Indulgent German Chocolate Cake – A Layered Chocolate Delight
If you’re looking for the perfect dessert that combines rich chocolate, sweet coconut, and crunchy pecans, look no further than this German Chocolate Cake. This layered cake features moist chocolate cake, a gooey coconut-pecan filling, and a smooth chocolate frosting, making it the ultimate indulgence for any special occasion. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a treat for yourself, this cake is bound to impress.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the coconut-pecan filling:
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
For the chocolate frosting:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This will help the cakes come out easily after baking. - Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder. In a separate bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until fully combined. Gradually add boiling water to the batter, mixing until smooth. The batter will be thin, but that’s perfect for a moist cake. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. - Bake the Cake
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. - Make the Coconut-Pecan Filling
While the cake cools, make the coconut-pecan filling. In a medium saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sugar, and butter. Cook over medium heat until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and slowly add some of the hot mixture to temper the eggs. Then, return the egg mixture to the saucepan. Cook for 10-12 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Let the filling cool to room temperature. - Make the Chocolate Frosting
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and heavy cream together in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds. Once the chocolate is fully melted, add butter and stir until smooth and glossy. Let the frosting cool slightly before applying it to the cake. - Assemble the Cake
Place one layer of the cake on a serving platter. Spread the cooled coconut-pecan filling evenly over the cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top. Spread the chocolate frosting over the top and sides of the cake. - Serve and Enjoy
Allow the cake to set for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to firm up. Slice and serve this decadent dessert to your family and friends!
Why You’ll Love This German Chocolate Cake
- Rich and Moist: The chocolate cake layers are soft, moist, and full of flavor.
- Coconut-Pecan Perfection: The coconut-pecan filling is sweet, rich, and adds the perfect texture to complement the cake.
- Indulgent Chocolate Frosting: The chocolate frosting ties the whole cake together with its creamy, velvety texture.
- Perfect for Celebrations: This cake is ideal for special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or any time you want to treat yourself and your loved ones.
Pro Tips for the Best German Chocolate Cake
- Cool the Cakes Completely: Allow the cakes to cool completely before adding the frosting and filling to avoid melting the layers.
- Add Extra Pecans: If you love pecans, feel free to add more to the filling for extra crunch.
- Let the Frosting Set: After assembling the cake, let it rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing to let the frosting firm up for perfect slices.
Conclusion
This German Chocolate Cake is a perfect combination of rich chocolate cake, sweet coconut-pecan filling, and creamy chocolate frosting. With its indulgent layers and incredible flavor, it’s a dessert that will always steal the show. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it out today and enjoy a decadent treat everyone will love!