Homemade German Chocolate Cake
Rich, decadent, and layered with coconut-pecan frosting — a true classic that never goes out of style.
Introduction
Few cakes carry the same nostalgic charm as a German Chocolate Cake. Despite its name, this dessert isn’t German at all — it was named after Samuel German, an American baker who developed a type of dark baking chocolate in the 1850s. When a recipe using his chocolate was published in the mid-20th century, the cake became wildly popular, and the name stuck.
This cake is beloved for its balance of flavors: moist chocolate layers paired with a luscious coconut-pecan frosting. Unlike traditional buttercream or whipped frostings, the German Chocolate Cake’s signature filling is cooked on the stovetop, creating a caramel-like richness that perfectly complements the chocolate base.
Whether you’re baking for a birthday, holiday, or simply to indulge, this recipe will guide you through every step to create a show-stopping cake that feels both homey and elegant.
Ingredients Breakdown
Cake Layers
1¾ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure.
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Deep chocolate flavor.
2 large eggs – Bind ingredients and add richness.
1 cup buttermilk – Adds tang and keeps cake moist.
½ cup butter – Creamy fat for tenderness.
Signature Frosting
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut – Chewy texture and tropical sweetness.
1 cup chopped pecans – Nutty crunch.
¾ cup evaporated milk – Creamy base for frosting.
(Note: A full frosting recipe usually includes sugar, egg yolks, and butter — we’ll expand on this in the instructions.)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and cocoa powder.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in buttermilk and vanilla extract.
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing until smooth.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Coconut-Pecan Frosting
In a saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens (about 10–12 minutes).
Remove from heat and stir in coconut and pecans.
Let frosting cool to room temperature before spreading.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
Spread half of the frosting over the layer.
Top with second cake layer.
Spread remaining frosting over top and sides.
Baking Tips
Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing.
Don’t overmix the batter — it can make the cake dense.
Toast pecans before adding to frosting for deeper flavor.
Cool frosting completely before spreading to avoid runny texture.
Line pans with parchment paper for easy removal.
Variations
Cupcakes: Bake batter in muffin tins and top each with frosting.
Sheet Cake: Bake in a 9×13 pan for a casual version.
Layered Elegance: Add a chocolate ganache drizzle for extra decadence.
Nut-Free: Skip pecans and add extra coconut.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend.
Serving Ideas
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Pair with coffee or espresso.
Garnish with chocolate shavings or curls.
Add fresh berries for a pop of color.
Storage
Room Temperature: Store covered for 1 day.
Refrigerator: Keeps fresh up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze cake layers (without frosting) for up to 2 months.
Nutrition (per slice, approx.)
Calories: ~350
Protein: ~5g
Fat: ~18g
Carbs: ~42g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Classic flavor: Rich chocolate with caramel-like frosting.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for gatherings.
Customizable: Works as cupcakes, sheet cake, or layer cake.
Comforting yet elegant: A dessert that feels special but approachable.
Conclusion
This Homemade German Chocolate Cake is more than just dessert — it’s a piece of culinary history. With its moist chocolate layers and signature coconut-pecan frosting, it’s a cake that has stood the test of time. Bake it once, and you’ll understand why it remains a favorite across generations.