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Homemade German Chocolate Cake Recipe

German Chocolate Cake

A moist chocolate cake layered with rich coconut pecan frosting, offering a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Sifted
  • 2 cups sugar Granulated
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder Sifted
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk Room temperature
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs Room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water
For the coconut pecan frosting
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup evaporated milk
  • 1/2 cup butter Unsalted
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Method
 

Cake Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
  4. Finally, stir in the boiling water until fully incorporated. The batter will be thin.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks.
Frosting Preparation
  1. In a saucepan, combine the sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and egg yolks.
  2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens (about 10-12 minutes).
  3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla, coconut, and pecans.
  4. Allow frosting to cool to room temperature before using.
Assembly
  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate, and spread a generous amount of frosting on top.
  2. Top with the second cake layer and frost the top and sides with the remaining frosting.
  3. Allow the cake to set for a while before slicing.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature ingredients and check cake for doneness rather than relying solely on baking time.