Traditional German Chocolate Cake Recipe
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of this traditional German Chocolate Cake, a classic dessert that never fails to impress. Moist chocolate cake layers are sandwiched between luscious coconut pecan frosting, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness. This recipe is a labor of love but worth every moment when you take that first heavenly bite.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 9-inch cake (12 servings)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake:
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 2 cups heavy cream (or evaporated milk)
Coconut Pecan Frosting:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecans (toasted and finely chopped)
- 4 cups sweetened shredded coconut (toasted)
Instructions
- Chocolate Cake: Adjust the oven rack to the middle position. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and prepare cake pans. Combine dry ingredients and set aside. Prepare chocolate mixture. Cream butter and sugars, add eggs and vanilla. Mix in chocolate mixture, then alternate adding flour mixture and sour cream. Bake and cool cakes.
- Coconut Pecan Frosting Directions: Whisk cream, sugar, yolks, and salt in a saucepan. Cook until thickened. Remove from heat and add butter, vanilla, coconut, and pecans. Let cool.
Notes
- This cake is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a twist, try adding a layer of raspberry jam between the cake layers for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
