German Chocolate Cake Recipe

There's nothing quite like the rich, nutty aroma of a freshly baked German Chocolate Cake filling your kitchen. The combination of deep, decadent chocolate and the luscious, coconut-pecan filling is a match made in heaven, and one slice just isn't enough.

I first fell in love with this cake at a family reunion when my grandmother brought it to share. Her secret recipe became a cherished heirloom, and now, it's a tradition in my own home, especially for birthdays and special occasions. Ready to make some new memories of your own with this beloved classic? Let's dive in.

Why You'll Love This German Chocolate Cake

Get ready to savor every decadent bite of this German Chocolate Cake. It's a showstopper for any occasion, and here's why you'll adore making and sharing it.

First, it's all about that iconic coconut-pecan filling. Toasted pecans and shredded coconut come together in a buttery, caramel-like mixture that's sweet, chewy, and crunchy. Every layer is generously spread with this heavenly filling, making the cake unforgettable.

Next, the cake itself is perfectly moist and chocolatey. We use rich, melted German chocolate in the batter to achieve a deeply flavorful, tender crumb. It's not too sweet, providing a balanced base that lets the filling shine.

Another reason to love this recipe? It's easier than it looks. While it appears intricate, each step is straightforward, making it possible to bake a stunning layer cake from scratch without feeling overwhelmed. Trust me, the end result is more than worth the effort.

Plus, this cake can be made ahead of time. The flavors only get better as the cake sits, which is ideal for planning a celebration or simply savoring leftovers the next day.

Ingredients Notes

The secret to a perfect German Chocolate Cake lies in choosing quality ingredients and understanding what each component brings to the table.

German Sweet Chocolate

This cake wouldn’t be the same without its signature German sweet chocolate. It’s a type of dark baking chocolate with a higher sugar content, giving the cake a distinctive flavor. You can usually find it in the baking aisle, but if it’s not available, a high-quality semisweet chocolate bar works as a substitute.

Buttermilk

The buttermilk is essential for a moist and tender crumb. Its slight acidity interacts with the baking soda, creating a delicate rise and a fluffy texture. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar with a cup of regular milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.

Coconut-Pecan Filling

Ah, the famous coconut-pecan filling. This layer is a combination of egg yolks, evaporated milk, butter, sugar, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. It’s rich and creamy, with a caramel-like quality that binds the cake together. Make sure to use sweetened shredded coconut for the best texture.

Unsalted Butter

Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content of the cake and filling. We’ll melt the butter for the filling, making it easy to incorporate, and cream it with sugar for a soft and tender cake.

Eggs

You’ll need large eggs for both the cake batter and the filling. Make sure they’re at room temperature to ensure even mixing and the best rise during baking.

Equipment

You’ll need three 9-inch round cake pans, parchment paper for easy release, and a stand or hand mixer for the batter. A heavy-bottomed saucepan is also helpful for making the coconut-pecan filling.

How To Make This German Chocolate Cake

Creating this stunning German Chocolate Cake is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a decadent dessert that impresses every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. This will make it easy to remove the cakes later.

Next, melt the German sweet chocolate with a small amount of water over low heat, stirring until smooth. Let it cool to room temperature. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, cream together unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the melted chocolate and vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 2: Beat the Egg Whites

In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold them into the cake batter. This step gives the cake a lighter, airier texture. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.

Step 3: Bake and Cool

Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Coconut-Pecan Filling

While the cakes are cooling, prepare the filling. In a heavy saucepan, combine egg yolks, evaporated milk, sugar, and unsalted butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Let the filling cool to room temperature before assembling the cake.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of coconut-pecan filling over the top. Repeat with the second and third layers, spreading the filling evenly between them. You can also spread any remaining filling over the sides or leave them “naked” for a rustic look.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Once assembled, let the cake chill for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes slicing easier.

Enjoy each slice of this decadent masterpiece, savoring the balance between rich chocolate cake and that unbeatable coconut-pecan filling.

Storage Options

Storing your German Chocolate Cake properly will ensure you can enjoy it for days to come.

Room Temperature

This cake can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days if covered with a cake dome or in an airtight container. The coconut-pecan filling stays delicious and creamy, but be sure to keep it away from direct sunlight or heat.

Refrigeration

For longer storage, place the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure it’s well-covered to prevent it from drying out. You can use plastic wrap, but a cake container is even better for maintaining freshness.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each layer separately in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the cake layers in the refrigerator overnight and assemble with the filling.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about German Chocolate Cake is how customizable it can be. Here are a few variations to make it your own.

Chocolate Variations

If you prefer a deeper chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate instead of German sweet chocolate. This will result in a more intense and less sweet cake, perfect for serious chocolate lovers.

Nut-Free Option

For those with nut allergies, you can make the filling without pecans. Simply omit them and add more shredded coconut or even dried fruit for a unique twist.

Gluten-Free Version

Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for regular flour. Make sure to use a blend designed for baking to achieve a similar texture.

Dairy-Free Substitutes

To make a dairy-free version, use coconut milk in place of evaporated milk and vegan butter. The flavors will still be rich and indulgent, with a hint of coconut throughout.

Simplified Single-Layer Cake

If you’re short on time, make a single-layer sheet cake instead of a layer cake. Simply bake the batter in a 9x13-inch pan and spread the filling over the top.

Experiment with these variations to find your perfect version. Whether you stick to the classic or try something new, this cake is always a crowd-pleaser!

Enjoy baking and sharing this extraordinary German Chocolate Cake! Each bite is full of nostalgia and flavor, making it perfect for any celebration.

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