German Chocolate Cake 🍫🥥
Introduction
Despite its name, German Chocolate Cake is actually American! It’s made with a moist chocolate cake base and a signature coconut-pecan topping that’s cooked until caramelized and gooey. This indulgent cake has been a family favorite since the 1950s.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (45 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 3/4 cups (350 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
- 1 cup (240 ml) hot coffee or hot water
For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:
- 1 cup (240 ml) evaporated milk
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/3 cups (100 g) sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup (120 g) chopped pecans
Instructions
For the Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two or three round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, oil, and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until combined.
- Stir in hot coffee or water until smooth (batter will be thin).
- Pour into pans and bake 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
For the Frosting:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 10–12 minutes).
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans. Cool until spreadable.
Assembly:
- Place one cake layer on a plate, spread with frosting.
- Repeat with remaining layers, topping each with more frosting.
- Serve as-is or garnish with extra pecans and coconut.
Methods
- Traditional: Layered with frosting between each cake round.
- Simple: Bake in a 9×13 pan and spread frosting on top only.
- Cupcakes: Make cupcakes and top each with a spoonful of coconut-pecan topping.
History
The cake is named after Sam German, who developed “German’s Sweet Chocolate” for Baker’s Chocolate Company. A Texas homemaker first published the recipe in 1957, and it quickly spread nationwide.
Benefits
- Rich flavor from chocolate and coffee combination.
- Coconut-pecan frosting is unique, caramel-like, and crunchy.
- Perfect centerpiece dessert for special occasions.
Formation (Texture & Taste)
The cake is moist and tender thanks to buttermilk and hot liquid in the batter. The frosting balances creamy, nutty, and chewy textures for the ultimate indulgence.
Lovers
This cake is beloved by chocolate lovers, coconut fans, and those who enjoy old-fashioned, homemade desserts. It’s especially popular at birthdays, holidays, and potlucks.
Conclusion
German Chocolate Cake 🍫🥥 is more than just a chocolate dessert — it’s a classic piece of American baking history. Rich, sweet, and unforgettable, it’s the perfect cake to impress guests or treat yourself.