The smell of freshly baked german chocolate cake wafting through the kitchen is like a warm hug on a chilly day. You can practically hear the angels singing as you peel back the layers to reveal that luscious coconut and pecan frosting peeking out. Just thinking about it makes my taste buds do a little dance.
This cake isn’t just any dessert; it’s a ticket to flavor town! I remember the first time I made this masterpiece—my family was ready to throw a parade in the living room once they took their first bite. It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because you deserve a slice of happiness!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This rich german chocolate cake is incredibly easy to make while delivering an explosion of flavors
- The creamy coconut-pecan frosting adds unique texture and sweetness
- Each slice looks stunning on any dessert table and is versatile enough for any occasion
- Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself after a long week
I once served this german chocolate cake at a family reunion, and let me tell you, people were fighting over the last piece like it was the last cookie on Earth!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for better texture; it helps create that light and fluffy crumb we all love.
- Cocoa Powder: Opt for high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder; it deepens the flavor of your cake significantly.
- Baking Soda: This will give your cake that lift; always check if your baking soda is fresh for best results.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweeten things up with granulated sugar; it balances the richness of cocoa beautifully.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness; it adds moisture and flavor to your batter.
- Eggs: Fresh large eggs are essential; they provide structure and richness that binds everything together.
- Buttermilk: Buttermilk makes your cake incredibly tender; you can substitute with milk mixed with vinegar if needed.
- Coconut Flakes: Sweetened shredded coconut gives that signature chewy texture; opt for unsweetened if you prefer less sweetness.
- Pecans: Chopped pecans add crunch; toast them lightly before adding for extra flavor enhancement.
- Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for true flavor depth; imitation just won’t cut it here!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter and dust with flour for easy removal later. This step is crucial unless you want your delicious creation glued to the pan!
Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes but feels like forever when you’re impatiently waiting for goodness.
Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in one egg at a time followed by vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture should turn into a lovely pale color, resembling sunshine on a plate.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture while alternating with buttermilk. Mix until just combined—over-mixing will lead to tough cakes!
Bake Your Cakes: Evenly distribute the batter into prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The aroma will have you drooling before they even cool down!
Make Coconut Pecan Frosting: As the cakes cool down completely on wire racks, prepare your frosting by combining egg yolks with butter, sugar, milk, coconut flakes, and pecans in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until thickened—this step can feel like an eternity but trust me it’s worth every second!
Frost Your Cakes: Once cooled, place one layer of cake on a serving plate and spread half of your heavenly coconut pecan frosting over it before placing the second layer atop. Top it off with remaining frosting—you want every inch covered because who doesn’t love more frosting?
Now step back and admire your handiwork before diving in! Enjoy slices of this delightful german chocolate cake with friends or keep all of it for yourself—no judgment here!
You Must Know
- This delicious German chocolate cake is not only rich and decadent but also surprisingly simple to make
- Each layer is a fluffy cloud of chocolate goodness, topped with a sweet coconut-pecan frosting that brings it all together
- The aroma that fills your kitchen will have everyone asking for seconds!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven and preparing your cake pans; this ensures even baking. While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting so that it’s ready to spread on those luscious layers.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the nuts for something like walnuts or pecans, depending on your preference. You could also add a hint of espresso powder for an extra kick in the cake.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To enjoy later, let it come to room temperature or microwave for a few seconds to warm it slightly.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture
- Always measure flour correctly; too much can lead to dryness
- Remember, patience is key when letting layers cool before frosting them!
Nothing beats the feeling when my friends devoured this cake at my last birthday party, their smiles made all my effort worthwhile!
FAQ
What makes German chocolate cake different?
German chocolate cake uses a special dark-baking chocolate, giving it a unique flavor profile.
Can I use other types of frosting?
Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting or a simple ganache can elevate your German chocolate cake.
How do I make my cake more moist?
Adding sour cream or buttermilk can help keep your German chocolate cake wonderfully moist and fluffy.
Deliciously Decadent German Chocolate Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Indulge in this delightful German chocolate cake, layered with a rich coconut and pecan frosting, perfect for celebrating life’s sweetest moments!
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract; mix until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate into wet mixture alternating with buttermilk until just combined.
- Distribute batter evenly into prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely on wire racks.
- For frosting, combine egg yolks, butter, sugar, milk, coconut flakes, and pecans in a saucepan over medium heat; stir constantly until thickened.
- Frost the cooled cakes as desired and enjoy!
Notes
- Substitute walnuts for pecans for a different flavor profile.
- Add espresso powder to the batter for an extra twist of flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg