There’s something about a German Chocolate Cake that makes your taste buds do a happy dance, isn’t there? Imagine sinking your fork into layers of rich chocolate cake, each bite revealing a luscious coconut-pecan frosting that feels like a warm hug on a rainy day. The aroma wafting through your kitchen is enough to draw in even the most dedicated dessert skeptics, leaving them helplessly bewitched by the promise of chocolaty delight. For more inspiration, check out this chocolate cake mix waffles recipe.
Now let’s talk about how this cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s practically a family heirloom in my household. I remember my grandma whipping one up every birthday, her old mixer whirring like an enthusiastic choir. The anticipation would build as the kitchen filled with scents that could make anyone forget their troubles. Whether it’s for birthdays, anniversaries, or just because it’s Tuesday (yes, that’s a valid reason), this cake delivers joy and satisfaction with every slice.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This German Chocolate Cake is easy to prepare and perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.
- The flavor profile combines rich chocolate with nutty coconut and sweet pecans for a unique treat.
- With its layered design and decadent frosting, it’s visually stunning, guaranteed to impress at any gathering.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with different fillings or toppings according to your mood!
Ingredients for German Chocolate Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use about 2 cups of all-purpose flour for a light and fluffy texture.
- Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder adds that deep chocolate flavor; sift it for best results.
- Baking Soda: Just under 1 teaspoon will help your cake rise beautifully.
- Granulated Sugar: About 2 cups of sugar will balance the bitterness of the cocoa.
- Eggs: Three large eggs will provide structure and moisture to the cake.
- Buttermilk: One cup contributes tenderness; if you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with vinegar.
- Vegetable Oil: Half a cup ensures the cake stays moist and delicious.
- Vanilla Extract: A tablespoon of pure vanilla extract amplifies the flavors immensely.
For the Frosting:
- Coconut Flakes: Sweetened shredded coconut gives that chewy texture we love; you’ll want about two cups.
- Pecan Nuts: Chopped pecans add crunch; toast them lightly before using for extra flavor.
- Evaporated Milk: One cup helps create that creamy base for your frosting.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make German Chocolate Cake
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two round cake pans trust me; this is crucial unless you enjoy wrestling with stuck cakes.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and sugar until well combined. It should look like something you’d want to dive into face-first.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat together eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. The mixture should be silky like that feeling when you find money in your coat pocket.
Step 4: Blend It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want fluffiness, not rubberiness!
Step 5: Bake
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell so good that you might consider charging admission!
Step 6: Prepare the Frosting
While the cakes cool down (patience is key), combine evaporated milk, butter, sugar, coconut flakes, and chopped pecans in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until thickened this will take around ten minutes. Let it cool slightly before frosting.
Transfer cooled cakes onto plates and generously slather on that amazing coconut-pecan frosting between layers and on top for that ultimate finish! Voilà! Your masterpiece is ready.
And there you have it a delightful German Chocolate Cake made with love (and maybe some giggles along the way). Slice yourself a generous piece because you’ve earned it after all that hard work now go forth and impress everyone at your next gathering!
You Must Know
- This delightful German chocolate cake is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s a celebration on a plate.
- With its rich layers of chocolate and that irresistible coconut-pecan frosting, it turns any occasion into a festive gathering.
- Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or just because you deserve it!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To create the ultimate German chocolate cake, start by mixing your dry ingredients first. Then, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Bake your layers while preparing the luscious frosting this way, everything comes together like a well-rehearsed choir.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your German chocolate cake! Swap out the pecans for walnuts if you prefer. Add a splash of espresso to enhance the chocolate flavor or throw in some mini chocolate chips for an extra chocolaty surprise.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover German chocolate cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. Just let it sit at room temperature before serving to enjoy that perfect slice!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To get that perfect layer separation, be sure to grease your pans thoroughly.
- This avoids any cake drama during flipping!
- Let your cakes cool completely before frosting this prevents melting.
- Lastly, don’t rush the frosting; let those flavors meld beautifully!
Making this cake always reminds me of my grandma’s kitchen, where every birthday was marked by her legendary baking skills and laughter echoing through the house. Those sweet memories are as layered as the cake itself!
FAQs :
What is German Chocolate Cake made of?
German Chocolate Cake features layers of rich chocolate cake and a unique coconut-pecan frosting. The cake batter includes ingredients like cocoa powder, flour, sugar, eggs, and buttermilk. The standout element is the frosting, which combines sweetened shredded coconut, chopped pecans, evaporated milk, sugar, butter, and egg yolks. This combination creates a delightful texture and flavor profile that makes this dessert truly special. For more inspiration, check out this lemon poppy seed cake recipe.
How should I store German Chocolate Cake?
To maintain the freshness of your German Chocolate Cake, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it. When refrigerated, the cake can last up to a week. For extended storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to three months.
Can I make German Chocolate Cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare your German Chocolate Cake ahead of time by baking the layers and allowing them to cool completely. Wrap each layer in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for longer storage. Prepare the frosting separately just before serving for optimal taste and texture.
What can I substitute for pecans in German Chocolate Cake?
If you prefer not to use pecans in your German Chocolate Cake or have allergies, you can substitute them with walnuts or almonds. Both options will add a different but delightful crunch to your frosting. Alternatively, you could omit nuts entirely if desired for a smoother texture while maintaining the cake’s signature flavors.
Conclusion for German Chocolate Cake :
German Chocolate Cake is a delicious treat that boasts rich chocolate layers topped with a distinctive coconut-pecan frosting. This recipe provides an excellent balance of flavors and textures that delights any dessert lover. By preparing it ahead of time or experimenting with nut substitutions, you can easily adapt this classic dessert for various occasions. coconut dessert recipe Enjoy baking this flavorful cake and share it with friends or family for an unforgettable experience!
German Chocolate Cake
German Chocolate Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert that combines layers of moist chocolate cake with a luscious coconut-pecan frosting. This classic recipe is perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat at home. Each bite offers a delightful blend of flavors, making it an irresistible choice for any occasion. Impress your family and friends with this stunning cake that promises to satisfy every chocolate lover’s cravings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted)
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 egg yolks
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and sugar.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla until smooth. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- For the frosting, combine evaporated milk, butter, sugar, coconut flakes, and pecans in a saucepan over medium heat; stir until thickened (about 10 minutes). Let cool before frosting the cake layers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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