Description

This German Chocolate Cake is a nostalgic treat that combines moist, tender chocolate layers with a rich, gooey coconut-pecan frosting. Named after Samuel German’s baking chocolate (not Germany!), this cake has become a beloved classic for celebrations and everyday indulgences alike. The secret to its irresistible flavor lies in the unique frosting, cooked to perfection with evaporated milk, brown sugar, butter, egg yolks, shredded coconut, and crunchy pecans. Perfect for those who want to enjoy a timeless dessert with layers of texture and deep, comforting flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
4 ounces German’s sweet baking chocolate (or semi-sweet baking chocolate with 1 tbsp butter), melted

2 . For the Frosting:

1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter
3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
1 cup chopped pecans

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
Combine buttermilk and melted chocolate; add alternately with dry ingredients to butter mixture.
Divide batter among pans and bake 30-35 minutes. Cool completely.
For frosting, cook evaporated milk, brown sugar, butter, and egg yolks over medium heat until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in coconut and pecans. Cool.
Frost cake layers generously, stacking layers with frosting between. Cover top and sides with remaining frosting.

Notes

Use high-quality chocolate for best flavor.
Cool cake layers completely before frosting to avoid melting.
Toast pecans lightly for extra depth of flavor if desired.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 12
Calories: 450
Sugar: 35g
Sodium: 210mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 95mg