Best Ever German Chocolate Cake

The classic dessert, German Chocolate Cake, is an adored sweet treat with a luscious and luxurious flavor profile that is favored by many. This cake is composed of layers of moist chocolate cake, filled with a sweet combination of coconut and pecan, and finished with a rich and creamy chocolate frosting; It is the perfect dessert to satiate the palates of those who adore chocolate, and are crazy about coconut, or have a sweet tooth.

Ingredients For German Chocolate Cake:

For the Cake Layers:

All-purpose flour: used for structure and texture.

Granulated sugar: used for sweetness.

Unsweetened cocoa powder: used for a chocolate flavor.

Baking powder (used as a leavening agent

Baking soda: used as a leavening agent

Salt: used for flavor balance

Buttermilk: used for tenderizing the crumb and adding moisture

Vegetable oil: used for moistness

Large eggs: used for structure and texture

Vanilla extract: used for flavor.

  For the Filling:

Evaporated milk: (used for richness)

Granulated sugar: (used for sweetness)

Egg yolks: (used for richness and texture)

Unsalted butter: (used for richness and flavor)

Vanilla extract: (used for flavor)

Shredded sweetened coconut: used for texture and flavor

Chopped pecans: used for texture and flavor

For the Frosting:

Butter: used for richness and flavor

Cream cheese, at room temperature: used for flavor and texture

Powdered sugar: used for sweetness and texture

Vanilla extract: used for flavor

How to make German Chocolate Cake:

Set the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit before cooking.

Here, Cake pans should be greased and dusted with flour.

Mix the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, sugar, baking powder, salt,  and cocoa powder in a sizable bowl.

Mix the dry ingredients with the buttermilk, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, and beat until fully incorporated.

Put the batter in the preheated pans with care, and allow the cakes to cook for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick can be inserted into the middle and pulled out without any residue.

Before being transferred to a wire rack to finish cooling, the cake layers should cool in the pans for five minutes.

Now let’s go To make the filling, 

Combine the egg yolks, evaporated milk, sugar, butter, and vanilla extract in a pot of moderate size to make a flavorful mixture.

Over medium heat, keep stirring the mixture until it thickens and turns into a rich caramel shade for 12-15 minutes.

Add the pecans and coconut flakes after pulling the filling from the heat.

To make the frosting, 

In a big bowl, combine the cream cheese and butter and beat until creamy.

Add the powdered sugar and vanilla essence gradually while beating the mixture until smooth.

To assemble the cake, start with one layer on a serving dish, and spread a generous amount of filling over the top. Repeat with all remaining layers and filling until the cake is finished.

Finally, cover the cake’s top and sides with icing.

If desired, top the cake with extra coconut and pecans.

My Best Tips for German Chocolate Cake Recipe:

• The key to a perfect cake batter is to use ingredients that have been brought to room temperature.
• To prevent any adhesion of the batter to the cake pans, it is essential to lubricate and dust the containers with flour.
• Keep an eye on the filling while it cooks, as it can quickly burn if left unattended.
• To avoid any possibility of the filling and frosting melting, it is crucial to give the cake layers enough time to cool down before putting them together.

The step-by-step instructions German Chocolate Cake pictures can be found in the recipe card below.

Questions and answers about this recipe

Chocolate for german chocolate cake variations:

There are countless ways to tailor our recipe to one’s specific liking; Below are a handful of recommendations:

Elevate the chocolate flavor profile by adding a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers.

Try incorporating different types of nuts, like almonds or walnuts, in the stuffing.

For a mocha flavor, stir in a tablespoon of espresso powder to the cake batter.

For a tart flavor, swap the buttermilk for sour cream or plain yogurt.

For bite-sized treats, make miniature German chocolate cupcakes rather than a cake.

What Do You Serve with German Chocolate Cake?

An exquisite dessert like our yummy cake makes a perfect accompaniment to a steaming cup of coffee or a chilled glass of milk.

For an extra indulgent experience, top it off with a generous serving of whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.

Have a look at our other dessert recipes, how about banana split trifle or Red Velvet Banana Pudding

Can You Freeze Baked German Chocolate Cake?

The longest time that the cake can be frozen is three months. It’s important to give the cake ample time to cool before wrapping it up tightly with plastic wrap and storing it in a container that is appropriate for the freezer. To serve, the cake must be defrosted overnight in the refrigerator.

Can You Store German Chocolate Cake?

The good news is that you don’t have to eat your entire chocolate for german chocolate cake at once. It can be stored for up to two days at room temperature, or up to a week in the fridge. Simply wrap it in plastic or place it in an airtight container to maintain its moisture.

Can I Use Milk Instead of Buttermilk?

This recipe permits the use of milk as an alternative to buttermilk, but it should be noted that the cake will not be as tender and moist. If a DIY buttermilk is desired, combine 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of milk and allow it to rest for 5 minutes prior to use.

The Calories in the Recipe

On average, one slice of German Chocolate Cake (1/12th of a 9-inch cake) contains around 450-500 calories.

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