Indulge in the rich, velvety layers of a Homemade German Chocolate Cake. Picture this: a moist, chocolatey delight that’s more than just cake; it’s an experience that transports you to dessert heaven with each bite. cherry layer cake recipe The aroma wafts through your kitchen, drawing everyone in like moths to a flame, while the sweet coconut and pecan frosting practically begs for a spoon. pumpkin muffins for dessert. For more inspiration, check out this chewy caramel coconut cookies recipe.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What makes homemade German chocolate cake unique?
- Can I use different nuts in the frosting?
- How should I prepare my pans for baking?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Now, let me take you back to my childhood kitchen, where the sound of laughter mixed with the clinking of mixing bowls as we prepared this gem for family gatherings. Each slice was met with wide eyes and happy cheers, making it a cherished tradition that still brings joy today. Whether celebrating a birthday or simply satisfying a sweet tooth on a Tuesday evening, this cake is always the star of the show.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Homemade German Chocolate Cake is surprisingly easy to whip up even for beginners
- Its flavor profile combines rich chocolate with nutty coconut and creamy frosting
- With its stunning layered appearance, it’s sure to impress at any gathering
- Versatile enough for any occasion, it can easily become your go-to dessert recipe
I remember one time I made this cake for my friend’s birthday, and let’s just say there were no leftovers. Everyone was practically fighting over the last slice.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached and sifted flour for the best texture and structure in your cake.
- Cocoa Powder: Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder; it adds depth without unnecessary sweetness.
- Granulated Sugar: Regular white sugar works wonders here, creating that perfectly sweet balance in every bite.
- Unsalted Butter: Choose high-quality butter for richness; room temperature helps with smoother batter mixing.
- Eggs: Fresh large eggs are essential; they provide moisture and stability to your cake.
- Buttermilk: Don’t skip this! It adds tanginess and moisture that makes each slice melt in your mouth.
- Baking Soda & Baking Powder: These leavening agents help achieve that perfect rise; ensure they’re fresh for best results.
- Coconut Flakes: Sweetened or unsweetened coconut flakes add texture and flavor; choose based on your preference.
- Pecans: Toasted pecans bring crunchiness; chop them roughly for delightful bites throughout the cake.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances flavor beautifully; it’s worth splurging on quality here!
- Powdered Sugar: For the frosting, powdered sugar creates that silky-smooth consistency we all love.
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for a rich frosting that holds its shape perfectly.
- Coconut Milk (optional): If you desire extra creaminess in your frosting, coconut milk is an excellent addition.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans so your cake can glide out effortlessly later.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This will create a nice base for your cake.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes should do it! This step is crucial for airy texture.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until fully incorporated. You should see a luscious mixture forming!
Combine Wet Ingredients: Stir in buttermilk slowly until combined—this will give your cake that signature moistness we all crave!
Add Dry Mixture: Gradually fold in dry ingredients into wet ones using a spatula until just combined—be gentle! Overmixing can lead to tough cake.
Strong>Pour and Bake: Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean when inserted into center.
Once baked, allow cakes to cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
Now let’s prepare that delightful frosting!
Create Frosting Base: In a bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. This combination will be creamy yet firm enough to hold onto those lovely layers.
Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually mix in powdered sugar until desired sweetness is reached—taste testing is highly encouraged here!
Add Coconut & Pecans: Stir in toasted pecans and coconut flakes into the frosting mixture until evenly distributed—oh boy, does it smell heavenly!
Once both cakes are cool enough to handle, place one layer on your serving plate. Generously spread some frosting over top before placing second layer on top.
Finally, frost the top and sides of your assembled cake with remaining frosting. Feel free to sprinkle extra coconut flakes or pecans on top as decoration if you’re feeling fancy!
And there you have it—a stunning Homemade German Chocolate Cake ready to steal hearts at any gathering! Happy baking! gooey chocolate chip cookies.
You Must Know
- This homemade German chocolate cake is the perfect blend of rich chocolate and sweet coconut pecan frosting
- The layers create a delightful texture that will make your taste buds dance
- To impress, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a heavenly experience
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your cake layers, then mix the frosting while they cool. This sequence ensures everything is ready to assemble right after baking, keeping your cake fresh and delicious.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or pecans to the cake batter for an extra crunch. Alternatively, swap out chocolate for dark chocolate for a richer flavor profile that will leave everyone wanting more.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If reheating, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to regain that freshly baked softness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always measure your ingredients accurately to ensure the perfect texture and flavor
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting
- Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a balanced sweetness that complements the frosting beautifully
Baking this homemade German chocolate cake has become my go-to for family gatherings, where everyone fights over the last slice! The smiles it brings are priceless. festive meatball recipe.
FAQ
What makes homemade German chocolate cake unique?
The combination of chocolate, coconut, and pecan gives it a distinct flavor profile unlike any other cake.
Can I use different nuts in the frosting?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different nuts based on your preference or dietary needs.
How should I prepare my pans for baking?
Grease and flour your pans to prevent sticking; parchment paper can also help ensure easy removal.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Homemade German Chocolate Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in a slice of Homemade German Chocolate Cake, where rich chocolate meets sweet coconut and crunchy pecans. This decadent layered dessert is perfect for any occasion, guaranteed to impress family and friends with its delightful flavors and stunning presentation. Each bite offers a velvety experience that will transport you to dessert paradise!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups sweetened coconut flakes
- 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease/flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and mix in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add buttermilk to the wet mixture, then fold in dry ingredients until just combined.
- Pour batter evenly into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually mix in powdered sugar. Stir in coconut flakes and chopped pecans.
- Once cooled, frost the first layer of cake with frosting, stack the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (120g)
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg