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Classic German Chocolate Cake Recipe with Authentic Coconut Pecan Frosting

Close-up of a decadent slice of german chocolate cake recipe showing three layers of dark chocolate cake and coconut-pecan frosting.
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You can make this truly decadent German Chocolate Cake from scratch. This recipe features moist chocolate layers and the signature gooey, sweet coconut pecan frosting that makes this American classic a showstopper dessert for any celebration.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ounces Baker’s German Sweet Chocolate, chopped
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 2 1/2 cups sifted cake flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, separated
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Chocolate Frosting: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 4 cups powdered sugar, 1/2 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chocolate: Place the chopped German Sweet Chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the chocolate and stir until completely smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the cake layers: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  3. Whisk dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  4. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
  5. Add egg yolks and chocolate: Beat in the 4 egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Beat in the cooled melted chocolate mixture and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
  6. Combine wet and dry: Alternate adding the flour mixture and the buttermilk to the batter, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Whip egg whites: In a separate clean bowl, beat the 4 egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the stiff egg whites into the cake batter in two additions.
  8. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Make the coconut pecan frosting: While the cakes cool, combine the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture boils. Reduce heat to low and cook for 2 minutes, still stirring.
  10. Temper the yolks: In a small bowl, whisk the 2 egg yolks. Slowly drizzle about half a cup of the hot sugar mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly to temper them. Pour the tempered yolk mixture back into the saucepan.
  11. Finish frosting: Cook the mixture for 1 minute more, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in the pecans, coconut, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Let the frosting cool and thicken slightly while you prepare the chocolate frosting.
  12. Make the chocolate frosting: In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the cocoa powder and powdered sugar alternately with the milk. Beat until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  13. Assemble the cake: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread about one-third of the coconut pecan frosting evenly over the top. Place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the chocolate frosting. Spread the remaining coconut pecan frosting over the top layer of the cake.

Notes

  • For the moistest layers, be sure to use cake flour and measure it by sifting before measuring.
  • You can toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the frosting for a deeper flavor.
  • If you want a truly showstopper dessert, chill the assembled cake for 30 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerykings.com/german-chocolate-cake-recipe/