Decadent German Chocolate Coconut Pecan Roll Cake

🌟 Decadent German Chocolate Coconut Pecan Roll Cake 🌟
A rich, irresistible swirl of chocolate sponge and buttery coconut-pecan filling — a true Southern masterpiece baked with love.


📜 Introduction

Few desserts command as much attention as a rolled cake — and when you combine that impressive swirl with the decadent, nutty-sweet magic of German chocolate, you get a showstopper worthy of holidays, birthdays, or any moment that deserves indulgence. This German Chocolate Coconut Pecan Roll Cake brings together the velvety texture of chocolate sponge and the rich filling of toasted pecans and coconut, all delicately rolled into an unforgettable dessert. It’s not just a cake; it’s a love letter to Southern baking tradition.


🧾 Ingredients (Serves 10)

For the Chocolate Sponge Cake:

  • 4 large eggs, separated
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (divided)
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar (for rolling towel)

For the Coconut Pecan Filling:

  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 1/4 cups sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Garnish:

  • Melted chocolate drizzle
  • Extra coconut and pecan bits
  • Whipped cream or ganache on the side

🥣 Instructions & Method

🧁 Step 1: Make the Cake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper.
  2. Beat egg whites in a large bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1/4 cup sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
  3. In another bowl, beat egg yolks with remaining 1/4 cup sugar and vanilla until thick and pale.
  4. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry mixture into the egg yolk mixture.
  5. Carefully fold in the beaten egg whites, one-third at a time, to keep the batter airy.
  6. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched.
  7. Immediately turn out the cake onto a clean kitchen towel sprinkled with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment and roll the cake gently (with towel) into a spiral. Let cool completely.

🥥 Step 2: Make the Coconut-Pecan Filling

  1. In a saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens (about 10–12 minutes).
  2. Remove from heat and stir in coconut, pecans, and vanilla. Let cool until thick enough to spread.

🔄 Step 3: Assemble the Roll

  1. Unroll the cooled cake gently. Spread the coconut-pecan filling evenly over the surface, leaving a 1-inch border.
  2. Re-roll the cake (without the towel), wrapping it tightly without squeezing out the filling.
  3. Chill the roll in the fridge for at least 1 hour to set.

🎨 Step 4: Garnish & Serve

  • Drizzle melted chocolate over the top or dust with powdered sugar.
  • Sprinkle with toasted coconut or chopped pecans.
  • Slice with a serrated knife for a clean cut and serve with whipped cream or a dollop of ganache.

🕰️ History & Formation

The roots of German Chocolate Cake date back to 1852, when an American named Samuel German created a type of dark baking chocolate for Baker’s Chocolate Company. The cake rose to fame in the 1950s when a Texas homemaker submitted her recipe using “Baker’s German’s Sweet Chocolate.” The name stuck, and this flavor combo — rich chocolate, buttery coconut, and crunchy pecans — became iconic in American kitchens. The roll version gives it a fresh twist, modernizing the classic into a form that’s easier to slice and perfect for celebrations.


❤️ Conclusion & Lovers of the Roll

This cake is a testament to culinary love — the kind that’s baked slowly, rolled gently, and savored with joy. It’s the kind of dessert lovers bake for anniversaries, for birthdays, for just because. Every bite holds a balance of textures and flavors: silky, crunchy, sweet, and warm. Whether you’re baking for someone special or treating yourself, this roll cake is a lover’s delight.


💕 Final Tip for Lovers & Bakers

  • For a romantic touch, serve slices with chocolate-covered strawberries.
  • Make it a signature recipe by adding espresso to the filling or swapping pecans for walnuts.
  • Want to show someone you care? This cake says it better than words ever could.

Bake it. Roll it. Love it. 🍫🥥
Let me know if you’d like a printable version or video instructions!

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