Not gonna lie! I’m going to spill the cocoa beans and confess I ate almost half the cake right after the photoshoot. One slice of this deliciousness won’t cut it. Oh, you’ll definitely be back for seconds because it’s just “sehr gut.” This German chocolate cake recipe combines fantastical flavors I just can’t get enough of. The nutty pecans and coconut enhance the lush chocolatiness of the cake layers and frosting. Would you love to impress your friends after dinner? Then you have found what you’re looking for! This cake named in Mr. German’s honor made its striking debut in the Dallas Morning News, and the rest is history. But you know I can’t help taking something great and making it even better. 😉
Recipe Ingredients
How to Make German Chocolate Cake
The Cake Layers
Dry Ingredients – Mix the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and baking powder in a large mixing bowl. (Photos 1-2)Wet Ingredients – Cream the butter and sugar with a mixer. Add and mix the eggs one at a time. Then add the other liquid ingredients and mix for a smooth consistency. (Photos 3-7)Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients – Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients and mix them well. (Photo 8)Add Hot Water – Pour in hot water (depending on consistency) and mix until it’s fully incorporated. (Photo 9)Bake – Divide your cake batter evenly between three 8-inch cake pans. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove and let it cool completely. (Photo 10)
The Filling and Frosting
Make the Filling – Combine brown sugar, butter, sugar, egg yolks, and evaporated milk in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, whisking occasionally until the mixture simmers. Keep whisking until it thickens, 10-12 minutes. Add Flavor – Remove from heat, and then stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans. Set aside and let it cool before assembling the cake.Make the Frosting – Sift together cocoa powder and powdered sugar. Then add softened butter, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Mix with an electric mixer until thoroughly combined and creamy. Set aside. (Photos 1-2)
Assemble
The First Layer – Start by placing one layer on a cake stand or plate. Then evenly divide the coconut pecan filling into three. Top the first cake layer with a third of the filling, and then spread it in a smooth layer. But leave about ½ inch between the filling and the edge of the cake. (Photo 1)Second and Third Layers – Top it with the second cake layer, add another third of the pecan filling, and spread it over the entire cake, leaving a ½-inch space on the edge. Repeat with the last cake layer. (Photos 2-5)Frost – Scoop up a big batch of frosting with a spatula and spread it smoothly up the side of your cake. (Photo 6)Finishing Touches – Then pipe the remaining chocolate frosting around the edge of the cake. Garnish with coconut shavings and toasted pecans.Chill – Refrigerate for at least 45 minutes to prevent your cake from falling apart when you slice it.
Recipe Variations
Tips and Tricks
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can prepare the chocolate cake layers and coconut pecan filling ahead of time, and then store them in the fridge or freezer. You can also make the German chocolate cake frosting ahead, store it in the refrigerator, then let it come back to room temperature before frosting your cake.
Serving and Storage Instructions
German chocolate cake can be served right after frosting at room temperature or chilled. Additionally, having a pot of coffee ready doesn’t hurt. You can wrap the chocolate cake layers and store them in the fridge for five days but you can freeze them for three months.
What to Enjoy With German Chocolate Cake
This is a fantastic way to end a lighter meal like a baked spatchcock turkey or a zesty lemon pepper chicken. You won’t feel so guilty when tucking into your generous slice of German chocolate cake. Enjoy a divine slice with friends during afternoon tea (ginger tea) or over a glass of port wine. Yum!
More Drool-Worthy Cake Recipes to Try
Red Velvet CakeChocolate Guinness CakeButtermilk Pound CakeChocolate Molten Lava CakeLemon Pound Cake
Conclusion
This so fabulicious German chocolate cake recipe boasting coconut, pecans, and chocolate frosting will wow friends and family. Have you made this for your loved ones? Then please share your comments on what they thought!
Watch How to Make It
[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”oyey4oto” upload-date=”2020-10-03T09:58:04.000Z” name=”German Chocolate Cake” description=”Delicious layers of moist GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE, in divine harmony with a luscious coconut pecan filling then coated in a glorious chocolate frosting. The most incredible showstopper chocolate cake you’ll ever have!” player-type=”collapse” override-embed=”false”] This blog post was originally published in June 2020 but has been updated with additional tips, new photos, and a video.
