German Chocolate Cake is a classic dessert known for its rich chocolate flavor and coconut-pecan frosting. Here's a recipe to help you make your own German Chocolate Cake:
Ingredients for the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Ingredients for the coconut-pecan frosting:
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ⅓ cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
Make the cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture on medium speed for about 2 minutes. Stir in the boiling water, and the batter will be thin. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
Bake the cakes: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the frosting: In a saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, sugar, butter, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans. Let the frosting cool to room temperature.
Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of the coconut-pecan frosting over the top. Add the second cake layer and repeat the frosting. Finally, place the third cake layer on top and frost the entire cake, including the sides, with the remaining frosting.
Serve and enjoy: Your German Chocolate Cake is ready to be served! Slice and enjoy this deliciously decadent dessert.
Note: Traditional German Chocolate Cake is made with a specific type of chocolate called "German's Sweet Chocolate," but you can use regular unsweetened cocoa powder as a substitute in this recipe.
Remember to store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Enjoy!