German Chocolate Cake with Coconut-Pecan Frosting

German Chocolate Cake with Coconut-Pecan Frosting

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This German Chocolate Cake is a showstopper—moist, rich, and layered with a decadent coconut-pecan frosting that’s both nostalgic and indulgent. The aroma alone is enough to gather a crowd, as one commenter put it: “Lord help me… the house smelled amazinggg while this baked!” With its deep chocolate flavor and nutty, caramel-like topping, this cake is ideal for celebrations, potlucks, or simply treating your loved ones. It’s the kind of dessert that brings people together—neighbors asking for the recipe, kids waiting eagerly in the kitchen, and guests swooning over every bite.

🧁 INGREDIENTS:

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1½ tsp baking powder
  • 1½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water

For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:

  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1½ cups shredded sweetened coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

🍰 INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
  4. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin—this is key for a moist cake).
  5. Pour batter evenly into prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  6. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Frosting

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter.
  2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened—about 10–12 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in coconut, pecans, and vanilla. Let cool to room temperature before frosting.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top.
  2. Add the second layer and frost the top (and sides if desired, though traditionally it’s just the top).
  3. Garnish with extra pecans or a drizzle of melted chocolate for flair.

🌿 WELLNESS NOTES:

  • Coconut provides healthy fats and fiber.
  • Pecans are rich in antioxidants and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
  • Cocoa contains flavonoids that may support cardiovascular health.
  • For a lighter version, substitute part of the sugar with coconut sugar and use whole wheat pastry flour.

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