Best Easy German Chocolate Cake Recipe

Rich German chocolate cake layered with coconut-pecan frosting is a decadent, towering family celebration dessert. This beloved American classic combines deep chocolate flavor with sweet, nutty filling.

Cook 120 min Difficulty NORMAL 480 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • German's sweet chocolate 4 oz
  • All-purpose flour 2.5 cups
  • Granulated sugar 2 cups
  • Unsalted butter 1 cups
  • Eggs 4 pieces
  • Buttermilk 1 cup
  • Baking soda 1 tsp
  • Vanilla extract 2 tsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Salt 0.5 tsp
  • Shredded coconut 1.5 cups
  • Chopped pecans 1.5 cups
  • Evaporated milk 1 cup
  • Brown sugar 1 cup
  • Egg yolks 3 pieces
  • Unsalted butter (frosting) 0.5 cup
  • Vanilla extract (frosting) 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 64 g 53%
Protein 7 g 6%
Fat 22 g 41%
Serving size 150g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease three 9-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment for easier removal.

  2. 2

    Melt the German's sweet chocolate gently in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth, then let it cool slightly before mixing.

  3. 3

    Cream unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy using medium speed. Beat in eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before the next.

  4. 4

    Mix melted chocolate and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, then alternately add sifted flour (mixed with baking soda and salt) and buttermilk, starting and ending with flour. Beat just until combined, avoiding overmixing.

  5. 5

    Divide batter evenly among pans, bake for 25–30 minutes. Cakes are done when a toothpick comes out clean. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out on racks to cool completely.

  6. 6

    For the frosting: In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk evaporated milk, brown sugar, egg yolks, and unsalted butter (frosting) until thickened—about 10–12 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Let frosting cool until spreadable.

  7. 7

    Assemble: Place one cake layer on a plate, spread frosting evenly over it, add the second layer, repeat with frosting, then the third. Spread remaining frosting on top and sides. Chill for 30 minutes before serving for cleaner slices.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The defining ingredient is German's sweet chocolate, which gives the cake its signature rich yet mellow chocolate flavor. Combined with the coconut and pecan frosting, it creates the classic taste and texture loved in German Chocolate Cake.
Q. Why is heat control important when making the frosting?
Maintaining medium heat while cooking the frosting is crucial. Whisking evaporated milk, brown sugar, egg yolks, and butter helps prevent burning and ensures the mixture thickens smoothly. Overheating may cause curdling, so staying attentive keeps the texture creamy.
Q. How do you prevent the cake from drying out while baking?
Avoid overbaking by checking for doneness at 25 minutes with a toothpick—when it comes out clean, remove the cake from the oven. Cooling the cakes in their pans for 10 minutes before turning them onto racks preserves moisture and prevents breakage.
Q. What is the nutritional profile per serving?
Each 150g serving contains approximately 480 kcal, 64g carbohydrates (53% of calories), 7g protein (6%), and 22g fat (41%). This cake is fairly high in carbs and fat, giving it its rich texture and flavor.
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