If you have a sweet tooth and a love for classics, then this German Chocolate Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try for you. Rich, moist chocolate cake layers crowned with a luscious coconut-pecan frosting create a mouthwatering blend of flavors and textures that feel like a warm hug from the inside out. It’s a beloved dessert that’s both nostalgic and timeless, and once you try this recipe, it might just become your new favorite celebration cake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This German Chocolate Cake is surprisingly simple to make, yet every ingredient plays an essential role in building its fabulous flavor and texture. From the classic cake mix which acts as the base, to the coconut and pecans adding delightful crunch and chew, each component complements the others perfectly.
- German chocolate cake mix (1 package, 18.25 ounces): The foundation that delivers the perfect moist and rich chocolate flavor without fuss.
- Evaporated milk (1 can, 5 ounces): Adds creaminess and richness to the signature frosting, making it lush and smooth.
- Flaked coconut (1 cup): Brings chewy texture and tropical sweetness to the topping.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup): Offers a pleasant crunch and nutty depth that contrasts beautifully with the creamy frosting.
- Butter or margarine (1/2 cup): Adds richness and helps bind the frosting ingredients together.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the frosting and balances the coconut and nuts perfectly.
- Egg yolks (4): Provide body and thickness to the frosting mixture for that signature gooey texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, aromatic touch that rounds out the flavor profile.
How to Make German Chocolate Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking. Then prepare the German chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions—this little shortcut helps you get the perfect moist cake without much hassle. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan, getting ready to top it off with the divine frosting.
Step 2: Make the Coconut-Pecan Frosting
While the batter waits, it’s time to prepare the iconic frosting that makes this German Chocolate Cake Recipe so special. In a saucepan over low heat, combine evaporated milk, flaked coconut, chopped pecans, butter, granulated sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Stir constantly to prevent lumps and burning. Keep cooking until the mixture thickens into a rich, glossy frosting that’s just begging to be spread generously over the cake.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Once your frosting has reached that perfect thick and creamy state, spread it evenly over the raw cake batter in the pan. This method ensures the frosting sinks in slightly during baking, infusing the cake with moist, nutty sweetness throughout. Bake the assembled cake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Then, give it time to cool before cutting in. This patience will reward you with perfectly set layers and that drool-worthy frosting consistency.
How to Serve German Chocolate Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For a final flourish, sprinkle some extra toasted pecans or a few flakes of coconut on top of the frosting right before serving. This not only adds a delightful visual appeal but also offers a crunchy contrast that enhances every bite.
Side Dishes
While this cake can stand proudly on its own, pairing it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream can elevate the experience to restaurant-quality indulgence. Fresh berries also add a bright, juicy contrast to the cake’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Try serving individual portions in pretty glass jars layered with the cake and frosting for a rustic yet elegant treat. Alternatively, cut the cake into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a platter for a party-friendly dessert that’s easy to grab and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover German Chocolate Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate it if your kitchen is warm, which helps keep the frosting fresh and the cake moist.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, preserving its flavor and texture for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy the cake warm, let slices come to room temperature and microwave briefly in 10-second increments until just warmed through. This brings back some of that fresh-baked coziness without melting the coconut-pecan frosting.
FAQs
What makes German Chocolate Cake different from other chocolate cakes?
German Chocolate Cake is unique because of its signature coconut-pecan frosting that sits on top of or between layers of chocolate cake, giving it a moist, nutty, and sweet texture unlike a plain chocolate frosting.
Can I make the cake and frosting from scratch?
Absolutely! While this German Chocolate Cake Recipe uses a cake mix for convenience, you can prepare both cake and frosting from scratch for a more hands-on approach.
Is this cake suitable for special occasions?
Definitely! Its rich flavors and impressive look make it a fantastic choice for birthdays, holidays, and celebrations where you want to wow your guests.
Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or even almonds, but pecans are traditional and provide the best classic flavor and texture.
How long does this cake stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, this cake stays fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to 5 days refrigerated.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about making and sharing a homemade German Chocolate Cake Recipe. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create a dessert full of love, nostalgia, and joy. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply because you deserve a sweet treat, I truly hope you enjoy making and savoring every luscious bite of this wonderful cake.
Print
German Chocolate Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This classic German Chocolate Cake combines a moist chocolate cake base made from a convenient cake mix with a rich, gooey coconut-pecan frosting cooked on the stovetop. The decadent topping blends evaporated milk, coconut, pecans, butter, sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla, creating a luscious texture that perfectly complements the chocolate cake. Ideal for celebrations or any special occasion, this recipe yields a delicious dessert with a nostalgic Southern charm.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 (18.25 ounce) package German chocolate cake mix
Frosting
- 1 (5 ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1 cup flaked coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make Cake Batter: Follow the instructions on the German chocolate cake mix package to prepare the batter. Once ready, pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Cook Frosting: In a medium saucepan, combine evaporated milk, flaked coconut, chopped pecans, butter or margarine, granulated sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent scorching, until the mixture thickens to a creamy, spreadable consistency. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes.
- Assemble Cake: Pour or spoon the hot frosting mixture evenly over the raw cake batter in the pan. Do this carefully to avoid disrupting the batter too much.
- Bake Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This indicates the cake is fully baked and set.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. This gives the frosting time to firm up slightly and the flavors to meld. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Use fresh egg yolks to ensure safe consumption since they’re partially cooked in the frosting.
- Stir frosting constantly to prevent it from curdling or burning.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts if preferred.
- Make sure the cake is fully cooled before storing to maintain frosting texture.
- For a richer cake, consider adding 1/2 cup of sour cream to the cake batter as per package instructions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
