This Family German Chocolate Cake is a timeless recipe that brings together the rich, indulgent flavors of German sweet chocolate with a homemade coconut-pecan frosting. It’s a recipe that has been cherished in many households for its moist, flavorful cake paired with a sweet and nutty frosting. This cake stands out for its unique combination of ingredients and the balance of flavors and textures.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: The use of German sweet chocolate provides a deep, rich chocolate flavor that is unmatched.
- Textural Contrast: The smooth, moist cake against the crunchy pecans and the chewy coconut in the frosting offers a delightful textural contrast.
- Homemade Goodness: Making this cake from scratch, from the cake to the frosting, ensures a freshness and quality that store-bought cakes can’t match.
- Family Tradition: This recipe is often passed down through generations, making it a heartwarming tradition for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 4 ounces German sweet chocolate, melted and cooled
- 1 cup hot water
Coconut-Pecan Frosting Ingredients:
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine with Chocolate: Mix in the melted and cooled German sweet chocolate.
- Alternate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Add Hot Water: Stir in hot water until the mixture is well combined.
- Beat Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into the cake batter.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make Frosting: Combine evaporated milk, granulated sugar, egg yolks, and butter in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 12 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans.
- Assemble Cake: Once the cakes have cooled, spread the frosting between the layers and over the top and sides of the cake.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter.
- For the chocolate, using authentic German sweet chocolate is key to getting the traditional flavor.
FAQs
- Can I make this cake in advance? Yes, the cake layers can be baked ahead and stored, wrapped well, at room temperature for a day or in the freezer for up to a month.
- What if I can’t find German sweet chocolate? You can substitute it with a mixture of semi-sweet chocolate and sugar, though the flavor will slightly differ.
Conclusion
The Family German Chocolate Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of tradition, a symphony of flavors, and a testament to homemade baking. Whether for a special occasion or a weekend treat, this cake promises to deliver satisfaction and warmth to any gathering. Its rich, chocolatey depth, combined with the homemade coconut-pecan frosting, makes it a favorite that stands the test of time.