Homemade German Chocolate Cake is a decadent dessert featuring rich layers of moist chocolate cake, topped with a gooey coconut and pecan frosting and enveloped in a smooth chocolate frosting. It's a luxurious treat perfect for special occasions or when you want to indulge in something truly special.
Ingredients:
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1-¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 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 oil (vegetable or canola oil)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For Coconut and Pecan Frosting:
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup butter
- 3 large egg yolks
- ¾ cup evaporated milk
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- ½ cup butter
- ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation:
For the Chocolate Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin).
- Bake: Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then remove to wire racks to cool completely.
For Coconut and Pecan Frosting:
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix light brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, egg yolks, and evaporated milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened, about 12 minutes.
- Add Flavor and Texture: Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut. Let cool until thick enough to spread.
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- Melt Butter: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir in cocoa powder.
- Make Frosting: Alternately add powdered sugar and evaporated milk, beating to spreading consistency. Add a small amount more milk, if needed. Stir in vanilla.
Assembly:
- Layer Cake and Coconut Frosting: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the coconut and pecan frosting on top. Add the second cake layer.
- Top and Sides: Spread the remaining coconut and pecan frosting over the top layer. Use the chocolate frosting to cover the sides of the cake.
- Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle the top with some extra pecans or drizzle with melted chocolate for a decorative touch.
Tips:
- Cake Layers: If the cake layers dome on top, you can level them with a knife for even stacking.
- Boiling Water: The boiling water helps to "bloom" the cocoa, enhancing its chocolate flavor.
- Cooling Time: Ensure the cake and frostings are completely cooled before assembly to prevent the layers from sliding or the frosting from melting.
Prep Time:
- Preparation Time: 45 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (plus cooling)
Conclusion
Homemade German Chocolate Cake is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of coconut and pecans with the richness of chocolate. Whether for a birthday, holiday, or any celebration, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth. Enjoy the process of baking and sharing this wonderful cake with loved ones.
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