What is German Chocolate Cake?
The name German chocolate cake is a little deceiving as it is not actually a German dessert and traditionally the cake is a lighter colored cake with a mild chocolate taste and the entire cake is usually covered in coconut pecan frosting. My family’s version is this chocolate cake with chocolate frosting covering the cake and coconut frosting on top and in the center of the cake. This cake seriously can’t be beat, especially if you’re a chocolate lover!
How to Make German Chocolate Cake:
1. Make the chocolate cake: Combine dry ingredients (sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt). Combine wet ingredients (eggs, buttermilk, oil and vanilla). Mix together and stir in boiling water.
Ingredients:
- – 2 cups all-purpose flour
- – 2 cups granulated sugar
- – 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- – 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- – 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- – 1 teaspoon salt
- – 2 eggs
- – 1 cup whole milk
- – 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- – 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- – 1 cup boiling water
- – 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- – 1 cup chopped pecans
- – 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- – 1 cup evaporated milk
- – 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- – 3 egg yolks
- – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the boiling water until the batter is well combined. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cakes are baking, prepare the frosting. In a saucepan, combine shredded coconut, chopped pecans, granulated sugar, evaporated milk, unsalted butter, and egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 12-15 minutes).
- Remove the frosting from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let it cool.
- Once the cakes are baked and completely cooled, spread a layer of the coconut-pecan frosting on top of one cake layer.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
- Slice and enjoy this delightful German chocolate cake!
