This layeredGerman Chocolate Cakeis irresistible. With its decadent chocolate flavor, luscious coconut-pecan filling, and smooth chocolate frosting, this classic dessert is a true delight.

At its core, a German Chocolate Cake is a layered chocolate cake that boasts a unique filling and frosting. The cake itself is made with a blend of german sweet chocolate, flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and buttermilk, resulting in a moist and flavorful base. But what really sets this cake apart is the coconut-pecan filling. It’s a delightful mixture of shredded coconut, chopped pecans, sweetened condensed milk, and butter, creating a creamy, nutty, and slightly caramelized layer between the cake’s moist layers. The finishing touch is a smooth chocolate frosting that covers the entire cake, providing a luscious and chocolaty exterior.

German Chocolate Cake

Making a German Chocolate Cake may seem like a daunting task, but fear not! With a bit of patience and a few simple steps, you’ll be able to create a delectable cake to impress your friends and family.

The German chocolate I like to use is Baker’s brand and is the cooking chocolate that comes in thick bars near the chocolate chips in the baking aisle. This chocolate is 48% cocoa and considered a sweet chocolate if you are looking for a substitution. But I highly recommend this brand!

three layered round german chocolate cake with traditional coconut frosting top view whole

Ingredients

German sweet chocolate
Flour
Butter
Sugar
Egg
Vanilla
Buttermilk
Evaporated milk
Shredded coconut
Pecans

Keep scrolling to find a full, printable recipe with a detailed ingredient list.

Recipe Instructions

Preheat the oven and prepare cake pans with parchment paper and baking spray.
Melt German sweet chocolate with water in a saucepan, then let it cool slightly.
Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
In a mixing bowl, beat butter, sugar, and egg yolks until creamy. Stir in melted chocolate and vanilla extract. Add flour mixture and buttermilk to the batter, mixing until smooth. Fold in whipped egg whites.
Divide batter among pans and bake for 30 minutes. Let cakes cool in pans for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Layer with German chocolate coconut-pecan frosting.
For the Frosting: In a saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sugar, butter, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened (around 12 minutes).
Remove from heat and stir in sweetened shredded coconut and chopped pecans. Let the frosting cool slightly before using.

one slice with a POV fork getting a bite of three layered round german chocolate cake with traditional coconut frosting

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use sweetened shredded coconut instead of unsweetened?

Yes, you can use sweetened shredded coconut if you prefer a sweeter filling. However, keep in mind that it may make the filling slightly sweeter overall.

Can I use a different type of chocolate for the cake?

While Baker’s German sweet chocolate is traditionally used, you can experiment with other types of chocolate if you prefer. Just ensure that it is a good quality chocolate with a similar level of sweetness and richness.

Can I make the cake layers in advance and freeze them?

You can make the cake layers in advance and freeze them. Wrap each cooled cake layer tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw the layers in the refrigerator overnight before assembling the cake.

three layered round german chocolate cake with traditional coconut frosting with 1/3 removed

More Recipes

If you’ve tried thisGerman Chocolate Cakerecipe or any other recipe on Rcova, then don’t forget torate the recipeand leave me a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience making it. And if you snapped some pictures of it, share it with me on Instagram so I can repost on my stories.

With my simplified steps, you can easily create this delightfulGerman chocolate cakeat home. Preparing the batter, baking the cakes, and assembling them with the flavorful coconut-pecan frosting is so fun culminates in a mouthwatering dessert.