Go Back
–+ servings
german chocolate cake

German Chocolate Cake

A rich, layered chocolate cake filled with coconut-pecan frosting — the perfect combination of sweetness, texture, and indulgence.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 540
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Equipment

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

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream butter, sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
  4. Alternate adding the dry mixture and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
  5. Stir in hot water slowly until batter is smooth. Divide evenly between pans.
  6. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
  7. For the frosting, combine evaporated milk, brown sugar, egg yolks, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until thickened (about 10 minutes).
  8. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans. Cool until spreadable.
  9. Spread frosting between cake layers and over the top. Optionally, frost sides with chocolate ganache or buttercream.

Nutrition

Calories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 68gProtein: 7gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 280mgPotassium: 290mgFiber: 3gSugar: 48gVitamin A: 750IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

Toast the pecans and coconut for enhanced flavor. For a richer finish, frost the sides with dark chocolate buttercream.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!