German Chocolate Cake

Introduction

This decadent German Chocolate Cake is a dessert lover’s dream, combining moist layers of chocolate cake with a rich, gooey coconut and pecan frosting. Known for its distinctively sweet and nutty flavor, this cake is perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to treat yourself to a delicious homemade dessert. Despite the name, German Chocolate Cake has American origins, with its unique frosting making it stand out as a classic.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1/2 cup water
• 4 ounces German sweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, separated
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 1/2 cups cake flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Coconut Pecan Frosting

• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Melt Chocolate: In a small saucepan, heat water and chopped German sweet chocolate over low heat, stirring until the chocolate melts. Set aside to cool.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the egg yolks, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and melted chocolate.
5. Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix together the cake flour, baking soda, and salt. Add these dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
6. Beat Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter.
7. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Coconut Pecan Frosting

1. Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 10–12 minutes).
2. Add Coconut and Pecans: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Allow the frosting to cool until it reaches a spreadable consistency.

Assemble the Cake

1. Layer and Frost: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a portion of the coconut pecan frosting on top. Add the second layer and repeat, finishing with the frosting on the top layer.
2. Optional Garnish: For added flair, sprinkle some additional chopped pecans or coconut on top.

Conclusion

This German Chocolate Cake is a show-stopping dessert with its deliciously moist chocolate layers and rich coconut pecan frosting. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and chocolaty goodness. Serve it at room temperature and enjoy this indulgent classic with family and friends. Perfect for celebrations, this cake is bound to become a favorite for any dessert lover!