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Best German Chocolate Cake

Published: Apr 17, 2025 · Modified: Apr 17, 2025 by Jamie · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds with this extraordinary Best German Chocolate Cake, a dessert that promises to elevate your baking skills to new heights. Imagine a rich, moist chocolate cake layered with the most luxurious coconut-pecan frosting, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Best German Chocolate Cake

Every bite of this decadent chocolate cake tells a story of indulgence, combining the classic comfort of German sweet chocolate with a creamy, nutty frosting. Moreover, the delicate balance of flavors will transport you to a world of pure dessert bliss.

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a luxurious treat, this Best German Chocolate Cake is guaranteed to impress and delight even the most discerning dessert lovers.

Best German Chocolate Cake: A Sweet Chocolate Symphony

This isn't just another layer cake recipe it's a culinary masterpiece that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dessert. The harmonious blend of German sweet chocolate, buttermilk, and coconut-pecan frosting creates an unforgettable experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Get ready to discover how a few key ingredients can come together to create a dessert that's both nostalgic and innovative.

Serving Suggestions:

Elevate your Best German Chocolate Cake with these perfect pairings:

  • Fresh whipped cream
  • Vanilla ice cream scoop
  • Toasted coconut flakes
  • Chocolate shavings
  • A sprinkle of chopped pecans

Pro Tips for German Chocolate Cake Perfection:

Chocolate Selection: Always use high-quality German sweet chocolate for the most authentic flavor. The specific brand makes a significant difference.

Egg Separation Technique: Carefully separate egg whites and yolks. Beat egg whites to stiff peaks for a lighter, more delicate cake texture.

Buttermilk Brilliance: Use room temperature buttermilk to ensure smooth incorporation into the batter.

Frosting Finesse: Cook the frosting slowly and stir constantly to prevent burning and achieve the perfect consistency.

Cooling Champion: Allow cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure clean layers.

Best German Chocolate Cake

Best German Chocolate Cake Recipe Details:

  • Preparation time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
  • Cooling time: 2 hours
  • Servings: 12-16
  • Equipment: Three 9-inch round cake pans, mixing bowls, electric mixer

This dreamy dessert combines the rich history of German chocolate cake with a perfectly balanced flavor profile that's sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cake:

  • 1 package (4 oz) German sweet chocolate
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, separated
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk

For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:

  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large egg yolks, beaten
  • ½ cup butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ⅓ cups flaked coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking.
  2. Melt the German sweet chocolate in water using a double boiler or microwave. Allow the chocolate to cool to room temperature while preparing other ingredients.
  3. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside this dry ingredient mixture.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes on medium speed.
  5. Add egg yolks one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Ensure each yolk is fully incorporated before adding the next.
  6. Stir in the melted and cooled chocolate along with vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
  7. Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the chocolate batter. Begin and end with the flour mixture, beating until smooth after each addition.
  8. In a separate clean bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
  9. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula to ensure even baking.
  10. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should spring back when lightly touched.
  11. Cool the cakes in pans for 10 minutes. Then, remove from pans and transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  12. For the frosting, combine evaporated milk, sugar, beaten egg yolks, and butter in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened (about 12 minutes).
  13. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, coconut, and pecans. Allow the frosting to cool until it reaches a spreadable consistency.

Ready to Assemble!

Carefully frost between layers, on top, and around the sides of the cake with the coconut-pecan frosting. This dessert is best served at room temperature and can be prepared a day in advance.

Storage Solutions:

  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
  • Refrigerate if keeping longer than 3 days
  • Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture
  • Cover loosely to prevent the cake from drying out

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this Best German Chocolate Cake is guaranteed to become a cherished recipe in your collection.

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Best German Chocolate Cake

Best German Chocolate Cake

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This dreamy dessert combines the rich history of German chocolate cake with a perfectly balanced flavor profile that's sure to become a family favorite.

  • Total Time: 16 minute
  • Yield: 12-16 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chocolate Cake:

  • 1 package (4 oz) German sweet chocolate
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, separated
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk

For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:

  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large egg yolks, beaten
  • ½ cup butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ⅓ cups flaked coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking.
  2. Melt the German sweet chocolate in water using a double boiler or microwave. Allow the chocolate to cool to room temperature while preparing other ingredients.
  3. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside this dry ingredient mixture.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes on medium speed.
  5. Add egg yolks one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Ensure each yolk is fully incorporated before adding the next.
  6. Stir in the melted and cooled chocolate along with vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
  7. Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the chocolate batter. Begin and end with the flour mixture, beating until smooth after each addition.
  8. In a separate clean bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
  9. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula to ensure even baking.
  10. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should spring back when lightly touched.
  11. Cool the cakes in pans for 10 minutes. Then, remove from pans and transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  12. For the frosting, combine evaporated milk, sugar, beaten egg yolks, and butter in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened (about 12 minutes).
  13. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, coconut, and pecans. Allow the frosting to cool until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
  • Author: Jamie
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes

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