Print

German Chocolate Cake Recipe

German Chocolate Cake Recipe

5.2 from 28 reviews

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of a classic German Chocolate Cake with this easy-to-follow recipe. Moist chocolate cake layers are sandwiched with a luscious coconut-pecan frosting, creating a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

  • 2 cups granulated sugar (400 g)
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (210 g)
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (75 g)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder (6 g)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda (7.5 g)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (5 g)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk (240 ml)
  • 1/2 cup oil (vegetable or canola oil) (120 ml)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (10 ml)
  • 1 cup boiling water (240 ml)

German Chocolate Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar (100 g)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 g)
  • 1/2 cup butter (115 g)
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 3/4 cup evaporated milk (180 ml)
  • 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract (15 ml)
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (120 g)
  • 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut (80 g)

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup butter (115 g)
  • 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (65 g)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar (360 g)
  • 1/3 cup evaporated milk (80 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 375°F. Grease two 8 or 9-inch round baking pans. Cut a round piece of wax or parchment paper for the bottom of the pan.
  2. For the Cake: Stir together dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix wet ingredients. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then add boiling water. Pour batter into pans.
  3. Bake for 25-35 minutes. Cool in pans before transferring to wire racks.
  4. For the German Chocolate Frosting: Cook ingredients until thickened. Stir in vanilla, nuts, and coconut. Cool before using.
  5. For the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting: Melt butter, stir in cocoa. Add powdered sugar and milk until desired consistency. Stir in vanilla.
  6. Cake Assembly: Place one cake round, add chocolate frosting, coconut frosting, then stack second cake round. Frost entire cake with chocolate frosting and top with remaining coconut frosting.

Notes

  • You can add more pecans or coconut to the fillings for extra texture and flavor.
  • Ensure the cake layers are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • Store the cake covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator for freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: German Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Cake, Dessert, Coconut Pecan Frosting, Homemade Cake