Homemade German Chocolate Cake

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

5. Gradually add the melted chocolate to the butter-sugar mixture, stirring until fully combined.
6. Add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk (start and end with the dry ingredients). Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix the batter.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

7. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans (or use parchment paper to line the bottoms).
8. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Once done, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Coconut-Pecan Frosting

10. While the cake is cooling, prepare the coconut-pecan frosting. In a medium saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, granulated sugar, egg yolks, and unsalted butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 10-12 minutes).
11. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Set aside and allow the frosting to cool.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

12. Once the cake layers are completely cool, place the first layer of cake on a cake plate or serving platter.
13. Spread a generous layer of the coconut-pecan frosting over the first cake layer.
14. Add the second cake layer and repeat with more frosting. Place the final cake layer on top, and spread the remaining frosting evenly on top.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

15. Slice your Homemade German Chocolate Cake and enjoy the rich, moist chocolate layers topped with the decadent coconut-pecan frosting. It’s the perfect dessert for any celebration or just to satisfy a sweet craving!

Tips for the Perfect Homemade German Chocolate Cake

1. Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake texture.
2. Use Buttermilk: For a tender and moist cake, use buttermilk instead of regular milk. The acidity in buttermilk helps to activate the baking soda and creates a lighter crumb.
3. Cool the Cakes Completely: Make sure the cake layers have cooled completely before frosting. This helps prevent the frosting from melting or sliding off.
4. Add Extra Toppings: If you want to get creative, you can add additional toppings to the frosting, such as chocolate shavings, extra toasted pecans, or even a drizzle of chocolate ganache for extra indulgence.
5. Storage: This cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Be sure to keep it covered to prevent it from drying out.

Why This Recipe Works

Homemade German Chocolate Cake is a dessert that’s packed with rich chocolate flavor, moisture, and texture. The cake itself is made using German’s Sweet Chocolate and cocoa powder, which gives it a deeply chocolatey taste without being too bitter. The coconut-pecan frosting adds a sweet, nutty, and slightly chewy texture that perfectly complements the softness of the cake. It’s the ultimate combination of flavors and textures in every bite.

Conclusion

Making Homemade German Chocolate Cake from scratch is easier than you might think and results in a decadent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, holiday, or just treating yourself to a sweet indulgence, this cake will leave everyone asking for seconds. With its rich chocolate layers and the signature coconut-pecan frosting, it’s a dessert that never goes out of style.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and bake up a delicious homemade German Chocolate Cake that will wow your friends and family—and keep them coming back for more!