The Best Homemade German Chocolate Cake Recipe for Sweet Joy

Luxurious homemade German chocolate cake brings together a symphony of decadent flavors that dance across your palate with irresistible charm.

Silky chocolate layers intermingle with a luscious coconut-pecan frosting, creating a dessert that transcends ordinary sweet experiences.

Deeply satisfying and remarkably smooth, this cake represents a pinnacle of culinary craftsmanship that elevates home baking to an art form.

Generations of bakers have perfected this remarkable recipe, blending traditional techniques with pure indulgence.

Each carefully crafted slice promises a moment of pure gastronomic bliss that connects you to rich culinary heritage.

Sophisticated yet unpretentious, this cake revamps ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary sensory journey.

Your taste buds will absolutely fall in love with this masterpiece.

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• Indulge in Decadent Layers: Experience a mouthwatering journey through rich chocolate cake layers perfectly complemented by a creamy, nutty coconut-pecan frosting that melts in your mouth.
• Masterful Homemade Comfort: Create an authentic German chocolate cake from scratch, transforming simple ingredients into a luxurious dessert that feels like a warm culinary hug from grandma's kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Texture Symphony: Enjoy the delightful contrast between the moist, tender chocolate cake and the crunchy, caramelized coconut-pecan frosting that adds exciting texture and depth to every single bite.
• Impressive Yet Achievable Baking: Tackle this seemingly complex dessert with confidence, as the recipe breaks down each step into manageable instructions that even novice bakers can successfully execute.

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• All-Purpose Flour: A key foundation for the cakes structure with soft, tender texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Provides rich chocolate flavor and deep brown color.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create tender cake crumb.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents for cakes rise and lightness.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor balance.

• Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide moisture and structure.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create tender, soft cake texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and softness in the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings depth and warm background flavor.
• Boiling Water: Helps activate cocoa and creates smooth batter.

• Evaporated Milk: Creates rich, creamy base for frosting.
• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Provide sweetness and caramel notes.
• Butter: Adds richness and smooth texture to frosting.
• Egg Yolks: Contribute to frostings creamy consistency.
• Coconut Flakes: Adds tropical texture and traditional German chocolate cake flavor.
• Pecans: Provides crunch and nutty depth to frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Helps create smooth, spreadable frosting.
• Cocoa Powder: Enhances chocolate flavor in frosting.

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Step 1: Prepare Oven And Cake Pans

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 2 round 9-inch cake pans with butter or cooking spray. Line bottom with parchment paper for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Create Dry Cake Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Eggs
• Buttermilk
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract

Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine Cake Batter

Gradually pour wet ingredients into dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Slowly add boiling water and mix until smooth.

Step 5: Bake Cake Layers

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in center – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool Cake Layers

Let cakes rest in pans for 10 minutes. Transfer to wire rack and cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare Coconut Pecan Frosting

• Evaporated milk
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Butter
• Egg yolks

• Vanilla extract
• Shredded coconut
• Chopped pecans

Allow to cool.

Step 8: Create Chocolate Buttercream

• Cocoa powder
• Evaporated milk
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Beat until smooth and spreadable.

Step 9: Assemble And Decorate Cake

Place first cake layer on serving plate. Spread coconut pecan frosting generously. Add second cake layer. Cover entire cake with chocolate buttercream. Garnish edges with additional coconut and chopped pecans.

Step 10: Serve And Enjoy

Slice and serve this rich, indulgent German chocolate cake at room temperature. Store covered in refrigerator.

Sweet Ingredients That Make These Rolls Shine

• Sift Dry Ingredients: Use a fine-mesh sieve to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, even cake texture that melts in your mouth.
• Check Cake Doneness: Insert a toothpick at a 45-degree angle into the cake's center; if it comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked.
• Cool Completely: Let cake layers cool entirely before frosting to prevent melting and maintain structural integrity of your delicious dessert.
• Smooth Frosting Technique: Use an offset spatula for effortless, professional-looking frosting application, creating clean edges and even coverage.
• Toast Nuts and Coconut: Lightly toast pecans and coconut flakes beforehand to intensify their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to your German chocolate cake.

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• Refrigeration: Carefully wrap the cake in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping the cake fresh and moist. Protect it from absorbing other food odors by sealing tightly.
• Room Temperature: Let refrigerated cake sit out for 30 minutes before serving to restore its soft texture and enhance flavor. This gentle warming helps the frosting become creamy and delicious again.
• Freezing Method: Slice the cake into individual portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying, ensuring the cake maintains its original rich taste and tender crumb.

Tips for That Just-Right Soft Center & Crispy Edge

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Complement the rich chocolate cake with a full-bodied red wine like cabernet sauvignon, which balances the sweetness and cuts through the dense cake texture.
• Serve with Creamy Coffee: Enjoy a freshly brewed espresso or cappuccino alongside the cake, highlighting the chocolate's deep flavors and providing a warm, robust contrast.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Add a scoop of smooth vanilla bean ice cream to create a delightful temperature and flavor contrast, cooling down the cake's warm chocolate intensity.
• Enhance with Caramel Liqueur: Drizzle a small amount of caramel liqueur over the cake slice, adding an extra layer of decadent sweetness that amplifies the coconut and pecan notes.

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• Tropical Coconut Bliss: Swap pecans for macadamia nuts and add crushed pineapple between cake layers for a Hawaiian-inspired version with bright, exotic flavors.
• Dark Chocolate Espresso Kick: Replace some cocoa powder with strong espresso powder and add a coffee liqueur brushing between layers to intensify the chocolate's richness and depth.
• Nutty Salted Caramel Fusion: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over each cake layer and sprinkle roasted almonds for a contemporary gourmet transformation with contrasting textures.
• Mexican Chocolate Spin: Incorporate ground cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper into the cake batter, creating a spicy-sweet chocolate experience reminiscent of traditional Mexican chocolate preparations.

Homemade German Chocolate Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

German Chocolate Cake brings rich cocoa layers bathed in silky coconut-pecan frosting, creating a luxurious dessert straight from Bavaria’s sweetest traditions. Chocolate lovers will find pure indulgence in this classic cake that balances deep chocolate depth with nutty, caramel-like frosting.

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Ingredients

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Main Dry Ingredients:

• 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.75 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Wet and Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 0.5 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

Frosting and Filling Ingredients:

• 0.75 cup evaporated milk
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup light brown sugar
• 0.5 cup butter
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 0.5 cup butter
• 0.67 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 0.33 cup evaporated milk
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease two 9-inch (23-centimeter) round cake pans, then dust with flour or line with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl, ensuring a uniform dry ingredient mixture.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully integrated. Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently to prevent overmixing. Carefully pour in boiling water and mix until a consistent batter forms.
4. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, using a spatula to spread smoothly. Transfer pans to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.
5. Remove cakes from the oven and let them rest in the pans for 10 minutes. Carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack and allow to cool completely to room temperature.
6. Prepare the coconut-pecan frosting by combining evaporated milk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, unsalted butter, and egg yolks in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously for 10-12 minutes until the mixture thickens and reaches a rich, caramel-like consistency.
7. Remove frosting from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Fold in shredded coconut and chopped pecans, then set aside to cool and slightly solidify.
8. For the chocolate frosting, cream softened butter until smooth. Gradually incorporate cocoa powder and evaporated milk. Slowly add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
9. Place the first cake layer on a serving plate and generously spread half the coconut-pecan frosting. Carefully position the second cake layer on top.
10. Cover the entire cake with chocolate frosting, ensuring even coverage on top and sides. Decorate the edges with additional toasted coconut flakes or chopped pecans for a professional finish.

Notes

• This decadent dessert combines rich chocolate layers with a luxurious coconut-pecan frosting that transforms an ordinary cake into a legendary German chocolate masterpiece.
• Preparing this cake requires patience and precision, but the delightful result will have everyone asking for seconds and praising your baking skills.
• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting to guarantee smooth mixing and perfect texture throughout the cake layers.
• Cooling the cake completely before frosting prevents melting and helps create those picture-perfect, stable cake layers that hold their shape beautifully.
• Storing this cake in an airtight container at room temperature keeps it fresh for up to 3-4 days, though it’s unlikely to last that long with hungry dessert lovers around.
• Pro bakers recommend using fresh ingredients, especially buttermilk and eggs, to elevate the cake’s flavor and achieve that moist, tender crumb everyone craves.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 590 kcal
• Sugar: 66g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 78g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 70mg