Why Make This Recipe
Classic German Chocolate Cake is a delightful treat that not only pleases the palate but also creates a lasting impression. This cake features rich chocolate layers, delicious coconut pecan frosting, and a wonderful balance of flavors. Whether for a birthday celebration, a family gathering, or just because you crave something sweet, this cake is sure to satisfy. The cake’s unique combination of chocolate, coconut, and pecans comes together to create a taste that is both comforting and indulgent. Plus, the process of baking this cake is rewarding, as it fills your kitchen with warm aromas and invites everyone to join in the celebration.
How to Make Classic German Chocolate Cake
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 large 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 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for frosting)
- 3/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 3 large egg yolks
Directions
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for baking the perfect chocolate cake. While the oven heats, grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans. This ensures that your cakes won’t stick to the pans after baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure to whisk these together thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of dry ingredients.
Add Wet Ingredients: Next, add the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix everything together until the batter is smooth and creamy. Once combined, gradually stir in the boiling water. The boiling water intensifies the chocolate flavor and helps create a moist cake.
Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake in your preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know the cakes are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting: While the cakes are cooling, you can make the frosting. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the evaporated milk, granulated sugar, butter, and egg yolks. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens. This may take around 10 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and add the vanilla extract, coconut, and chopped pecans.
Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, it’s time to layer and frost them. Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a generous amount of frosting on top, and repeat with the second layer. Place the third layer on top and frost the top and sides with any remaining frosting.
Serve and Enjoy: Your Classic German Chocolate Cake is ready to be served! Slice it up, share with friends and family, and enjoy the delicious flavors.
How to Serve Classic German Chocolate Cake
Classic German Chocolate Cake is best served at room temperature. You can cut the cake into wedges and serve it plain or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel can also enhance the presentation and flavor. If you’re hosting a gathering, consider pairing the cake with freshly brewed coffee or tea to complement its rich flavors. Garnishing the slices with extra shredded coconut or pecans can add a beautiful touch to each serving.
How to Store Classic German Chocolate Cake
To store your Classic German Chocolate Cake, place it in an airtight container at room temperature. It can last for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it for a longer period, you can refrigerate it, where it will stay fresh for up to a week. To prevent the frosting from getting hard, cover the cake gently with plastic wrap. If you choose to freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply allow it to thaw at room temperature.
Tips to Make Classic German Chocolate Cake
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality cocoa powder and pure vanilla extract for the best flavor in your cake.
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, and accurate measurements can significantly affect the cake’s texture. Use measuring cups and spoons for precise quantities.
- Do Not Overmix: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Check for Doneness Early: Ovens may vary in temperature, so start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off.
- Experiment with Frosting: If you want to try something different, you can use cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache instead of the traditional coconut pecan frosting.
Variation
While the Classic German Chocolate Cake is beloved for its traditional flavor, you can also try some variations. Here are a few ideas:
- Chocolate Layer Cake: Instead of the unique coconut pecan frosting, use a rich chocolate buttercream or ganache to frost the cake for a pure chocolate experience.
- Different Nuts: If you don’t have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be used in the frosting for a different flavor.
- Fruit Addition: Add fruit purees such as raspberry or strawberry between the layers for a fruity twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.
- Mini Cakes: Create mini versions of the cake by using smaller cake pans or making cupcakes topped with coconut pecan frosting.
FAQs
1. What makes it a “German” chocolate cake?
German Chocolate Cake gets its name from Samuel German, an Englishman who created a dark-baking chocolate for Baker’s Chocolate Company in 1852. The cake itself is actually American and is known for its distinctive layers and rich coconut pecan frosting.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cakes a day or two ahead of time. Just wrap each layer in plastic wrap after they have cooled and store them in the fridge. Frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it.
3. How can I make the frosting thicker?
If your frosting is too runny, you can cook it a bit longer until it thickens to your desired consistency. Make sure to constantly stir to prevent it from sticking or burning.
4. Is it okay to add more coconut or nuts to the frosting?
Absolutely! If you love coconut or nuts, feel free to increase the amounts in your frosting to suit your taste preferences.
5. How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
A toothpick inserted into the center of the cake should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. If it comes out with wet batter, the cake needs more time to bake.
Enjoy baking and savoring this Classic German Chocolate Cake, a delightful dessert that can easily become a favorite in your household!
Print
Classic German Chocolate Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful German chocolate cake featuring rich chocolate layers and delicious coconut pecan frosting, perfect for celebrations.
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 large 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 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for frosting)
- 3/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 3 large egg yolks
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease/flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth; gradually stir in boiling water.
- Divide batter evenly among pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- For frosting, combine evaporated milk, sugar, butter, and egg yolks in a saucepan over medium heat; stir until thickened (about 10 minutes), then add vanilla, coconut, and pecans.
- Layer cooled cakes with frosting and finish the top and sides with the remaining frosting.
- Serve at room temperature, optionally with vanilla ice cream or garnished with coconut and pecans.
Notes
Use high-quality cocoa powder for best flavor. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: German chocolate cake, dessert, coconut pecan frosting, cake recipe