Homemade German Chocolate Cake

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🍫 Homemade German Chocolate Cake

An iconic, indulgent classic layered with rich chocolate cake and coconut-pecan frosting.

🕰️ A Sweet Slice of History

Despite its name, German Chocolate Cake isn’t from Germany. It originated in the United States in the mid-20th century and was named after Samuel German, an American baker who developed a type of dark baking chocolate for the Baker’s Chocolate Company in 1852. The cake became famous after a recipe using “German’s Sweet Chocolate” was published in a Dallas newspaper in 1957. It quickly became a household favorite, and the apostrophe-S was dropped over time—giving us the “German Chocolate Cake” we know today.

🍰 What Makes It So Special?

This cake isn’t just about rich chocolate layers. What sets it apart is the signature coconut-pecan frosting—a gooey, caramel-like filling that’s spooned between the layers and over the top. There’s no frosting on the sides, making it rustic and unique. Chocolate lovers and coconut enthusiasts unite here!

📝 Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar, let sit 5 min)
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water

For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:

  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large egg yolks, beaten
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Make the Cake:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans (or line bottoms with parchment).
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add wet ingredients: Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
  4. Add boiling water: Stir in the hot water slowly (batter will be thin).
  5. Bake: Divide batter evenly among pans. Bake 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Cool: Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter.
  2. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened—about 10–12 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans.
  4. Let cool to room temperature (frosting will thicken as it cools).

Assemble the Cake:

  1. Place one cake layer on a plate.
  2. Spread ⅓ of the coconut-pecan frosting on top.
  3. Repeat with the second and third layers.
  4. Spoon remaining frosting on the top—no need to frost the sides.
  5. Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate or garnish with extra pecans on top.

❤️ Why People Love It

  • Rich Chocolate Flavor: Moist and deep cocoa layers.
  • Unique Frosting: Sweet, crunchy, gooey perfection.
  • Nostalgic: Reminds many of birthdays, holidays, and grandma’s kitchen.
  • Beautifully Rustic: No fancy piping or perfect frosting needed.

💡 Tips & Variations

  • Want it extra moist? Brush cake layers with simple syrup before assembling.
  • Don’t like pecans? Swap for walnuts—or skip nuts entirely.
  • Make it ahead: Both cake and frosting can be made a day in advance and assembled later.
  • Layer twist: Try adding a chocolate ganache layer under the frosting for decadence.

🔁 Formation and Serving

  • Best served at room temperature.
  • Slice gently with a serrated knife.
  • Pairs wonderfully with coffee or a glass of cold milk.
  • Keeps in the fridge up to 5 days, covered.

🎉 For the Lovers of Cake… and Chocolate

If you’re someone who swoons over deep chocolate, creamy fillings, and comforting desserts—this cake is your match. It’s rich, heartfelt, and a true labor of love. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just a cozy weekend, you’ll be sharing more than cake—you’ll be sharing history, flavor, and joy.

🏁 Conclusion

German Chocolate Cake is more than a dessert—it’s a cherished memory for many and a delicious discovery for new fans. Its layered contrast of textures and flavors—dark chocolate and buttery caramel-coconut-pecan frosting—make every bite unforgettable. A true classic that stands the test of time.

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