Ah, the famous German chocolate cake! You might be surprised to learn that it actually has nothing to do with Germany! The name comes from an American named Samuel German, who developed a dark-baking chocolate for a British chocolate company in 1852. This cake is a delightful layering of rich chocolate goodness and a decadent frosting made from coconut and pecans. I can’t help but get excited just thinking about it! The combination of flavors is simply out of this world. Picture this: moist chocolate cake, sweet coconut, and crunchy pecans all coming together in one slice. Trust me, once you try this German chocolate cake, you’ll want to bake it again and again! It’s perfect for celebrations or just a cozy night in with a loved one. Let’s dive into this sweet adventure together!

Ingredients for German Chocolate Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – This forms the base of your cake, giving it that lovely structure.
• 2 cups sugar – Sweetness is key! This will balance the rich chocolate flavors.
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – The star of the show! It adds that deep, chocolatey goodness.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder – This helps the cake rise beautifully.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda – Another leavening agent to keep things light and fluffy.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to enhance all those wonderful flavors.
• 2 large eggs – They help bind everything together and add moisture.
• 1 cup whole milk – This makes the batter creamy and rich.
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil – For that moist texture you’ll absolutely love!
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla makes everything better!
• 1 cup boiling water – This might sound odd, but it really intensifies the chocolate flavor and makes the cake super moist.
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut – This gives that classic German chocolate cake texture and sweetness.
• 1 cup chopped pecans – For that delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

How to Prepare German Chocolate Cake

1. First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because you want your cake to bake evenly from the start.
2. Next, take two 9-inch round cake pans and grease them up with butter or cooking spray, then dust them with flour. This helps your cakes release easily once they’re baked.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk it all together until it’s well mixed. This is where the magic begins!
4. Now, add in the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until you see a smooth batter forming. Don’t worry, it’s going to look a bit thick at this point.
5. Here’s the secret: slowly stir in the boiling water. This hot addition turns your thick batter into a silky, pourable dream that intensifies the chocolate flavor.
6. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans and pop them in the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, but do check with a toothpick—when it comes out clean, your cakes are ready!
7. Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. This part is important, so be patient!
8. While the cakes are cooling, you can whip up the frosting to make this cake truly irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly rich and moist chocolate cake that melts in your mouth.
• Decadent coconut and pecan frosting that adds a delightful crunch.
• Perfect for celebrations, or just a sweet treat on a Tuesday!
• Simple ingredients you probably have in your pantry.
• Impressive presentation that will wow your friends and family.
• Easy to follow steps, so even beginner bakers can shine!

Tips for Success with German Chocolate Cake

Alright, let’s make sure your German chocolate cake turns out absolutely perfect! First off, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately—too much flour can lead to a dense cake. I like to spoon flour into my measuring cup and level it off with a knife for precision. Also, don’t skip the boiling water step; it’s crucial for that moist texture and rich flavor!

When you bake the cakes, keep an eye on them in the last few minutes. Ovens can vary, and overbaking can dry them out. Use the toothpick test: it should come out clean but not too dry. Once cooled, let your cakes rest before frosting—this helps the frosting stick better.

And remember, patience is key! Letting the cake sit overnight makes the flavors even better, so if you can, resist the urge to dive in right away. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Variations of German Chocolate Cake

Once you’ve mastered the classic German chocolate cake, the fun really begins with variations! For a nutty twist, try swapping out the pecans for walnuts or even hazelnuts—both add a delightful crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, how about adding a layer of raspberry or cherry filling between the cake layers? The tartness of the fruit pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate.

You can also experiment with frostings—try a cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast, or even a chocolate ganache for an indulgent upgrade. The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings a unique touch to this beloved cake!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve got some leftover German chocolate cake? Lucky you! To keep it fresh and delicious, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you think it’ll last longer than that (which it probably won’t!), you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just make sure it’s well covered so it doesn’t dry out or absorb any strange fridge odors!

If you want to reheat a slice, I recommend using the microwave for a quick warm-up. Just pop it in for about 10-15 seconds, keeping an eye on it to avoid overheating. You want it warm, not molten! If you prefer it slightly crispy, you can place it in a toaster oven for a couple of minutes. Enjoy that cozy slice just like it’s fresh out of the oven!

Nutritional Information

Just a little heads-up: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I can’t provide exact numbers, here’s a general idea of what you can expect per slice of this delicious German chocolate cake: around 450 calories, with 35g of sugar and 20g of fat. Remember, enjoying a slice of this decadent cake is all about balance and indulgence!

Frequently Asked Questions About German Chocolate Cake

What makes German chocolate cake different from regular chocolate cake?
Great question! The unique factor of German chocolate cake is its rich frosting made from coconut and pecans, which gives it a delightful texture and flavor contrast compared to a traditional chocolate cake.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making it a day in advance. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, and it makes for a fantastic dessert when you’re short on time.

Is there a way to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s one that’s designed for baking to get that perfect texture!

Can I use other nuts in the frosting?
Definitely! While pecans are traditional, walnuts or even almonds can create a lovely variation. Just chop them up, and they’ll work beautifully in the frosting!

What’s the best way to slice the cake?
To get clean slices, use a sharp knife dipped in warm water. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for those picture-perfect pieces!

Final Touches on Your German Chocolate Cake

I’d love to hear how your German chocolate cake turns out! Don’t be shy—share your experiences, tips, or any creative twists you tried in the comments below. If you enjoyed the recipe, a quick rating would mean the world to me! Baking is all about sharing joy, so let’s spread the love and inspire each other in the kitchen. Happy baking, my friends!

German chocolate cake: 7 Irresistible Reasons to Bake

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• Autor: Julia marin
• Gesamtzeit: 55 minutes
• Ertrag: 12 servings 1x
• Ernährung: Vegetarisch

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Beschreibung

German chocolate cake is a layered chocolate cake with a rich coconut and pecan frosting.

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Skala 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans

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Anweisungen

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
3. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until combined.
5. Stir in boiling water until smooth.
6. Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
9. Prepare the frosting by combining coconut, pecans, sugar, milk, and egg yolks in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until thick, stirring constantly.
10. Spread frosting between layers and on top of the cake.

Notes

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
• This cake is best enjoyed the next day.
• You can use walnuts instead of pecans if desired.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Kochen Zeit: 35 minutes
• Kategorie: Dessert
• Methode: Baking
• Küche: German

Ernährung

• Portionsgröße: 1 slice
• Kalorien: 450
• Zucker: 35g
• Natrium: 300mg
• Fett: 20g
• Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 8g
• Ungesättigte Fette: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Kohlenhydrate: 60g
• Faser: 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterin: 50mg

Keywords: German chocolate cake, chocolate dessert, layered cake