Ultimate German Chocolate Cake Recipe: Rich, Decadent, and Irresistible

Indulge in the ultimate German Chocolate Cake, a timeless dessert that combines rich chocolate layers with a sweet coconut-pecan frosting. This step-by-step guide ensures a perfect bake every time, making it ideal for special occasions or a weekend treat. Follow our detailed instructions to create a cake that’s moist, flavorful, and visually stunning.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 4 ounces (114 g) German baker’s chocolate, melted
• 4 ounces (114 g) warm water
• 4 large eggs (68 g), separated, at room temperature
• 340 g all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 227 g soft unsalted butter
• 397 g icing sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 227 g milk
• 114 g vegetable oil

For the Coconut-Pecan Filling:

• 4 egg yolks (72 g)
• 340 g evaporated milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 284 g brown sugar (for richer flavor)
• 170 g butter
• 198 g coconut flakes
• 198 g chopped pecans
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Chocolate Swiss Meringue Buttercream:

• 114 g fresh egg whites
• 454 g icing sugar
• 454 g soft unsalted butter
• 114 g German baker’s chocolate, melted and cooled
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.

For the Cake:

1. Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl for 15 seconds. Add warm water and mix until smooth.
2. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks one at a time, then mix in melted chocolate and vanilla.
5. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk mixture to the butter mixture. Fold in egg whites gently.
6. Pour batter into pans and bake for 30 minutes. Cool completely before frosting.

For the Coconut-Pecan Filling:

1. Whisk egg yolks, evaporated milk, and vanilla in a saucepan. Add butter and sugar, cooking until thickened (about 12 minutes).
2. Remove from heat and stir in coconut flakes, pecans, and salt. Cool to spreadable consistency.

For the Buttercream:

1. Whisk egg whites and sugar over simmering water until sugar dissolves. Beat until stiff peaks form.
2. Gradually add butter, then mix in melted chocolate, salt, and vanilla until smooth.

Assemble the cake by layering with coconut-pecan filling and frosting with buttercream. Enjoy this decadent German Chocolate Cake with family and friends!