Name: German Chocolate Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups sugar; 1 cup buttermilk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut (for frosting); 1 cup chopped pecans (for frosting); 1 cup brown sugar (for frosting); ½ cup evaporated milk (for frosting); 1 stick butter (for frosting)

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Why Make This Recipe

German Chocolate Cake is a delightful dessert that pleases both young and old. This cake combines rich chocolate layers with a sweet and nutty frosting, making it perfect for celebrations and family gatherings. Its unique flavors come from the coconut and pecans mixed into the frosting, providing a special touch that sets it apart from other cakes. Whether it’s a birthday or a holiday, this cake brings joy to any occasion.

How to Make German Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:

1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups of sugar
1 cup of buttermilk
½ cup of vegetable oil
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
½ teaspoon of salt
1 cup of boiling water

For the frosting:

1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup of chopped pecans
1 cup of brown sugar
½ cup of evaporated milk
1 stick of butter

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a bowl, mix the cocoa powder, flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix well.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Gradually stir in the boiling water until smooth.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
For the frosting, cook the brown sugar, evaporated milk, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it thickens. Stir in coconut and pecans.
Once the cakes are cool, frost with the coconut-pecan frosting and serve.

How to Serve German Chocolate Cake

You can serve German Chocolate Cake as a delightful dessert after dinner. It is best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or milk. For an extra special touch, you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. To impress your guests, slice the cake into generous pieces and place them on dessert plates.

How to Store German Chocolate Cake

To keep your German Chocolate Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for about a week. For longer storage, slice the cake and freeze individual pieces in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. This will keep the cake enjoyable for up to three months.

Tips to Make German Chocolate Cake

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps the batter mix nicely.
Don’t rush the boiling water step; adding it gradually will make your cake nice and moist.
Let the cakes cool completely before frosting. This ensures the frosting doesn’t melt.

Variation

You can try making a chocolate ganache instead of the traditional coconut-pecan frosting for a different flavor. Simply melt chocolate with heavy cream for a smooth topping.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk. To make a buttermilk alternative, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

2. How do I know when the cakes are done?
The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the baking time as ovens can vary.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cakes a day or two in advance. Just wrap them well and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to frost and serve.