Homemade German Chocolate Cake

Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of this heavenly cake, the velvety chocolate melting in your mouth while the sweet coconut and nutty pecans add a delightful crunch. The combination of flavors creates a symphony of taste, making it a perfect choice for any celebration or special occasion.

Creating your own Homemade German Chocolate Cake allows you to personalize it to your liking. Whether you prefer a dark or milk chocolate cake, or if you want to add extra coconut or pecans to the frosting, the options are endless. Say goodbye to store-bought desserts and revel in the satisfaction of making a scrumptious homemade treat. Follow our step-by-step recipe and impress your family and friends with your baking prowess. Get ready to embark on a delicious journey that will leave you craving for more!

History and Origins of German Chocolate Cake

German Chocolate Cake may have the word “German” in its name, but it actually originated in the United States. The cake is named after Samuel German, an American chocolatier who developed a type of dark baking chocolate that was used in the original recipe. The cake gained popularity when it was first published in a Dallas newspaper in the 1950s, and since then, it has become a beloved American dessert.

Homemade German Chocolate Cake

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 4 People

Calories 414 kcal

Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of this heavenly cake, the velvety chocolate melting in your mouth while the sweet coconut and nutty pecans add a delightful crunch. The combination of flavors creates a symphony of taste, making it a perfect choice for any celebration or special occasion.

Kitchen equipment list

• 1 Mixing Bowls
• 1 Whisk or electric mixer
• 1 Measuring cups and spoons
• 2 Cake pans
• 1 Cooling rack
• 1 Offset spatula
• 1 Parchment Paper

Ingredients

  

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For The Homemade German Chocolate Cake:

• ▢ 2 cups All-purpose flour
• ▢ 1 ¾ cups Granulated sugar
• ▢ ¾ cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
• ▢ 1 ½ tsp Baking powder
• ▢ 1 ½ tsp Baking soda
• ▢ 1 tsp Salt
• ▢ 2 large Eggs
• ▢ 1 cup Milk
• ▢ 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
• ▢ ½ cup Unsalted butter
• ▢ 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• ▢ 1 ⅓ cups Sweetened shredded coconut
• ▢ 1 cup Chopped pecans

Instructions 

Baking the Cake Layers:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until well combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
• Gradually add the boiling water to the batter, stirring gently until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin, but that is normal.
• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Tap the pans on the counter a few times to remove any air bubbles.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Once the cakes have cooled, you can level the tops if necessary to ensure an even surface for frosting.

Making the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:

• In a medium saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, butter, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes golden brown. This should take about 10-12 minutes.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans. Let the frosting cool for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.

Assembling and Decorating the German Chocolate Cake:

• Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of the coconut-pecan frosting over the top of the cake layer, making sure to go all the way to the edges.
• Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the frosting. Press gently to secure the layers together.
• Spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake, using an offset spatula to create a smooth and even layer.
• If desired, you can decorate the cake with additional shredded coconut and pecan halves.

❋ Kitchen Chaos Unlocked Tips

Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Homemade Cake

• Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start baking. This will help them mix together more easily and result in a smoother batter.
• Grease and flour your cake pans properly to ensure that the cakes come out easily without sticking to the pans.
• Use a toothpick or cake tester to check if the cakes are done. Insert it into the center of the cakes, and if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cakes are ready.
• Let the cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting or sliding off.

Nutrition

Serving: 109 gCalories: 414 kcalCarbohydrates: 49 gProtein: 4.3 gFat: 24 gSaturated Fat: 8.5 gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6.8 gMonounsaturated Fat: 7.3 gTrans Fat: 0.3 gCholesterol: 61 mgSodium: 151 mgPotassium: 158 mgFiber: 1.9 gSugar: 37 gCalcium: 55 mgIron: 1.7 mg

Keyword German Chocolate Cake

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Variations and Additions to the Traditional Recipe

While the traditional German Chocolate Cake is already delicious on its own, you can always add your own twist to make it even more special. Here are a few variations and additions you can try:

• Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers for an extra chocolatey surprise.
• Incorporate coffee into the cake batter for a mocha-flavored twist.
• Sprinkle toasted coconut on top of the frosting for added texture and flavor.
• Drizzle caramel sauce over the cake before serving for a caramel-chocolate fusion.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavors and toppings to make the Homemade German Chocolate Cake uniquely yours.

Serving and Storing the German Chocolate Cake

Once your Homemade German Chocolate Cake is fully assembled and decorated, it’s time to serve and enjoy!

Slice the cake into generous portions and serve it on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party, anniversary celebration, or simply a weekend dessert.

To store the cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure to bring the cake to room temperature before serving to fully enjoy its flavors and textures.

Congratulations! You have successfully made a Homemade German Chocolate Cake that is sure to impress everyone who tastes it. The rich flavors of the chocolate cake, combined with the creamy coconut pecan frosting, create an irresistible dessert that will leave your taste buds craving for more.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this Homemade German Chocolate Cake is the perfect choice. With its moist cake layers and indulgent frosting, it’s a slice of pure chocolate bliss.

So, go ahead and grab your apron. It’s time to embark on a delightful baking adventure and create your own homemade masterpiece. Enjoy every bite of your Homemade German Chocolate Cake and share the joy with your loved ones. Happy baking!