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German Chocolate Cake Recipe


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  • Author: Clara Bennett
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This German Chocolate Cake is a timeless dessert with layers of rich, moist chocolate cake paired with creamy coconut-pecan frosting. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion, it’s indulgent, approachable, and utterly irresistible. The combination of chocolate, toasted coconut, and pecans creates a flavor and texture harmony that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot water or coffee

2. Coconut-Pecan Frosting:

  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans


Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare three 9-inch pans.
  • Mix flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Whisk sugar, eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla; add hot water/coffee.
  • Fold dry ingredients into wet; pour into pans and bake 30–35 minutes. Cool completely.
  • Cook frosting ingredients over medium heat until thick; stir in coconut and pecans, let cool.
  • Assemble cake with frosting between layers and on top.

Notes

  • Toast the coconut for extra flavor.
  • Ensure cake layers are completely cooled before frosting.
  • Slice with a warm knife for clean edges.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 35g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg