Description
A collection of German chocolate cake recipes featuring the signature coconut-pecan frosting, from traditional layer cakes to simplified variations for busy families.
Ingredients
For Basic German Chocolate Cake:
4 oz sweet German baking chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, separated
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
For Classic Coconut-Pecan Frosting:
1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large egg yolks
½ cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1⅓ cups sweetened flaked coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
Preheat oven and prepare pans according to specific recipe variation.
For classic cake: Melt chocolate and allow to cool. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks one at a time, then add melted chocolate and vanilla.
Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour.
Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, then fold gently into batter.
Pour into prepared pans and bake according to specific recipe instructions.
For frosting: Combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter in saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
Remove frosting from heat and stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans. Cool until thick enough to spread.
Assemble and frost cake according to specific recipe variation.
Notes
Traditional German chocolate cake has frosting between layers and on top only, not on sides
The frosting can be made 1-2 days ahead and refrigerated
For shortcut versions, a quality chocolate box mix can be used for the cake base
Always toast pecans for best flavor
Serve at room temperature for best taste and texture
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 52g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: german chocolate cake recipes, coconut pecan frosting, easy german chocolate cake, german chocolate desserts, classic cake recipes, special occasion desserts