Oh, let me tell you about my love for homemade German chocolate cake! This delightful treat has such a rich history, and every bite feels like a comforting hug. Originating from a chocolate recipe created by an American named Samuel German in the 19th century, it’s evolved into this scrumptious cake we adore today. The layers of moist chocolate cake, combined with that luscious coconut pecan frosting, create a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. I remember the first time I baked this cake for my family; the smell of chocolate wafting through the house had everyone gathering in the kitchen, ready to dig in! Trust me, once you make this cake, you’ll find yourself reaching for a second slice (or maybe even a third)! It’s just that good!
Ingredients for Homemade German Chocolate Cake
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this decadent homemade German chocolate cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the backbone of your cake, giving it structure and a soft crumb.
- 2 cups sugar: For that perfect touch of sweetness that balances the rich chocolate.
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: This is the star of the show, delivering deep, chocolatey flavor.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise to fluffy perfection.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda: Works hand-in-hand with baking powder for that light texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- 2 large eggs: These add moisture and richness.
- 1 cup whole milk: For a tender and moist cake.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake super moist and adds density.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla brings everything together beautifully.
- 1 cup boiling water: This surprisingly helps to intensify the chocolate flavor!
- 1 cup shredded coconut: For that signature texture and flavor in the frosting.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: Adds a delightful crunch to the frosting.
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk: This is what makes the frosting creamy and irresistible.
How to Prepare Homemade German Chocolate Cake
Getting ready to bake this delightful homemade German chocolate cake is easier than you might think! Just follow these simple steps, and I promise you’ll be rewarded with a cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) – this is crucial for ensuring even baking. While that’s heating up, grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent any sticky situations later!
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. It’s like a little chocolate party in there! Once mixed, add in the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat it all together for about 2 minutes until smooth. Then, stir in the boiling water – don’t skip this step! It really amps up the chocolate flavor and makes the batter super silky.
Now, pour that luscious batter evenly into your prepared pans and pop them in the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, but keep an eye on them! You want a toothpick to come out clean when inserted in the center. Once done, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Patience is key here—allowing them to cool properly will make frosting a breeze!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Add the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth.
- Carefully stir in the boiling water. It will seem thin, but that’s what makes it moist!
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Don’t fill them too high—about 2/3 full is perfect.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean.
- Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, run a knife around the edges and invert them onto wire racks to cool completely.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, where do I even begin? This homemade German chocolate cake is truly a labor of love that’s absolutely worth every minute! Here’s why you’re going to adore it:
- Rich Flavor: The combination of deep chocolate with sweet coconut and crunchy pecans creates an unforgettable taste that’s simply divine.
- Moist Texture: Thanks to the secret of boiling water in the batter, your cake will be incredibly moist and tender.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even if you’re a beginner, you’ll feel like a pro baker!
- Festive Appeal: This cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration. It always steals the show!
- Customizable: Feel free to get creative! Add more nuts or even a drizzle of chocolate ganache for an extra touch.
Trust me, once you’ve tasted this cake, it’ll become your go-to dessert for every occasion!
Tips for Success with Homemade German Chocolate Cake
Let’s make sure your homemade German chocolate cake turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to help you avoid any mishaps:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate. It really makes a difference in flavor!
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so start checking your cakes a few minutes before the recommended baking time.
- Cool Completely: Allow your cakes to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting into a gooey mess!
- Keep It Simple: If you’re new to baking, don’t stress! Just follow the steps, and you’ll have a delicious cake in no time.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this delightful dessert! Happy baking!
Nutritional Information for Homemade German Chocolate Cake
Now, let’s talk about the numbers behind this delicious homemade German chocolate cake! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Each slice, which is about one-twelfth of the cake, packs a delightful punch with approximately 350 calories. You’ll also find around 15 grams of fat, including 5 grams of saturated fat.
In terms of carbohydrates, you’re looking at about 50 grams per slice, along with 30 grams of sugar. Don’t forget the protein; each slice provides around 5 grams, making it a sweet treat that satisfies. And if you’re watching your sodium, there’s about 200 milligrams per slice. So, indulge responsibly and enjoy every delicious bite of this rich cake!
FAQ About Homemade German Chocolate Cake
Got questions about this scrumptious homemade German chocolate cake? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common inquiries:
Can I use different nuts? Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, walnuts or even almonds can add a fun twist to the frosting.
What if I want to make this cake ahead of time? You can bake the cakes a day in advance. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to frost!
Can I freeze this cake? Yes! Wrap slices in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. They’ll last for up to two months. Just thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
Do I have to use sweetened condensed milk? For the traditional frosting, yes! It gives that creamy texture, but you can experiment with cream cheese or buttercream if you’re feeling adventurous.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions—I’m here to help you create the best homemade German chocolate cake ever!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your homemade German chocolate cake properly ensures that it remains just as delicious as the day you baked it! First things first, if you have any leftovers (and let’s be honest, it’s hard to resist a second slice!), make sure to store them in an airtight container. This keeps the cake moist and flavorful. You can keep it at room temperature for about 1-2 days, but if you want to extend its life, refrigerate it for up to a week.
If you find yourself with extra slices, you can also freeze them! Just wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. No reheating is necessary—just let the cake come back to room temperature for the best taste experience!
Serving Suggestions for Homemade German Chocolate Cake
Now that you’ve baked this gorgeous homemade German chocolate cake, let’s talk about how to serve it for maximum enjoyment! This cake is already a star on its own, but pairing it with a few delightful accompaniments can elevate the experience even more. I love serving it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top—there’s just something about that light, airy texture that complements the rich chocolate and coconut pecan frosting perfectly.
Another favorite of mine is a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold creaminess against the warm cake is a match made in heaven! For a touch of elegance, consider garnishing each plate with a sprinkle of toasted coconut or a few extra pecans. And if you really want to impress, a drizzle of chocolate sauce can take it to the next level. Trust me, your guests will be raving about this cake long after the last slice is gone!
Drucken
Homemade German Chocolate Cake: 7 Reasons to Love It
- Gesamtzeit: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Ertrag: 12 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A rich and moist homemade German chocolate cake with layers of chocolate and coconut pecan frosting.
Zutaten
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 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 shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
Anweisungen
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat for 2 minutes.
- Stir in boiling water until combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove to wire racks.
- Prepare frosting by combining coconut, pecans, and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until thickened.
- Spread frosting between the cake layers and on top.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Use high-quality cocoa for better flavor.
- Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 35 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: German
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice
- Kalorien: 350
- Zucker: 30g
- Natrium: 200mg
- Fett: 15g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 5g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 50g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterin: 40mg
Keywords: homemade german chocolate cake