Homemade German Chocolate Cake

Name: Homemade German Chocolate Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 1 cake (12 servings)
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups granulated 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 buttermilk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup chopped pecans; 1 cup shredded coconut; 1 cup evaporated milk; 1 cup granulated sugar; 3 large egg yolks; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Introduction

Welcome to my kitchen, where today we are going to embark on a delightful culinary adventure with a recipe for homemade German Chocolate Cake. Get ready to indulge in a moist, chocolaty cake layered with a luscious coconut-pecan frosting. This classic dessert has been a favorite in many households for generations, and it’s time to bring this rich and decadent treat into your own home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons why this homemade German Chocolate Cake recipe is a must-try. Let me highlight a few of the best features:

Firstly, this cake is incredibly moist and tender, thanks to the combination of buttermilk and oil in the batter. Each bite melts in your mouth, leaving you craving more.

Secondly, the coconut-pecan frosting takes this cake to a whole new level. It’s a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness, adding a delectable texture and flavor that complements the chocolate cake perfectly.

Lastly, this recipe is completely homemade. From the cake layers to the frosting, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create this bakery-worthy treat in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients

To prepare this homemade German Chocolate Cake, you will need the following ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 2 cups granulated 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 buttermilk

– 1/2 cup vegetable oil

– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

– 1 cup boiling water

– 1 cup chopped pecans

– 1 cup shredded coconut

– 1 cup evaporated milk

– 1 cup granulated sugar

– 3 large egg yolks

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this mouthwatering homemade German Chocolate Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well to ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredient mixture. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until the batter is smooth and well combined.

4. Gradually pour in the boiling water while continuing to mix the batter on low speed. The batter will be thin, but that’s what gives the cake its moist and tender texture.

5. Divide the batter equally among the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula to ensure even baking.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

7. While the cakes are baking, let’s prepare the coconut-pecan frosting. In a medium saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, butter, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. This should take about 12-15 minutes.

8. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped pecans and shredded coconut. Let the frosting cool completely.

9. Once the cakes have cooled, remove them from the pans and place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of the coconut-pecan frosting on top.

10. Place the second cake layer on top of the frosting and repeat the process, spreading more frosting on top.

11. Finally, place the third cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Use a spatula to create decorative swirls on the sides.

12. For best results, refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Expert Tips for Success

Here are some expert tips to ensure your homemade German Chocolate Cake turns out perfectly:

– Make sure all the cake layers are completely cooled before frosting them. This will prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off the cake.

– Toast the pecans before chopping them to enhance their flavor. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant.

– If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by combining 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Variations and Substitutions

While the classic homemade German Chocolate Cake is already a masterpiece on its own, you can get creative and customize it to suit your preferences:

– For a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

– If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can use walnuts instead or omit the nuts altogether.

– Experiment with different fillings or frostings. You can add a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers or replace the coconut-pecan frosting with a creamy chocolate buttercream.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving this homemade German Chocolate Cake, the options are endless:

– Serve it as is for a delightful afternoon treat or as a show-stopping dessert at your next dinner party.

– Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence.

– For a special occasion, dust the top of the cake with cocoa powder or garnish it with chocolate shavings.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

Q: Can I freeze the cake?

A: Yes, you can freeze the cake layers before frosting them. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and assembling the cake.

Q: How long will the frosted cake last?

A: The frosted German Chocolate Cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Just make sure to cover it properly to prevent it from drying out.

Final Thoughts

Congratulations! You’ve successfully mastered the art of making homemade German Chocolate Cake. This delicious dessert is sure to impress your family and friends with its rich flavors and moist texture. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a sweet indulgence, this classic recipe will never disappoint. So go ahead, give it a try, and let the heavenly taste of this homemade German Chocolate Cake transport you to dessert paradise. Enjoy!

Homemade German Chocolate Cake

Homemade German Chocolate Cake

Introduction

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Expert Tips for Success

Variations and Substitutions

Serving Suggestions

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Homemade German Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

Directions

Nutrition Facts

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