Craving a rich and decadent dessert that’s sure to impress? German chocolate cake is a classic favorite known for its moist layers and signature coconut-pecan frosting. Making this delicious treat at home might seem intimidating but it’s easier than you think.
With the right ingredients and simple steps you can whip up a bakery-quality cake that will wow your friends and family. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to satisfy your sweet tooth this recipe has got you covered.
Get ready to learn how to make German chocolate cake from scratch and enjoy every bite of this irresistible dessert. You’ll love how the combination of chocolate and creamy coconut frosting comes together in perfect harmony.
Ingredients Needed For German Chocolate Cake
Gather precise ingredients to achieve the classic taste of this chocolate dessert. Every element contributes to the cake’s moist texture and distinctive frosting.
Key Components Of The Cake Batter
List these ingredients for the perfect batter:
- Unsweetened German baking chocolate, 4 ounces, melted
- All-purpose flour, 2 cups, sifted
- Granulated sugar, 1 1/2 cups
- Baking soda, 1 teaspoon
- Salt, 1/2 teaspoon
- Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened
- Eggs, 3 large, separated
- Buttermilk, 1 cup, room temperature
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon
Use melted chocolate combined with butter and sugar for a rich base. Incorporate egg yolks for structure, reserving whites to whip for added lightness. Add dry ingredients alternated with buttermilk to ensure a balanced moist crumb.
Preparing The Signature Coconut Pecan Filling
Collect these ingredients for the frosting’s distinct flavor:
- Sweetened shredded coconut, 1 1/3 cups
- Chopped pecans, 1 cup
- Evaporated milk, 1 cup
- Granulated sugar, 1 cup
- Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup (1 stick)
- Egg yolks, 3 large, lightly beaten
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon
Cook sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and egg yolks together until thickened, then stir in coconut and pecans with vanilla. Cool the mixture slightly to reach the ideal consistency for spreading between cake layers and on top.
Step-By-Step Instructions On How To Make German Chocolate Cake
Follow precise steps to bake rich chocolate layers, prepare creamy coconut-pecan frosting, and assemble the cake perfectly.
Making The Chocolate Cake Layers
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing two 9-inch round cake pans. Melt 4 ounces of unsweetened German baking chocolate with 1/2 cup unsalted butter over low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in 2 1/4 cups granulated sugar until combined. Add 4 egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition. In a separate bowl, sift together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Alternate adding dry ingredients and 1 cup buttermilk to the chocolate mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. In a clean bowl, beat 4 egg whites to stiff peaks, then fold gently into the batter. Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool cakes completely before frosting.
Preparing The Coconut Pecan Frosting
Combine 1 cup evaporated milk, 1 cup granulated sugar, 3/4 cup unsalted butter, and 3 egg yolks in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens and turns golden brown, about 12 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 1/3 cups sweetened shredded coconut, and 1 cup chopped pecans. Cool the frosting to room temperature to achieve a spreadable consistency.
Assembling The Cake
Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate and spread one-third of the coconut pecan frosting evenly over the top. Add the second layer and repeat frosting the top. Use the remaining frosting to cover the sides as desired or leave sides exposed for a classic look. Chill the cake for at least one hour to set the frosting before serving.
Tips For Perfecting Your German Chocolate Cake
Mastering the classic German chocolate cake takes attention to detail and proper handling of ingredients. Use these tips to enhance texture, flavor, and presentation for your homemade cake.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Overmixing the batter: Stir until ingredients just combine, or the cake layers turn dense instead of moist and tender.
- Undercooking or overcooking: Bake each layer for 25 to 30 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
- Skipping the egg white whipping: Whip egg whites separately and fold gently to add airiness and a lighter crumb.
- Using generic sweetened shredded coconut: Opt for unsweetened or lightly sweetened coconut to balance the frosting sweetness.
- Adding pecans too early: Stir pecans into the cooled frosting to prevent them from losing crunch.
- Frosting a warm cake: Cool layers completely before spreading coconut-pecan frosting, or the heat will melt it and ruin texture.
- Ignoring ingredient temperature: Use room-temperature eggs, butter, and buttermilk for even mixing and better crumb.
Storage And Serving Suggestions
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain moistness and freshness.
- Refrigerate if storing longer than 2 days, tightly wrapped or in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
- Let refrigerated cake sit 30 minutes at room temperature before serving for optimal flavor.
- Freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 1 month; thaw fully before frosting.
- Serve German chocolate cake with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee to complement sweetness.
- Slice with a sharp serrated knife to maintain clean edges without crumbly layers.
Conclusion
Now that you know the key steps and ingredients, making German chocolate cake at home is within your reach. This cake’s rich chocolate layers paired with its creamy coconut-pecan frosting create a dessert that’s both impressive and comforting.
With a bit of patience and attention to detail, you’ll be able to enjoy a bakery-quality treat anytime. Don’t hesitate to experiment a little to match your taste perfectly.
Get ready to impress your friends and family with a classic dessert that’s as delicious as it is memorable. Your homemade German chocolate cake will surely become a favorite go-to recipe.
