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

Indulge in the timeless elegance of a German Chocolate Cake, a dessert that combines rich chocolate layers with a luscious coconut-pecan frosting. This classic cake recipe is perfect for special occasions or as a show-stopping treat for your loved ones. Follow our step-by-step guide to create a moist, flavorful, and unforgettable cake that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 pkg. (4 oz) Baker’s German Sweet Chocolate
• ½ cup water
• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs, separated
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:

• 4 egg yolks
• 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1-1/2 cups sugar
• ¾ cup (1-1/2 sticks) butter
• 1 pkg. (7 ounces) shredded coconut
• 1-1/2 cups pecans, chopped

Preparation

1. Preheat Oven and Prep Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottoms of three 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and grease the sides.
2. Melt Chocolate: In a large microwavable bowl, microwave the German sweet chocolate and water on high until almost melted, stirring after 1 minute. Continue stirring until the chocolate is completely smooth.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar in a large bowl on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients: Mix in the melted chocolate and vanilla. Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk, beating until well combined after each addition.
6. Whip Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites on high speed until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter.
7. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 15 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
8. Prepare Frosting: In a large saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks, evaporated milk, and vanilla. Add the sugar and butter, and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and golden brown. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans. Allow the frosting to cool to desired consistency.
9. Assemble the Cake: Spread the coconut-pecan frosting between the cake layers and on top of the cake. Serve and enjoy!

This homemade German Chocolate Cake is a labor of love, but the result is well worth it. Its rich flavors and textures make it a crowd-pleasing dessert for any celebration. Happy baking!