German Chocolate Cake Recipe – Rich, Moist & Totally Irresistible!

Introduction

Few cakes command attention and admiration at celebrations quite like German Chocolate Cake. With its ultra-moist, chocolatey layers and signature coconut-pecan frosting, this classic dessert brings together flavors and textures in a way that’s both comforting and indulgent. A homemade German Chocolate Cake is guaranteed to impress for birthdays, holidays, or anytime you want a showstopper on your dessert table.

Why This German Chocolate Cake Stands Out

The secret behind this cake’s crowd-pleasing appeal lies in its distinct layers: deeply flavored, fluffy chocolate cake paired with a rich, caramel-like coconut-pecan frosting. Unlike typical chocolate cakes, this version uses sweet baking chocolate for a mellow depth and delicate sweetness that sets it apart. The result is a moist, decadent slice that melts in your mouth and keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

The Ultimate Coconut-Pecan Frosting

What makes German Chocolate Cake truly unique is its iconic frosting. Instead of buttercream, this cake features a luscious blend of coconut, chopped pecans, and a velvety, caramelized custard. Cooked gently on the stove, this topping cools to become thick yet spreadable—perfect for generously slathering between layers and over the top of the cake.

Step-by-Step Assembly for a Bakery-Worthy Cake

After baking and cooling your cake layers, apply a generous scoop of frosting to each layer, spreading evenly. Stack carefully, then finish by covering the top and sides with what remains. For a beautiful presentation, toast additional coconut or pecans and sprinkle them over the cake, or decorate with a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra flair.

Serving Suggestions for an Unforgettable Dessert

A slice of German Chocolate Cake pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serve at room temperature to ensure the cake layers are soft and the coconut-pecan frosting is at its creamiest. Leftovers (if any!) can be stored covered at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for longer freshness.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes a classic 9-inch layer cake, serving 12 to 16 generous portions. Each serving is rich and satisfying, containing approximately 420-480 calories, depending on how you slice it and the topping amounts. It’s a treat meant to be savored on special occasions!

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section – perfect for efficient grocery trips and seamless weekly planning.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a heatproof bowl, melt the sweet baking chocolate over a double boiler or in short microwave bursts. Let it cool slightly.
4. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks, one at a time, then stir in the melted chocolate and vanilla extract.
5. Alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
6. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into the batter.
7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Pour 1/3 cup of hot water over each pan of batter and gently swirl to combine.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool 10 minutes, then remove cakes from pans and cool completely.
9. For the frosting: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 12 minutes). Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans. Cool until spreadable.
10. Assemble the cake by spreading frosting between each layer and over the top and sides. Garnish with toasted coconut, pecans, or chocolate drizzle if desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

This rich German Chocolate Cake is a wonderful addition to your meal planning rotation—not only as a weekend treat but also for celebrating special occasions throughout the year. Save and schedule this recipe to add it to your personalized weekly meal plan. CookifyAI will generate a precise shopping list, consolidating these ingredients with others from your planned menu for the week.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically tracks all ingredients and totals amounts across different recipes.
• Streamlines your grocery list by store section, reducing shopping time.
• Eliminates missed ingredients and duplicate purchases.
• Makes prepping for special occasions and regular meals easier and more organized.

Pro tip: When scheduling multiple recipes, plan ahead with CookifyAI to see how staple items like butter, eggs, or flour are used throughout your menu—avoiding over-buying and last-minute store runs.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including cooling and assembly)