A moist, fudge-layered chocolate cake with the most addictive coconut pecan frosting!
Layers of rich dark chocolate, pillowy soft crumb, and a dreamy, buttery coconut-pecan filling this is the German Chocolate Cake of your dreams! Despite the name, it’s actually an American classic that feels just as homey as Grandma’s kitchen. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, holiday, or just craving something indulgent, this cake is a showstopper that delivers every single time.
🎉 Why You’ll Love This German Chocolate Cake
✔️ Soft, fudgy layers with a deep chocolate flavor
✔️ Toasted coconut + pecan filling = next-level delicious
✔️ Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or cozy weekends
✔️ Make-ahead friendly tastes even better the next day
✔️ Optional ganache for extra chocolatey glam
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
- 2 round cake pans (8 or 9 inch)
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Saucepan
- Whisk + spatula
- Double boiler (or makeshift one)
- Cooling rack
🧂 Key Ingredients & Why
🍫 Dark Chocolate Bar – Gives rich, bold chocolate flavor—melted into the batter.
🧈 Butter – Softened, not melted, for creaming with sugar and egg yolks.
🥛 Buttermilk – Adds tang and tenderness. DIY version works great too!
🍳 Eggs – Whites whipped for lightness, yolks used for richness.
🥥 Shredded Coconut – For that signature German cake frosting.
🌰 Pecans – Toasted for crunch and flavor.
🥄 Evaporated Milk – The secret to creamy, silky coconut-pecan frosting.
👩🍳 How to Make This German Cake (Quick Steps!)
🍰 Mix Batter:
- Separate eggs.
- Cream butter + yolks + sugar.
- Add melted chocolate, dry ingredients, and buttermilk.
- Whip whites and fold into batter.
🔥 Bake:
- 350°F for 30 mins. Cool completely.
🥥 Frosting:
- Cook yolks, milk, sugar, and butter until thick.
- Add coconut, pecans, vanilla.
🎂 Assemble:
- Stack with frosting. Add ganache (optional).
⏱️ Chill or serve right away. Enjoy every fudgy, coconutty bite!
👩🍳 Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips
🔸 Toast pecans in advance for bold flavor
🔸 Use a serrated knife for clean layers
🔸 Add ganache only once cake is fully cooled
🔸 Store in the fridge overnight—it’s even better the next day!
🔸 Skip the ganache if you’re short on time still delish!
🧊 Storage
- ❄️ Store cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- 🍰 Can be frozen (unfrosted) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and frost before serving.
🎂 More Cakes You’ll Love
👉 💙 Bluey Cake Recipe: Easy & Adorable Pup-Tastic Treat!
👉 🍬 Magical Cotton Candy Cake Recipe (Pink & Blue Magic!) 🎂
👉 🍫 Mini Chocolate Lunchbox Cakes (With Cute Messages!) 🎀
👉 Ultimate Unicorn Cake Recipe: A Magical, Rainbow-Topped Dessert 🦄🍰
Get Recipes on Pinterest
🍫 Classic German Chocolate Cake (With a Twist!) 🇩🇪✨
Description
Layers of rich dark chocolate, pillowy soft crumb, and a dreamy, buttery coconut-pecan filling this is the German Chocolate Cake of your dreams! Despite the name, it’s actually an American classic that feels just as homey as Grandma’s kitchen. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, holiday, or just craving something indulgent, this cake is a showstopper that delivers every single time.
Ingredients
🍰 Cake Layers
🥥 Coconut-Pecan Frosting
🍫 Optional Ganache
✨ Prep First
-
Separate 3 eggs. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your cake pans with parchment paper.
🥣 Mix the Dry Ingredients
-
Sift together flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
🥛 Make Quick Buttermilk
-
Stir milk and vinegar together. Let sit for 10 minutes to curdle slightly.
🍫 Melt the Chocolate
-
Break your chocolate bar into chunks. Melt with a bit of water using a double boiler until smooth.
🧈 Cream Butter & Yolks
-
Beat softened butter until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks one by one, then slowly mix in the sugar.
🌀 Combine Everything
-
Pour in the melted chocolate. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and homemade buttermilk—mix just until combined.
☁️ Whip & Fold
-
Wash beaters, then whip egg whites to soft peaks. Gently fold into the batter for a light, airy texture.
🔥 Bake the Cakes
-
Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
🥜 Toast the Pecans
-
Toast pecans in a dry pan until fragrant. Let cool, then chop finely.
🥥 Make the Coconut Frosting
-
Simmer egg yolks, evaporated milk, sugar, and butter until thickened. Stir in coconut, chopped pecans, and vanilla. Cool to spreadable.
🎂 Assemble the Layers
-
Stack your cooled cakes with generous layers of frosting between each. Spread frosting over the top.
🍫 Add Ganache (Optional but Epic!)
-
Drizzle warm ganache around the edges for a decadent finish.