German Chocolate Cake is a rich, moist chocolate layer cake filled and topped with a sweet coconut-pecan frosting. Despite the name, it’s actually an American classic known for its deep chocolate flavor and signature gooey topping. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any time you want a show-stopping dessert.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: ~2 hours
- Servings: 12 slices
Equipment
- 3 round cake pans (9-inch)
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
- Oven
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee (or hot water)
Coconut-Pecan Frosting
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Ingredient Notes
- Hot coffee: Enhances chocolate flavor (doesn’t taste like coffee).
- Buttermilk: Makes the cake extra moist and tender.
- Coconut-pecan topping: The signature rich, chewy frosting.
- Egg yolks: Give the frosting its custard-like texture.
Instructions
1. Make Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugars, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until combined.
- Slowly add hot coffee and mix until smooth (batter will be thin).
- Pour evenly into pans.
- Bake 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely before frosting.
2. Make Frosting
- In a saucepan, whisk evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, butter, and vanilla.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened (about 10–12 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in coconut and pecans.
- Let cool until spreadable.
3. Assemble Cake
- Place one cake layer on plate and spread frosting.
- Repeat with remaining layers.
- Spread frosting on top and between layers (optional: leave sides exposed).
Nutrition Facts
(Approximate per slice)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fat: 26g
- Sugar: 48g
- Sodium: 320mg
Tips
- Let cake cool fully before frosting or it will melt.
- Stir frosting constantly to avoid curdling.
- Use toasted pecans for deeper flavor.
- Chill cake slightly before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Variations
- Chocolate Ganache Version: Add ganache drizzle over frosting.
- Cupcake Version: Bake as cupcakes for individual servings.
- Extra Coconut: Add more coconut for a chewier topping.
- Dark Chocolate Twist: Use dark cocoa powder for richer flavor.