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german chocolate cake

Classic German Chocolate Cake

A decadent layered chocolate cake filled and topped with a luscious coconut-pecan frosting — a true classic dessert loved for its rich flavor.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 540
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Batter
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk room temperature
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
Coconut-Pecan Frosting
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 3 large egg yolks lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans toasted

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Two 9-inch Cake Pans

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
  4. Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Stir in boiling water until smooth.
  5. Pour the batter evenly into the pans and bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Cool cakes completely before frosting.
  7. To make frosting: In a saucepan, combine evaporated milk, brown sugar, egg yolks, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 10–12 minutes).
  8. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans. Let cool to room temperature.
  9. Spread frosting between layers and over the top of the cake. Garnish with extra pecans if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 7gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 130mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 330mgFiber: 4gSugar: 48gVitamin A: 620IUCalcium: 80mgIron: 2.8mg

Notes

For an extra decadent touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the top before serving. Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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