This German Chocolate Cake recipe with a homemade coconut-pecan frosting is a classic dessert perfect for special occasions or as a treat for chocolate lovers. Here’s the step-by-step guide to make it:
Cake 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 whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Frosting Ingredients:
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cake Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get your 9-inch round cake pans ready by greasing and flouring them to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, 2 cups of granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: To the dry mixture, add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to beat everything together on medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Incorporate Boiling Water: Carefully stir in the boiling water last. The batter will be thin, but it should be evenly mixed.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cakes: After baking, let the cakes cool in the pans for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting Instructions:
- Combine Frosting Ingredients: In a saucepan, mix together the shredded coconut, pecans, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and egg yolks.
- Cook Frosting: Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it has thickened (should take about 12-15 minutes).
- Cool Frosting: Remove from heat, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and let the frosting cool to a spreadable consistency.
Assembly:
- First Layer: Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a layer of the coconut-pecan frosting over the top.
- Second Layer: Add the second cake layer on top and continue to spread the frosting on the top and around the sides of the cake.
- Serve: Cut the cake into slices and serve. Enjoy the rich, chocolatey layers complemented by the sweet and nutty frosting.
This decadent German Chocolate Cake is sure to be a hit. Remember to allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to ensure a smooth and even application.