There’s nothing quite like the comforting decadence of a Classic German Chocolate Cake. Layers of moist, chocolatey sponge meet a rich, buttery coconut-pecan frosting that’s irresistibly gooey and nutty. This timeless dessert strikes the perfect balance of sweetness and texture — every bite is soft, rich, and full of nostalgia.
Whether it’s for birthdays, holidays, or simply because you deserve something special, this cake is a showstopper that never goes out of style.
🧂 Ingredients
For the Cake
- ½ cup boiling water
- 4 oz sweet baking German chocolate (such as Baker’s brand)
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2½ cups cake flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 4 egg whites, stiffly beaten
For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting
- 1–1½ cups sugar (adjust for sweetness preference)
- ½–¾ cup butter
- 1 cup (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1–1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3–4 egg yolks
- 1⅓–2 cups flaked coconut
- 1–1½ cups chopped pecans
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and lightly flour two 9-inch square pans or three 8-inch round pans.
- Pour the boiling water over the chocolate in a bowl, stirring until melted. Let it cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the melted chocolate and vanilla extract on low speed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture, alternating with buttermilk, mixing until smooth.
- Gently fold in the beaten egg whites until fully incorporated.
2. Bake the Cake
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake square pans for 40–45 minutes or round pans for 35–40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
3. Make the Coconut-Pecan Frosting
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, butter, evaporated milk, vanilla, and egg yolks.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 12 minutes or until the mixture thickens and coats the spoon.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the flaked coconut and chopped pecans.
- Beat lightly until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Allow to cool and thicken completely before icing the cake.
4. Assemble and Frost
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
- Spread a generous layer of coconut-pecan frosting over the top.
- Add the next layer and repeat.
- Finish by spreading the frosting over the top (and sides, if desired).
For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle extra toasted coconut or chopped pecans on top.
💡 Pro Tips for Success
- Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and even baking.
- Don’t skip folding in the egg whites — they’re key to the cake’s light, airy texture.
- Cook the frosting slowly and stir often to prevent curdling.
- Toast the pecans and coconut before adding for enhanced flavor.
- Make ahead: The frosting can be made a day early and refrigerated — just bring it to room temperature before using.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve each slice with:
- A drizzle of melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
- A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Fresh berries or mint leaves for a beautiful finish.
🧊 Storage
- Room Temperature: Keeps well covered for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freeze: Unfrosted cake layers can be wrapped and frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
❤️ Final Thoughts
This German Chocolate Cake is a classic for good reason — rich, decadent, and irresistibly satisfying. The tender chocolate layers and nutty coconut-pecan frosting create the ultimate harmony of texture and flavor.
It’s the kind of cake that brings back memories, starts new traditions, and guarantees every guest goes back for seconds.
So go ahead — bake this beauty, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and savor every glorious bite. ☕🍰
