German Chocolate Cake
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cgranulated sugar
- 1 call-purpose flour
- ½ ccake flour
- 1 cunsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tspbaking powder
- 1 tspbaking soda
- ½ tspkosher salt
- 1 cunsalted butter
), softened (2 sticks
- 4eggs
large
- 1 cplain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tspvanilla extract
- 1 cheavy whipping cream
- 1 clight brown sugar
loosely packed
- ½ cunsalted butter
1 stick
- 2egg yolks
from large eggs
- ½ tspkosher salt
- 1 ⅓ ccoconut
- 1 cpecans
- 1 tspvanilla extract
- ½ cunsalted butter
), softened (1 stick
- ¼ tspkosher salt
- ⅓ cunsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cpowdered sugar
- 2 tbspheavy whipping cream
approximately
- ½ tspvanilla extract
- shredded coconut
- roughly chopped pecans
- chocolate shavings
Directions
To make the chocolate cake layers
- 1
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F, generously mist three 8-inch diameter by 2-inch high cake pans with non-stick spray, and line with circles cut from parchment paper.
- 2
Place the sugar, flours, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl, and whisk to combine.
- 3
Cut the butter into smaller pieces and add it to the dry ingredients.
- 4
Mix on low speed until the mixture resembles damp sand (30 seconds to a minute).
- 5
Add the eggs, one at a time, scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl with a silicone spatula after each addition.
- 6
When all of the eggs are fully incorporated, add the Greek yogurt (or sour cream) and vanilla, and beat on medium speed for about 60 to 90 seconds, to aerate the batter and strengthen the cake's structure.
- 7
Divide the batter evenly between the three prepared pans, and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the thickest part of the cake comes out clean or with one or two moist crumbs.
- 8
Cool completely, then fill with German chocolate frosting/filling and top with chocolate frosting.
To make the german chocolate frosting/filling
- 1
Place the cream, brown sugar, butter, egg yolks, and salt in a small pot over low heat.
- 2
Cook, stirring, until the mixture comes to a low boil.
- 3
Continue to cook, stirring, until the mixture thickens slightly (about 1 or 2 minutes).
- 4
Remove from the heat and stir in the coconut, pecans, and vanilla.
- 5
Cool completely, then spread between layers of chocolate cake.
To make the chocolate frosting
- 1
Place the butter, salt, and cocoa powder in a large mixing bowl, and add about 1/3 of the powdered sugar.
- 2
Beat on medium speed until combined.
- 3
Add the remaining powdered sugar (in 2 more additions), beating until combined.
- 4
Stir in the cream** and vanilla, then turn the mixer up to medium-high speed and whip the frosting until light and fluffy.
- 5
Spread the frosting on top of the cake, and garnish with coconut, pecans, and chocolate shavings.
German Chocolate Cake
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About this Recipe
Indulge in the Classic German Chocolate Cake Recipe
There are few desserts as iconic and beloved as a German Chocolate Cake. This show-stopping layer cake isn't just a dessert; it's an experience, making it the perfect centerpiece for any celebration or a delightful weekend baking project. Forget the store-bought versions – mastering this German chocolate cake recipe at home is incredibly rewarding.
Our German Chocolate Cake features a deeply rich and incredibly moist chocolate cake, baked to perfection. But the true star, what truly sets this cake apart and makes it an unforgettable classic, is its signature buttery brown sugar coconut pecan filling. This luscious, sticky, and nutty concoction is generously layered between the tender cake tiers, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for another slice.
While the coconut pecan filling provides ample decadence, we also include a decadent chocolate ganache or a simple chocolate buttercream for an outer German chocolate cake frosting or German chocolate cake icing. This ensures every bite is pure bliss, a perfect balance to the sweet, textured filling. Whether you're a seasoned baker or new to the world of layer cakes, this Baker's German chocolate cake promises a delightful journey from start to finish.
Tips for a Perfect German Chocolate Cake:
- Measure Accurately: Baking is a science! Use kitchen scales for flour and cocoa for the best results.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth, emulsified batter.
- Don't Overmix: Mix the cake batter until just combined to keep it tender and moist.
Serve this incredible cake after a special meal, or simply enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee. The combination of rich chocolate and the sweet, crunchy coconut pecan filling is simply irresistible.