November 9 is the anniversary of the demolition of the Berlin Wall, a pivotal event in world history. It seems only fitting to mark this occasion with something German. My first thought was to make a sauerkraut meal ("Crickets, crickets. . ."). Then, I switched directions and got a much more enthusiastic reaction: German Chocolate Cake! ("Massive applause, standing ovation!!!. . .").
Ironically, this cake has nothing to do with Germany. In fact, it's named after its English-American creator, Sam German. It was called Baker's German Chocolate Cake. But we'll go with it, anyway. Even without the Germany connection.
I found this recipe at recipe-me.com and I like the way it came together. The only thing that seemed different was the addition of boiling water to the mix. Unusual. But it worked.
The cake mix is enough to make three 8-inch rounds, and the author states that she makes a 2-layer cake and uses a different frosting for the third cake round for family members with nut allergies and taste preferences.
I did not do this and instead went all-in on a 3-layer cake.😃
Coconut Pecan Frosting makes the Cake!
Let's be honest, German Chocolate Cake is all about the coconut-pecan frosting. It's sweet and rich, and replete with the unique combination of pecans and coconut - there's nothing like it.
And you know there's something special about a frosting that gets cooked: This is a little like making a custard, as it starts with evaporated milk, butter and egg yolks. And sugar, of course, don't forget the sugar! Once this is cooked enough to start thickening, the coconut and pecans are added.
Then, the frosting is left to cool and thicken some more.
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In order to make a layer cake, I needed a double batch of frosting. The author says that a single batch is adequate for a 9 x13 pan, but I'd still be tempted to make a double batch. It would be a shame to skimp on what makes this cake special!
German or not, this cake is yummy!
Do you love making cakes from scratch? Check out Best Clean Eating's rhubarb dump cake for another excellent cake!
📖 Recipe
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German Chocolate Cake:
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- ¾ cup cocoa
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
German Chocolate Frosting: (Note: double this for a layer cake)
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 3 egg yolk beaten with 1 teaspoon water
- ½ cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup flaked coconut
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350º F. Grease three 8-inch or two 9-inch round cake pans with cooking spray and lightly dust with flour. (One 9x13 will also work)
- In mixing bowl, add flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well combined.
- To flour mixture, add milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla and mix together on medium speed until well blended. Reduce the speed to low and add boiling water a little at a time to the cake batter. Once all water is mixed in, beat on high for about 1 minute.
- Evenly distribute cake batter between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes. Remove from pan and cool completely before frosting.
German Chocolate Frosting:
- In a large saucepan combine evaporated milk and cornstarch, then mix; mix in sugar, egg yolks, margarine and vanilla. Cook over low-medium heat until it reaches a slow boil. Stir constantly for 12 minutes until thick from when it starts to slowly boil. Remove from heat and stir in pecans and coconut, this frosting will thicken as it cools.
- Let cool 1 hour then spread on cooled cake. To make this cake easy to slice, layer cake with frosting and set in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or more, then slice and serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
German Chocolate Cake is a special treat!
Amy Liu Dong
I made this, and my family loves it so much.
Now, they are asking me to make this again this weekend.
Sula
I'm so glad your family loved it!
April
Your frosting was so yummy! This is my husbands favorite cake so I had to make this for him. He said it was the best he has ever had.
Sula
I'm so glad it was a hit! I feel like a lot of husbands list German Chocolate as their favorite cake! I wonder why that is?
Jessica Formicola\
This is the best german chocolate cake I've ever tried! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!
Sula
You're welcome - I'm so glad you like it!
sarah johnson
Making this for my BFF birthday tonight the frosting is killer I might have to triple it, cause I can't stop eating it.
Sula
The frosting is truly great!
Rhonda Albom
Fabulous and delicious. It's the coconut that really makes this german chocolate cakes frosting so great. I can't eat just one slice.
Sula
Yes it's like that for me too!
Adrianne
A double batch of frosting is my kindof cake! Yum, I love the rich decadant appeal of this cake. Cheers
Sula
I agree, a single batch of frosting is never enough! LOL
Big Trouble
Looks like your frosting turned out really gooey and delicious--I can't wait to try! When I used to make these cakes, I'd frost the cake with chocolate buttercream frosting and then put the coconut/pecan frosting on top of THAT. Just a suggestion!
Sula
I think some people use the coconut pecan just between the layers and then chocolate buttercream around the whole cake - would also be amazing!
Texasgirl
Making this for the next round of birthdays as it is all my peeps favorite!!
Sula
YUM