The Most Divine German Chocolate Cake Recipe Ever Made

Sinking your fork into a luscious German chocolate cake that melts on your tongue with decadent layers of flavor.

Rich cocoa depths swirl through each tender crumb, inviting you to savor a slice of pure indulgence.

Coconut and pecans add delightful texture that dances across your palate with sweet sophistication.

This classic dessert promises more than just a simple treat – it whispers stories of culinary tradition and comfort.

Bakers of all skill levels can confidently create this stunning confection that looks professionally crafted.

chocolate lovers will find themselves enchanted by the harmonious blend of ingredients that transform ordinary baking into an extraordinary experience.

Grab your mixing bowl and let the chocolate magic begin!

What Makes German Chocolate Cake a Classic

• Indulge in Decadent Chocolate Layers: Experience rich, moist chocolate cake layers that melt in your mouth with deep cocoa flavor and velvety smooth texture.
• Savor Signature Coconut-Pecan Frosting: Enjoy the luxurious homemade frosting featuring toasted pecans and shredded coconut, creating a delightful crunch and sweet, nutty complement to the chocolate cake.
• Master a Classic Dessert Technique: Learn how to create a traditional German chocolate cake from scratch, developing baking skills with straightforward steps and minimal complicated techniques that even novice bakers can successfully execute.
• Celebrate Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delight in a timeless dessert perfect for birthdays, potlucks, family gatherings, and special occasions that instantly brings smiles and nostalgic memories of homemade goodness.

What You’ll Need for German Chocolate Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for the cake's structure, provides a soft and tender crumb.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep brown color.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a moist texture.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Buttermilk, Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and tenderness to the cake.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind ingredients together.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the chocolate flavor.
• Boiling Water: Helps create a thin, smooth batter and intensifies chocolate taste.

• Granulated Sugar, Evaporated Milk, Egg Yolks, Butter: Create a rich, creamy caramel-like frosting base.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet flavor to the frosting.
• Shredded Coconut, Pecans: Traditional German chocolate cake topping, provides texture and nutty flavor.

How to Bake German Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F. Grab your cake pans and give them a generous coating of butter and flour. Want an easier cleanup? Line those pans with parchment paper for a smooth release.

Step 2: Mix The Cake Base

• Flour
• Cocoa powder
• Sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

• Buttermilk
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Blend everything until silky smooth. Slowly pour in boiling water and mix until the batter looks light and fluid.

Step 3: Bake The Chocolate Layers

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans. Slide them into the heated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean. Let the cakes rest in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 4: Craft The Coconut Pecan Frosting

• Sugar
• Evaporated milk
• Egg yolks
• Butter

• Vanilla extract
• Shredded coconut
• Chopped pecans

Allow the frosting to cool to room temperature.

Step 5: Build Your Cake Masterpiece

Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thick layer of frosting on top. Repeat with the second layer. Crown with the final layer and generously cover the entire cake with remaining frosting.

Step 6: Slice And Enjoy

Cut into this decadent creation and savor each delicious bite. Keep any leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Tips for a Great German Chocolate Cake

• Measure Ingredients Precisely: Use exact measurements for consistent texture and taste, especially in baking where precision matters most.
• Room Temperature Magic: Bring eggs and buttermilk to room temperature before mixing to ensure smoother batter and more even cake rise.
• Cool Cake Completely: Allow cake layers to cool entirely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding of the coconut-pecan topping.
• Prevent Dry Cake: Don't overbake; check cake doneness at 25 minutes and remove immediately when a toothpick comes out clean to maintain moisture.
• Frosting Consistency Tip: Cook frosting slowly and stir constantly to prevent burning and achieve the perfect thick, spreadable texture.

How to Store German Chocolate Cake Properly

• Refrigerate: Store leftover German chocolate cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Room Temperature: Keep the cake at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving soon. Ensure the container is sealed to maintain moisture and freshness.
• Freeze: Wrap individual cake slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes. Add a small piece of damp paper towel to help retain moisture when microwaving.

What to Enjoy With German Chocolate Cake

• Brew Complementary Coffee Companions: Pair this rich German chocolate cake with a bold, dark roast coffee or a smooth cappuccino. The deep coffee notes will beautifully highlight the cake's sweet coconut and chocolate flavors, creating a decadent taste experience.
• Select Wine Elegance: Opt for a sweet dessert wine like a late harvest Riesling or a port wine. These wines offer complementary sweetness and subtle fruit undertones that dance perfectly with the cake's nutty and chocolate profile.
• Match Creamy Beverage Allies: Enjoy the cake alongside a cold glass of whole milk or a creamy Irish cream liqueur. These smooth beverages will balance the cake's intense flavors and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich coconut-pecan frosting.
• Create Chocolate Drink Harmony: Serve with a warm hot chocolate or a rich chocolate martini. These chocolate-based drinks will intensify the cake's cocoa notes and create a luxurious dessert moment that celebrates pure indulgence.

Ways to Change Up German Chocolate Cake

• Tropical Paradise Cake: Replace pecans with macadamia nuts and add crushed pineapple to the frosting for a Hawaiian-inspired version that brings sunny vibes to the classic German chocolate cake.
• Dark Chocolate Berry Remix: Incorporate fresh raspberries between cake layers and swap half the pecans with dark chocolate chunks, creating a rich and tangy flavor profile that elevates the traditional recipe.
• Salted Caramel Edition: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce between cake layers and sprinkle sea salt over the coconut-pecan frosting, adding a sophisticated and modern touch to the classic dessert.
• Espresso Chocolate Fusion: Mix strong brewed espresso into the cake batter and add a touch of coffee liqueur to the frosting, transforming the cake into a decadent adult-friendly treat with deep, complex flavors.

FAQs About German Chocolate Cake

• Why is this cake called German Chocolate Cake?

Despite its name, German Chocolate Cake isn’t actually from Germany. It was created by an American baker named Samuel German, who worked for Baker’s Chocolate Company in the 1850s. The recipe was originally published in a Dallas newspaper in 1957 and became wildly popular.

• Can I make this cake without buttermilk?

Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily substitute it by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using, and it will work perfectly in the recipe.

• What makes the frosting unique in this cake?

The signature coconut-pecan frosting is cooked on the stovetop, which gives it a rich, caramel-like texture. The combination of toasted pecans, shredded coconut, and a custard-like base makes this frosting incredibly special and different from traditional buttercream.

• Is German Chocolate Cake very difficult to make?

Not at all! While it might look fancy, this cake is actually quite straightforward. The batter is simple to mix, and the frosting requires just a bit of patience while stirring on the stovetop.

German Chocolate Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Classic German chocolate cake delights dessert enthusiasts with rich layers of moist chocolate cake and silky coconut-pecan frosting. Sweet indulgence brings comfort and celebration to any gathering, inviting you to savor each decadent bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250 g / 8.8 ounces) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (75 g / 2.6 ounces) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups (400 g / 14.1 ounces) granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Cake Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters / 8 fluid ounces) buttermilk, at room temperature
• ½ cup (120 milliliters / 4 fluid ounces) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240 milliliters / 8 fluid ounces) boiling water

Coconut-Pecan Frosting Ingredients:

• 1 cup (200 g / 7 ounces) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240 milliliters / 8 fluid ounces) evaporated milk
• 3 large egg yolks
• ½ cup (115 g / 4 ounces) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups (130 g / 4.6 ounces) sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup (120 g / 4.2 ounces) chopped pecans

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking workspace by heating the oven to 350F (175C). Coat three 9-inch round cake pans with grease and flour, or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Create the chocolate batter by combining dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Whisk flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed. Incorporate buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract, blending with an electric mixer until smooth. Gently fold in boiling water, ensuring the mixture becomes thin and uniformly combined.
3. Evenly distribute the batter among the prepared pans. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
4. Craft the signature frosting by combining sugar, evaporated milk, egg yolks, and butter in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, continuously stirring until the mixture thickens and coats a spoon (approximately 10-12 minutes). Remove from heat and fold in vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Let the frosting cool to room temperature.
5. Assemble the cake by placing the first layer on a serving plate. Spread a thick layer of coconut-pecan frosting across the surface. Carefully position the second cake layer and repeat the frosting process. Crown with the final layer, generously covering the top with remaining frosting.
6. Present the cake by slicing and serving. Preserve any remaining cake in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate to maintain freshness.

Notes

• Achieve the perfect chocolate moisture by using room-temperature ingredients, especially eggs and buttermilk, which blend more smoothly and create a more uniform cake texture.
• Prevent cake layers from sticking by generously greasing pans and using parchment paper, ensuring easy removal and maintaining the cake’s beautiful shape.
• Enhance the frosting’s richness by toasting coconut and pecans beforehand, which intensifies their nutty, caramelized flavors and adds a delightful crunch to each bite.
• Make the cake gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a carefully measured gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the cake’s tender crumb and delectable chocolate taste.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 48 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 57 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg