Description
Rich German chocolate cake embodies a luxurious dessert blending deep cocoa notes with coconut-pecan frosting. Bakers can create this classic American treat with careful layering and precise chocolate selection.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Frosting Ingredients:
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by lightly greasing and dusting with flour to prevent sticking.
- Create the chocolate base by combining dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, whisking flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well integrated.
- Incorporate wet ingredients into the dry mixture, adding eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly using an electric mixer for approximately 2 minutes until smooth and fully blended.
- Gently fold boiling water into the batter, which will create a uniquely moist texture and enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Distribute the batter evenly between prepared cake pans, ensuring consistent depth for uniform baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean with no raw batter.
- Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to wire cooling racks to reach room temperature.
- Prepare the signature coconut-pecan frosting by combining evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, butter, and vanilla in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Continuously stir the frosting mixture for approximately 12 minutes until it thickens to a rich, spreadable consistency.
- Remove frosting from heat, then fold in shredded coconut and chopped pecans, allowing mixture to cool and set.
- Assemble the cake by placing the first layer on a serving plate, spreading a generous layer of frosting.
- Position the second cake layer on top and completely cover the top and sides with remaining frosting, creating a smooth, even finish.
Notes
- Always use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, even mixing and consistent cake texture.
- Sift dry ingredients to eliminate lumps and create a lighter, more delicate cake crumb.
- For extra moisture, brush cake layers with simple syrup before frosting to enhance flavor and prevent dryness.
- Replace pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds for a personalized twist, or omit nuts entirely for nut-free diets.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 378 kcal
- Sugar: 36 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg