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🎂 Classic German Chocolate Cake
Tanya

🎂 Classic German Chocolate Cake

Rich, decadent layers of chocolate cake topped with that irresistible coconut-pecan frosting! This traditional German Chocolate Cake is perfect for special occasions and chocolate lovers. 🍫
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 585
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the cake:
  • 4 eggs 🥚 large separated
  • 1 cup 🧈 butter softened
  • 2 cups 🍯 granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp 🌺 vanilla extract
  • 4 oz 🍫 German sweet chocolate melted
  • 2 cups 🌾 all-purpose flour
  • ¼ tsp 🧂 salt
  • 1 tsp 🥄 baking soda
  • 1 cup 🥛 buttermilk
  • For the coconut-pecan frosting:
  • 1 cup 🥛 evaporated milk
  • 1 cup 🍯 granulated sugar
  • 3 🥚 egg yolks
  • ½ cup 🧈 butter
  • 1 tsp 🌺 vanilla extract
  • 1 ⅓ 🥥 shredded coconut
  • 1 cup 🥜 chopped pecans

Equipment

  • 🥣 3 9-inch round cake pans
  • 🎛️ Stand mixer or hand mixer
  • 🥄 Measuring cups and spoons
  • 🍲 Medium saucepan
  • 🥣 Mixing bowls
  • 🧊 Cooling racks

Method
 

  1. For the cake:
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  3. Grease and flour three 9-inch cake pans.
  4. Melt chocolate, let cool.
  5. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; set aside.
  6. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
  7. Add egg yolks one at a time.
  8. Mix in melted chocolate and vanilla.
  9. Combine flour, salt, and baking soda.
  10. Alternate adding flour mixture and buttermilk to batter.
  11. Fold in egg whites gently.
  12. Divide batter between pans.
  13. Bake 30-35 minutes.
  14. Cool completely.
  15. For the frosting:
  16. Combine milk, sugar, egg yolks, butter in saucepan.
  17. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
  18. Remove from heat.
  19. Add vanilla, coconut, and pecans.
  20. Cool until spreadable.
  21. Spread between layers and on top.

Notes

Common Questions:
❓ Can I make it ahead? Yes, 1-2 days
❓ Can I freeze it? Yes, unfrosted
❓ Sub for buttermilk? Milk + vinegar
❓ Need to refrigerate? No, unless hot weatherRecipe Notes: 🌟 Room temperature ingredients 🌟 Don't overbake layers 🌟 Cool completely before frosting 🌟 Toast pecans for extra flavor
Storage Tips: 🎂 Room temp: 3-4 days covered ❄️ Refrigerator: Up to 1 week 🧊 Freezer: Up to 3 months (unfrosted)
Pro Tips:
🔑 Line pans with parchment
🔑 Don't overmix after adding flour
🔑 Cool layers upside down
🔑 Stir frosting constantly while cooking
🔑 Let frosting cool before spreading
 
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