Simply Decadent German Chocolate Cake
Table of Contents
Craving Chocolate? Let's Bake a German Chocolate Cake
Ever get that serious chocolate craving? I know I do! This german chocolate cake recipe is my go-to. It's like a warm hug in cake form.
This cake hits all the right notes: chocolatey, nutty, and wonderfully coconutty! It's a real treat, innit?
A Slice of History: Where Did This Delight Come From?
The name can be a bit misleading. This pecan coconut cake isn't German at all! It actually comes from an American baker, Samuel German, and his baking chocolate.
It's a classic for a reason. It is easy to make easy chocolate cake recipe , it takes a bit of time, but the reward is great.
You get about 12 slices. This is perfect for a family get-together!
Why This Recipe Rocks
Honestly, the best part is the flavor combo. The chocolate cake layers are rich, but not too rich. Plus, that coconut pecan frosting ? Forget about it! It's divine.
This best german chocolate cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or those days when you just need a little something special.
Also, it is full of energy, which is great if you are running.
Time to Gather Your Goodies
Ready to get baking? You'll need things like butter, sugar, eggs, and german sweet chocolate . Don't forget the buttermilk and, of course, the coconut and pecans! I'm using homemade frosting for this recipe.
You could try using coconut flakes. You will need other normal backing ingredients to make it perfect
Easy Baking Steps
First, grab three 9 inch cake tins. Grease and line them, which makes it easier to remove the cake. You don't want it to stick to the pan, no way.
The oven temperature is 175° C ( 350° F) . It takes 30- 35 minutes. Do not forget to cool the cakes, and then add the coconut pecan frosting later when it is cool!
A Few Extra Tips
Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature. Trust me, it makes a big difference. And don't overbake those chocolate cake layers ! Nobody wants a dry cake.
Check the cake with a skewer - if it comes out clean then it is done. Don't forget about the cake baking tips !.
If not then add an extra five minutes! This is a great chocolate dessert recipes for any occasion.
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Best German Chocolate Cake
Alright, let's talk ingredients. Getting this right is key to nailing this German Chocolate Cake recipe . Honestly, the better the ingredients, the better the cake. It's that simple!
Main Ingredients for Heavenly Cake Layers
- Butter: 225g (1 cup) unsalted, softened. Good quality butter makes a difference. Look for a rich yellow color.
- Sugar: 300g (1 1/2 cups) granulated. Plain and simple.
- Eggs: 4 large. Use free range eggs, if you can.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon . Pure vanilla is the way to go. Skip the imitation stuff.
- German's Sweet Chocolate: 85g (3 ounces), melted and cooled. This german sweet chocolate is the star!
- Buttermilk: 240ml (1 cup). Adds moisture and tang. If you don't have it, see the substitutions below.
- Flour: 250g (2 cups) all-purpose. Standard stuff.
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon . For that perfect rise.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon . Balances the sweetness.
Coconut Pecan Frosting Goodness
- Butter: 170g (3/4 cup) unsalted. Use the same quality as for the cake.
- Sugar: 170g (3/4 cup) granulated.
- Evaporated Milk: 170ml (2/3 cup). Not condensed milk. Big difference.
- Egg Yolks: 3 large. Save the whites for an omelet!
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon .
- Shredded Coconut: 170g (1 1/2 cups). Unsweetened is best, but sweetened works in a pinch.
- Chopped Pecans: 115g (1 cup). Toasting them lightly brings out the flavour.
Seasoning Notes for the Perfect Flavour Combination
This pecan coconut cake isn't just chocolate. It's about balancing flavors.
- Essential Spice Combinations: A pinch of cinnamon in the cake batter can add a subtle warmth. Honestly, it's a game changer.
- Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: The vanilla is key! Don't skimp on it.
- Quick Substitution Options: If you're out of buttermilk, use 1 cup of milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes .
Equipment Needed for This Easy Chocolate Cake Recipe
You don't need a fancy kitchen to bake this easy chocolate cake recipe .
- Three 9 inch round cake pans.
- Parchment paper. Prevents sticking.
- Electric mixer (stand or hand). Makes creaming the butter and sugar much easier.
- Double boiler or heatproof bowl and saucepan. For the homemade frosting .
- Offset spatula. For spreading the frosting like a pro.
- Wire rack. For cooling the cakes.
You know what? This chocolate dessert recipe is one of my all-time favourites. I remember the first time I tried to make a german chocolate cake , the frosting was runny.
Lesson learned: don't rush the frosting process! Take your time, and you'll be rewarded with the best german chocolate cake ever.
These cake baking tips are what i wish i'd known sooner.
Simply Decadent German Chocolate Cake : From My Kitchen to Yours
Honestly, folks, who doesn't love a good german chocolate cake ? It’s that nostalgic hug of a dessert, you know? The chocolate cake layers , the crazy good coconut pecan frosting .
..it’s just pure comfort food. I always get requests for chocolate dessert recipes , and this one is a real winner.
I’ve tweaked it over the years, so it's now my go-to best german chocolate cake recipe.
Prep Steps: Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It
- Essential Mise en Place: Get everything out. I mean it. Butter, eggs, all the dry stuff. Soften that butter! Having everything ready is key to preventing mid-baking meltdowns. Believe me, I’ve been there.
- Time Saving Organization Tips: Measure out your dry ingredients into one bowl. Melt the german sweet chocolate beforehand. Seriously, future you will thank you.
- Safety Reminders (if applicable): Don’t burn yourself melting the chocolate! Low and slow is the way to go. And always, always use oven mitts!
step-by-step: Let’s Get Baking!
- Grease and flour those cake pans. Line with parchment. Trust me.
- Cream 225g butter and 300g sugar until fluffy. Key to tenderness.
- Beat in 4 eggs , one at a time, then 1 teaspoon vanilla .
- Melt 85g german sweet chocolate . Cool slightly! Don't burn yourself!
- Alternate dry and wet. Mix until just combined. Don't overmix!
- Fold in that melted chocolate gently.
- Divide into pans. Bake at 175° C ( 350° F) for 30- 35 minutes . Skewer comes out clean.
- Cool completely before frosting. This stops the frosting from melting,
Pro Tips: Secrets from My Kitchen
- Use room temperature ingredients. Seriously, it makes a difference. It's the cake baking tips your granny would give you.
- Don’t overbake! Start checking for doneness at 30 minutes . Nobody wants a dry cake.
- make-ahead option : You can bake the chocolate cake layers a day in advance and wrap them well. Makes frosting day less stressful.
Let me know if you try this easy chocolate cake recipe , especially if you are going for a pecan coconut cake !
Recipe Notes: German Chocolate Cake Magic!
Alright, we've got the german chocolate cake recipe . But, what about the little details? Let's dive into the things that'll take your cake from "meh" to "OMG!".
Honestly, a little planning goes a long way with this one.
Fab Serving Suggestions for Your Pecan Coconut Cake
Presentation is everything, right? For plating, think elegant simplicity. Dust a bit of cocoa powder on the plate. Then, angle a slice of that best german chocolate cake and add a dollop of whipped cream.
Boom! For sides, it’s hard to beat vanilla ice cream. A scoop mellows out the richness. For beverages? Coffee is a classic.
But cold milk works great too.
Savvy Cake Baking Tips : Storage Secrets
Got leftovers? Lucky you! For refrigeration, wrap individual slices of german chocolate cake tightly. This keeps it moist. Store them in an airtight container.
They'll last for up to 3 days. Freezing? Yep! Wrap the entire cake or individual slices in plastic wrap. Then pop it in a freezer bag.
It'll keep for up to 2 months. Reheating? Just thaw at room temperature. Or zap a slice in the microwave for a few seconds.
Keep an eye to prevent it from drying.
Variations: Mix It Up!
Want to get creative with this easy chocolate cake recipe ? For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend.
Ensure it has xanthan gum. For a seasonal twist , try adding a layer of fresh berries between the chocolate cake layers in the summer.
Think raspberries or strawberries!
Nutrition Nuggets: Quick & Dirty
Okay, let's keep it real. This german chocolate cake is a treat. Not exactly health food. Each slice is around 550 calories.
But, it's packed with simple carbs, a fair bit of sugar, and some healthy fats from the pecans. The coconut also has minerals.
But hey, everything in moderation, right?
So, there you have it. A german chocolate cake that's moist, rich, and unforgettable. Don’t be scared to experiment and make it your own. You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it really from Germany? What exactly is German Chocolate Cake?
Funny enough, German Chocolate Cake isn't actually German! It's an American creation named after Samuel German, who developed a type of dark baking chocolate for Baker's Chocolate Company in the 1850s.
The cake itself is known for its moist chocolate layers and the signature coconut pecan frosting a true stateside classic!
My German Chocolate Cake came out dry! What did I do wrong, and how can I fix it?
A dry cake is a classic baking blunder, but easily avoided! Overbaking is the most common culprit start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recipe suggests. Also, be sure to measure your flour accurately (spooning and leveling is best).
If it's already baked, try brushing the cooled layers with a simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, simmered until dissolved) to add moisture. Think of it like a little spa day for your cake!
Can I make the frosting for this German Chocolate Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can definitely make the coconut pecan frosting a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you're ready to assemble the cake, let the frosting come to room temperature for about an hour to soften slightly.
You might need to give it a quick stir to restore its creamy texture - just like reviving your favorite lipstick!
How should I store leftover German Chocolate Cake? Does it need to be refrigerated?
To keep your German Chocolate Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container. Because of the coconut pecan frosting, which contains dairy, it's best to refrigerate it. It will stay good in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to soften the frosting a bit nobody wants to bite into a rock solid cake!
I'm watching my calories, but I really want a slice! Any tips for making a slightly healthier German Chocolate Cake?
We all have those moments! You can make a few tweaks to lighten things up. Try using a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol in both the cake and the frosting. You could also reduce the amount of butter by a tablespoon or two, or substitute applesauce for some of the oil in the cake batter.
Remember, it's all about balance a little indulgence is good for the soul! You could also opt for a smaller slice to reduce the amount of calories per serving.
Simply Decadent German Chocolate Cake
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550 per serving |
|---|---|
| Fat | 35g |
| Fiber | 2g |