Store coconut pecan caramel topping and chocolate ganache separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator, gently reheating before applying to cake to maintain freshness and original delicious consistency.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients for German Chocolate Cake

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Rich chocolate foundation that provides deep, intense flavor and smooth texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates tender, moist crumb and adds rich butteriness to the cake.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Intensifies chocolate flavor and provides deep color.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a soft, delicate cake structure.
• Fine Sea Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall chocolate flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the chocolate profile.
• Large Eggs: Binds ingredients, provides structure, and adds richness.

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky smooth coating with perfect glossy shine.
• Fine Sea Salt: Brightens and deepens chocolate's complex flavor.

• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, smooth base for caramel sauce.
• Light Brown Sugar: Creates deep, molasses-like sweetness with complex caramel notes.
• Large Egg Yolks: Adds creamy thickness and richness to topping.
• Evaporated Milk: Contributes smooth, concentrated dairy flavor and helps create stable caramel.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and helps balance sauce texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances caramel's warm, sweet undertones.
• Sweetened Shredded Coconut: Brings tropical sweetness and delightful chewy texture.
• Chopped Pecans: Provides crunchy contrast and nutty depth.

Decadent German Chocolate Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Rich German chocolate cake celebrates a delightful dessert combining sweet chocolate layers with coconut-pecan frosting. Bakers discover an indulgent treat perfect for special occasions and chocolate enthusiasts seeking classic American baking excellence.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (240 ml, 8 fl oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup (50 g, 1.75 oz) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup (150 g, 5.3 oz) granulated sugar
• 8 tbsps (113 g, 4 oz) unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 pinch fine sea salt
• 1 cup (240 ml, 8 fl oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup (120 ml, 4 fl oz) heavy cream
• 1 pinch fine sea salt
• 3 tbsps (43 g, 1.5 oz) unsalted butter
• ¾ cup (150 g, 5.3 oz) light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large egg yolks
• 5 oz (142 g) evaporated milk
• 2 tbsps (30 ml, 1 fl oz) heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups (135 g, 4.8 oz) sweetened shredded coconut
• ¾ cup (85 g, 3 oz) chopped pecans
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp angostura bitters (optional)
• 1 pinch fine sea salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Calibrate oven to 375°F (190°C) for precise cake baking environment.
2. Chocolate Base: Melt dark chocolate chips and unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat, creating a smooth, glossy foundation. Remove from heat and integrate vanilla extract and beaten eggs until uniform.
3. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Sift cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl, eliminating potential lumps and ensuring even distribution.
4. Batter Creation: Gradually incorporate warm chocolate mixture into dry ingredients, stirring continuously to develop a silky, well-integrated batter.
5. Pan Preparation: Thoroughly grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter, line bottom with parchment paper, and pour batter, smoothing the surface for even baking.
6. Baking Process: Position pan in preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should emerge with minimal moist crumbs.
7. Cooling Protocol: Rest cake in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
8. Ganache Development: Combine dark chocolate chips and heavy cream in a saucepan, heating gently and stirring until achieving a perfectly smooth, glossy texture.
9. Caramel Topping Construction: In a separate saucepan, blend unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, egg yolks, heavy cream, and evaporated milk. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat, and simmer 4-5 minutes until reaching a rich, golden consistency.
10. Final Assembly: Once cake is completely cooled, generously spread warm chocolate ganache across the entire surface. Carefully layer the coconut pecan caramel topping, incorporating vanilla extract, chopped pecans, and sweetened coconut flakes for an indulgent finish.

Notes

• Chocolate Melting Technique: Use medium-low heat and stir constantly to prevent burning, ensuring a smooth and glossy chocolate base.
• Pan Preparation Tip: Greasing and parchment lining guarantee easy cake removal and prevent sticking, creating a perfect cake shape.
• Baking Doneness Check: Test cake with a toothpick – a few moist crumbs indicate ideal moisture, preventing overbaking and dry texture.
• Topping Temperature Trick: Apply ganache and caramel when slightly warm to achieve optimal spreading consistency and beautiful layered appearance.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg