German Chocolate Cake is a classic dessert known for its rich layers of moist chocolate cake, topped with a luscious coconut-pecan frosting. This cake is a crowd-pleaser that pairs the deep flavors of chocolate with a sweet, buttery frosting filled with toasted coconut and pecans.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect German Chocolate Cake
- Use high-quality cocoa powder: The flavor of your cake will heavily rely on the cocoa powder. Go for a high-quality, Dutch-processed cocoa powder for the best depth of flavor.
- Don’t skip the boiling water: The hot water or coffee added to the cake batter helps create a super moist, fudgy texture. It may seem like an extra step, but it’s essential for a soft and tender cake.
- Frosting tip: If your frosting gets too thick before you’re ready to spread it, simply reheat it gently while stirring. Just be sure it’s not too hot when you apply it to the cake to avoid melting the layers.
- Let the cake cool completely: This is a must, or else your frosting will melt right off when you try to assemble the cake.
Variations on German Chocolate Cake
While the classic recipe is always a favorite, you can experiment with variations to suit different tastes or dietary preferences:
- Vegan German Chocolate Cake: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs or aquafaba, and use a plant-based butter and coconut cream in place of heavy cream for the frosting.
- Gluten-free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to add a bit of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already contain it.
- Chocolate German Chocolate Cake: For a double-chocolate version, add mini chocolate chips or melted chocolate to the cake batter for an extra chocolatey kick.
How to Serve German Chocolate Cake
German Chocolate Cake is perfect for all occasions, from birthdays to holiday celebrations to casual family gatherings. Serve it with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent dessert. For a sophisticated touch, add a drizzle of chocolate syrup or even a few fresh berries to balance the richness.
How to Store German Chocolate Cake
To store your German Chocolate Cake, place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you need to keep it for longer, refrigerate the cake for up to a week. The frosting can firm up a bit when chilled, so you may want to let the cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
You can also freeze the cake layers separately or the whole cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it at room temperature before serving.
Recipe FAQs
Why is it called German Chocolate Cake? The name comes from a type of chocolate developed by an American chocolatier, Samuel German, and not from the country of Germany. It’s named “German’s Sweet Chocolate,” which became popular in baking.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time? Yes, the coconut-pecan frosting can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator, and when you’re ready to use it, allow it to come to room temperature and give it a quick stir before spreading it on the cake.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark cocoa powder? You can substitute milk chocolate for the cocoa powder, but the flavor of the cake will be sweeter and less rich. You may need to adjust the sugar content if you prefer a less sweet cake.
Why does my cake feel dry? This could be due to overbaking or overmixing the batter. Always check the cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time is up. If you press your finger lightly into the center of the cake and it bounces back, it’s done.
German Chocolate Cake
German Chocolate Cake is a classic dessert known for its rich layers of moist chocolate cake, topped with a luscious coconut-pecan frosting.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup oil (vegetable or canola)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Coconut Frosting:
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3 egg yolks
- 3/4 cup evaporated milk
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup evaporated milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prep the pans: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease two 8 or 9-inch round pans, and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy release.
- Make the cake: In a bowl, combine sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix. Stir in the boiling water (the batter will be thin!). Pour the batter into prepared pans.
- Bake: Bake for 25-35 minutes, depending on pan size, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the coconut frosting: In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, egg yolks, and evaporated milk. Stir over medium heat until thickened (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, pecans, and coconut. Let cool completely.
- Make the chocolate frosting: Melt butter and stir in cocoa powder. Gradually add powdered sugar and evaporated milk, beating until smooth. Add vanilla and mix until you reach a spreadable consistency. Add more milk if needed.
- Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a thin layer of chocolate frosting, then top with half of the coconut frosting. Place the second layer of cake on top and frost the entire cake with chocolate frosting. Finish by spooning the remaining coconut frosting on top.
Nutrition Information
Yield
15Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 629Total Fat 31gSaturated Fat 12gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 16gCholesterol 100mgSodium 508mgCarbohydrates 84gFiber 3gSugar 66gProtein 7g
TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
This German Chocolate Cake recipe is truly a showstopper! Whether you’re making it for a celebration or simply because you’re craving a decadent treat, this cake is guaranteed to impress your guests. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of time, you’ll be enjoying one of the most beloved cakes of all time!
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