Chocolate cake with coconut-pecan caramel frosting
German Chocolate Cake
German Chocolate Cake
1hMedium
Prep Time
25 min
Cook Time
35 min
Total Time
1 hr
Servings
14
1 three-layer cake
Difficulty
Medium
Cost
Moderate
$$
German Chocolate Cake
Chocolate cake with coconut-pecan caramel frosting
A classic American chocolate layer cake (named for Sam German, not the country) topped with a rich, gooey coconut and toasted pecan caramel frosting.
25m
Prep Time
35m
Cook Time
60m
Total Time
14
Servings
Medium
Difficulty
Moderate $$
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
German chocolate cake is an American original despite its name—invented in Texas in 1957 using Baker's German's chocolate. The coconut-pecan frosting is what makes it truly iconic.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, and 4 oz sweet baking chocolate
- 3 eggs, separated, and 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1.5 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1.5 cups chopped pecans, toasted
- 3/4 cup butter (divided for cake and frosting)
Instructions
- 1
Melt chocolate with 1/2 cup hot water. Beat 1/2 cup butter and sugar, add egg yolks, chocolate, buttermilk, flour, 1 tsp baking soda, and vanilla.
- 2
Fold in stiffly beaten egg whites. Divide among three greased 9-inch round pans. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Cool completely.
- 3
For frosting: cook evaporated milk, 1 cup sugar, 1/4 cup butter, and 3 egg yolks over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 12 minutes).
- 4
Remove from heat and stir in coconut, pecans, and 1 tsp vanilla. Cool until spreadable.
- 5
Spread coconut-pecan frosting between the layers and on top. Leave the sides bare or frost with chocolate buttercream.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate sauce before serving
Substitutions
German's sweet chocolateSemi-sweet chocolate with 1 tbsp extra sugar
Very close in flavor and sweetness
PecansWalnuts or macadamia nuts
Both toast well and have a similar richness
DepthPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Vanilla Extract
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the vanilla matters
For baking and desserts, vanilla is often carrying more aroma than people expect. A better bottle gives the whole recipe a cleaner finish.
This is a small pantry move that usually makes baked goods taste more complete.
- Improves aroma in desserts and bakes
- Useful across cakes, cookies, and breakfast bakes
Vanilla extract is one of the easiest pantry upgrades to keep using.
Shop vanilla extract for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
Use Baker's German's Sweet Chocolate for the most authentic flavor—it's sweeter than regular baking chocolate.
The frosting thickens as it cools; if it gets too thick, warm it gently to spreading consistency.
Storage
Refrigerate up to 5 days. The coconut-pecan frosting contains eggs and must be kept cold.
Reheating
Bring to room temperature 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (70mg) · 14 servings
Calories460
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein6g
Carbohydrates26g
Fat54g
Fiber280mg
Sugar2g
Sodium40g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this cake actually German?
- No—it's named after Sam German, who created Baker's German's Sweet Chocolate in 1852.
- Can I frost the sides?
- Traditionally the sides are left bare, but chocolate buttercream on the sides is a popular option.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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