Heavenly German Delight Chocolate Cake Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Decadent layers of rich chocolate dance with traditional German baking techniques in this irresistible German delight chocolate cake recipe.

Smooth, velvety textures melt on your tongue with each delectable bite.

German pastry chefs have long mastered the art of creating sublime desserts that captivate the senses.

Delicate crumbs blend perfectly with deep cocoa notes, creating a symphony of flavor.

Each slice promises a luxurious experience that transports you straight to a charming bakery in Munich.

The balance of sweetness and depth makes this cake a showstopper at any gathering.

Get ready to indulge in a chocolate masterpiece that celebrates the finest of German culinary traditions.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 498 kcal

Servings: 13

German Chocolate Cake Ingredient List

• German Chocolate: Rich, deep flavor chocolate specifically crafted for baking, essential for authentic German cake taste.
• All-Purpose Flour: Fine, smooth flour that provides sturdy cake structure and tender crumb.
• Baking Soda: Lightweight leavening agent ensuring cake rises evenly and maintains soft texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness in the cake.

• Butter: Creamy, high-quality dairy product adding luxurious richness and smooth texture.
• Sugar: Granulated sweetener providing caramelization and tender cake consistency.
• Buttermilk: Tangy dairy ingredient creating tender crumb and helping activate baking soda.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure aromatic flavoring intensifying cake's depth and warmth.

• Egg Yolks: Golden, silky binding agent adding richness and smooth texture.
• Egg Whites: Fluffy protein that creates airy, light cake texture when whipped to stiff peaks.
• Boiling Water: Helps melt chocolate smoothly and integrate ingredients seamlessly.

• Evaporated Milk: Concentrated, creamy dairy product creating thick, glossy frosting base.
• Coconut: Sweet, textured flakes adding tropical dimension and delightful crunch.
• Pecans: Crunchy, buttery nuts providing rich, nutty layer to frosting.

Tools That Make This Chocolate Cake Rich and Classic

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for creaming butter and sugar, mixing batter ingredients.
• Electric mixer: Crucial for beating butter, sugar, and whipping egg whites to stiff peaks.
• Cake pans (3x 9-inch): Key for baking cake layers evenly.
• Whisk: Perfect for combining dry ingredients smoothly.
• Saucepan: Needed for preparing the frosting.
• Wire cooling rack: Great for cooling cake layers completely.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Spatula: Helpful for folding egg whites and spreading frosting.
• Mixing spoon: Useful for stirring melted chocolate and other ingredients.

How to Bake German Chocolate Cake That’s Moist and Rich

• Oven Preparation

Warm the oven to a cozy temperature and coat cake pans with a light butter and flour layer to ensure smooth cake release.

• Chocolate Transformation

Gently pour steaming water over chocolate pieces, creating a silky smooth chocolate base that will infuse rich flavor throughout the cake.

• Sugar and Butter Dance

Whip softened butter and sugar together until they become light and fluffy, creating a creamy foundation for the cake.

• Egg and Flavor Fusion

Carefully incorporate egg yolks and a splash of vanilla into the butter mixture, blending in the melted chocolate for a deep, luxurious essence.

• Dry Ingredient Harmony

Combine flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl, creating a delicate dry mixture that will give structure to the cake.

• Mixing Magic

Slowly blend dry ingredients and buttermilk into the creamy base, alternating to ensure a smooth and even cake batter.

• Egg White Clouds

Whip egg whites into fluffy peaks and gently fold them into the batter, adding a light and airy texture to the cake.

• Baking Journey

Pour batter into prepared pans and bake until golden and perfectly risen. Allow cakes to cool before removing from pans.

• Frosting Creation

Cook a decadent mixture of milk, sugar, egg yolks, butter, and vanilla until it thickens. Stir in coconut and pecans for a rich, nutty topping.

• Cake Assembly

Layer the cakes with the luscious coconut-pecan frosting, creating a stunning German chocolate masterpiece.

Coconut, Chocolate, and Pecan Tips for the Best Flavor

• Ensure German chocolate melts smoothly by using boiling water and stirring consistently to prevent lumps and achieve a silky texture.
• Beat egg whites until they form stiff, glossy peaks by using clean, dry utensils and adding a pinch of cream of tartar for stability and volume.
• Let the frosting cool to room temperature before spreading to achieve the perfect spreadable texture that clings beautifully to cake layers.
• Wrap the finished cake in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain moisture and flavor intensity.
• Toast pecans lightly before adding to the frosting to enhance their natural richness and create a deeper, more complex nutty profile in the cake.

Serving German Chocolate Cake

• Pair with Rich Beverages: Serve alongside a steaming cup of dark roast coffee or a glass of smooth German red wine to complement the cake's deep chocolate flavor.
• Garnish with Flair: Sprinkle extra toasted pecans or coconut flakes on top of each slice for added texture and visual appeal.
• Create Elegant Presentation: Place the cake on a beautiful cake stand and dust lightly with powdered sugar for a sophisticated touch that highlights its luxurious German chocolate style.
• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes before slicing to help the frosting set and make cutting cleaner and more precise.

Storage Tips That Preserve Moist Cake Layers

• Refrigerate Smart: Store the German Chocolate Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping the frosting fresh and moist.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual cake layers or whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months to enjoy a delicious treat anytime.
• Room Temperature Tips: Let refrigerated cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and soften the frosting.
• Serve Fresh: For best taste and texture, consume the cake within 3-4 days of baking, ensuring maximum enjoyment of its rich, decadent flavors.

Luscious German Chocolate Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Indulgent German chocolate cake blends rich cocoa with coconut-pecan frosting for a luxurious dessert. Bakers can craft this classic treat with simple ingredients and precise techniques, delighting guests with each delectable slice.

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Ingredients

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• 4 oz (113 g) German chocolate, chopped
• 2 cups (400 g) sugar
• 1 cup (227 g) butter, softened
• 4 eggs, separated
• 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
• ½ cup (120 ml) boiling water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (240 ml) evaporated milk
• 1 cup (200 g) sugar
• 3 egg yolks
• ½ cup (113 g) butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ⅓ cups (120 g) flaked coconut
• 1 cup (100 g) chopped pecans

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease three 9-inch cake pans with butter and flour.
2. Chocolate Infusion: Pour boiling water over chopped German chocolate, stirring until fully dissolved, then cool to room temperature.
3. Butter Mixture: Cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cake.
4. Wet Ingredients Fusion: Blend egg yolks one at a time into the creamed mixture, then incorporate vanilla extract and cooled melted chocolate until uniformly mixed.
5. Dry Ingredient Combination: Sift flour, baking soda, and salt together to eliminate potential lumps and ensure even distribution.
6. Batter Assembly: Alternately fold dry ingredients and buttermilk into the creamed mixture, starting and ending with flour mixture to maintain a silky batter consistency.
7. Egg White Integration: Whip egg whites to stiff, glossy peaks and gently fold into the batter to preserve its delicate airiness.
8. Baking Process: Evenly distribute batter among prepared pans and bake for 30 minutes. Rest cakes in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
9. Frosting Creation: Combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, butter, and vanilla in a saucepan. Cook while stirring continuously until the mixture thickens into a rich, smooth consistency.
10. Final Assembly: Fold toasted coconut and chopped pecans into cooled frosting. Layer cake rounds with generous amounts of coconut-pecan frosting, completely covering the exterior with the remaining frosting.

Notes

• Chocolate Melting Technique: Pour boiling water over chocolate and stir until fully liquefied, ensuring a smooth, lump-free chocolate base that enhances the cake’s rich flavor.
• Egg White Whipping Secrets: Whip egg whites to stiff, glossy peaks and fold gently to maintain the cake’s light, airy texture without deflating the delicate mixture.
• Buttermilk Mixing Magic: Alternate dry ingredients and buttermilk when incorporating into the batter, starting and ending with flour to create a silky, well-integrated cake batter.
• Frosting Consistency Tip: Continuously stir the frosting while cooking to prevent burning and achieve a thick, smooth texture that perfectly coats the cake layers.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 498
• Sugar: 45 g
• Sodium: 146 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg