German Chocolate Coconut Layer Cake

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Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot coffee (or hot water for milder taste)

For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:

  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Optional Chocolate Frosting (for sides):

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/3 cup milk (add more for desired consistency)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Make the Cake Layers:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans (or use parchment paper liners).
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until well combined.
  4. Carefully stir in hot coffee until the batter is smooth (batter will be thin).
  5. Pour evenly into the prepared pans.
  6. Bake for 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  7. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

2. Make the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:

  1. In a saucepan, whisk together evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter.
  2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 10–12 minutes).
  3. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans.
  4. Let cool completely to spreadable consistency.

3. (Optional) Make Chocolate Frosting for Sides:

  1. In a bowl, cream butter and cocoa powder together.
  2. Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating until smooth.
  3. Stir in vanilla and adjust consistency as needed.

4. Assemble the Cake:

  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
  2. Spread a layer of coconut-pecan frosting on top.
  3. Repeat with second and third layers, frosting only the tops.
  4. Optionally, frost the sides with chocolate frosting.
  5. Garnish with extra pecans or coconut if desired.

Enjoy your rich and decadent German Chocolate Coconut Layer Cake! Would you like a printable version or image with it?

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