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.

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 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:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside this dry ingredient mixture.
- 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.
- 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.
- Stir in the melted and cooled chocolate along with vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the chocolate batter. Begin and end with the flour mixture, beating until smooth after each addition.
- 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.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula to ensure even baking.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should spring back when lightly touched.
- Cool the cakes in pans for 10 minutes. Then, remove from pans and transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- 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).
- 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.
PrintBest German Chocolate Cake
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
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
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside this dry ingredient mixture.
- 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.
- 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.
- Stir in the melted and cooled chocolate along with vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the chocolate batter. Begin and end with the flour mixture, beating until smooth after each addition.
- 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.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula to ensure even baking.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should spring back when lightly touched.
- Cool the cakes in pans for 10 minutes. Then, remove from pans and transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- 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).
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, coconut, and pecans. Allow the frosting to cool until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
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