German Chocolate Cake – Classic Recipe
Moist chocolate layers + rich coconut-pecan frosting.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake
4 oz German sweet baking chocolate (or semi-sweet if needed)
½ cup boiling water
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, separated
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
For the Coconut–Pecan Frosting
1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large egg yolks
½ cup unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ⅓ cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup chopped pecans (toasted if possible)
🥣 Instructions
- Make the Chocolate Cake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans.
Melt the chocolate in the boiling water; set aside to cool slightly.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add egg yolks one at a time, then mix in the melted chocolate and vanilla.
Add dry ingredients alternately with the buttermilk, starting and ending with dry ingredients.
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites to stiff peaks. Gently fold them into the batter.
Divide batter evenly into the pans and bake 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely before frosting. - Make the Coconut–Pecan Frosting
In a saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, butter, and vanilla.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 10–12 minutes).
Remove from heat and stir in coconut and pecans.
Let cool until thick enough to spread. - Assemble
Place the first cake layer on a plate. Spread frosting over the top.
Add the second layer → frost → add the final layer.
Spread the remaining frosting on top and along the sides if desired (traditionally only the tops are frosted).
✨ Tips
Toasting the pecans enhances flavor.
If you want a richer chocolate flavor, add 1 tbsp cocoa powder to the batter.
This cake tastes EVEN better the next day as the flavors deepen.
If you’d like, I can format this for your blog, add a printable version, or provide a step-by-step photo-style guide!