Description
This German Chocolate Cake features light and fluffy chocolate layers complemented by a rich, decadent coconut-pecan frosting. A crowd-pleaser for any celebration, this easy-to-make cake offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. With simple ingredients and elegant presentation, it’s the ideal dessert for your next special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- German chocolate
- Butter (salted preferred)
- Sugar
- Large eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Buttermilk
For the Frosting:
- Egg yolks
- Milk
- Butter
- Sugar
- Sweetened shredded coconut
- Chopped pecans
Instructions
-
Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- Microwave the German chocolate and water together until smooth. Set aside.
- Whisk the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and baking soda) in a medium bowl.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar, then add egg yolks one at a time, mixing well.
- Add the chocolate mixture and vanilla, then alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk.
-
Make the Meringue:
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the meringue into the cake batter.
-
Bake:
- Divide the batter among the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
-
Prepare the Frosting:
- In a saucepan, cook the egg yolks, milk, butter, and sugar over medium heat for 10-12 minutes. Stir in coconut and pecans.
- Let the frosting cool slightly to thicken before spreading on the cake layers.
-
Assemble the Cake:
- Frost the cake layers with the coconut-pecan frosting. Chill for at least 60 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Making Cupcakes: This recipe can be made into cupcakes, but expect the tops to be flat. It will yield about 20 cupcakes.
- Freezing: The cake layers can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost as usual.
- Substitutes: If you can’t find German chocolate, you can use another type of chocolate, though the flavor may change slightly.
- Frosting Variations: While the coconut-pecan frosting is traditional, you can experiment with other types like chocolate buttercream if you prefer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
