This is the only German Chocolate Cake recipe you'll ever need! This homemade cake features layers of moist chocolate cake and a delicious coconut pecan frosting.
1teaspooninstant espresso powder(optional, but recommended)
For the frosting:
1cup(200 grams) granulated sugar
1cup(240 ml) evaporated milk
3large egg yolks, room temperature and lightly beaten
½cup(115 grams) unsalted butter
1teaspoonpure vanilla extract
1 1/2cups(120 grams) sweetened shredded coconut
1cup (115 grams) chopped pecans
Instructions
To make the cake:
Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray two 9-inch cake pans with nonstick cooking spray, line the bottom of each pan with parchment paper, and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk in the granulated sugar and brown sugar, then add the oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract and mix until just combined.
Add the instant espresso powder to the cup of boiling water and mix until fully dissolved. Add to the mixing bowl and mix until just combined (the batter will be very thin)
Evenly distribute the batter between both cake pans. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 28-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean and the tops spring back when lightly touched.
Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool in the pans for 30 minutes. Run a knife around the outside of each cake layer in the pan then carefully remove the cakes from the pans and place on the wire rack to cool completely.
To make the frosting:
Add the granulated sugar, evaporated milk, and egg yolks to a large saucepan and whisk until fully combined. Slice the butter into small pieces and add to the saucepan.
Place over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter completely melts (about 4-5 minutes). Continue cooking and stirring constantly for another 8-12 minutes or until the mixture starts to boil and thicken.
Remove from the heat and stir in the sweetened shredded coconut and chopped pecans, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Transfer to a heat-safe container and allow to cool completely (about 1 - 1.5 hours).
To assemble the cake:
Once the cakes have cooled, level the tops of each cake. Place one cake layer on a cake stand or large serving plate and top with half of the frosting. Spread the frosting into one even layer on top of the cake layer.
Place the second cake layer on top of the frosting, add the remaining frosting on top, and spread around into one even layer.
Slice and enjoy or refrigerate until you’re ready to serve the cake.
Video
Notes
Store cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Freezing Instructions: Cake layers will freeze well for up to 3 months, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Frosting will freeze well for up to 3 months too, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and mix well before frosting the cake.Buttermilk: If you don't have any buttermilk on hand, you can use my homemade substitute.Instant Espresso Powder: This is optional, but highly recommended because it enhances the flavor of the chocolate in the cake. If you don't have any, you can substitute the boiling water and espresso powder for 1 cup of coffee. Or you can simply just omit the espresso powder and just use 1 cup of boiling water.Chocolate Frosting: If you want to decorate the outside of the cake with chocolate frosting, you can use a batch of my homemade chocolate frosting.