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When you think of indulgent desserts, a German Chocolate Layer Cake with Coconut Pecan Frosting is a classic that’s hard to beat. This cake is the epitome of delicious decadence, combining rich chocolate layers with a sweet, nutty frosting that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a treat, this cake is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe brings together the perfect blend of flavors and textures. The cake is moist and tender, while the frosting offers a delightful balance of sweetness and crunch. Plus, it’s a homemade favorite that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Small saucepan
- Three 8-inch cake pans
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 4 ounces of semi-sweet baking chocolate
- ½ cup of water
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons of vanilla
- 1 cup of milk
- 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of salt
For the Coconut and Pecan Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups of evaporated milk
- 6 egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla
- 2 ½ cups of coconut flakes
- 2 cups pecans, chopped
Instructions
Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Melt the chocolate with the water in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until just melted.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together. Pour in the melted chocolate and stir.
- Add the eggs, vanilla, and milk until well blended.
- Add the flour, baking soda, and salt to the mixing bowl and stir or mix into the batter until well blended.
- Spray three 8-inch cake pans with nonstick cooking spray. For extra coverage, line the bottom of the pans with a circle of 8-inch parchment paper.
- Pour batter evenly between the three pans and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean.
- Let cool and make frosting.
- Once the icing has cooled, assemble the cake: Place the first layer, rounded side down, on a cake plate, covering with one-third of the icing.
- Add the second layer, also with the rounded side down, repeating with another layer of icing.
- Add the third layer, rounded side up. Cover with the remaining glaze. Do not frost sides.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour before serving to make the cake easier to cut. Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator.
Coconut and Pecan Icing
- Melt the butter and add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, evaporated milk, and vanilla. Whisk until well blended.
- Stir in the egg yolks.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and bubbles. This should take 10 to 12 minutes.
- Add the coconut and pecans and stir to blend evenly.
- Remove from stove and let cool for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips for Success
- Ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature before you start baking.
- Use parchment paper in the cake pans to prevent sticking.
- For best flavor, use high-quality chocolate and fresh nuts.
Additional Tips and Variations
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the batter.
- You can toast the pecans before adding them to the frosting for extra flavor.
- Consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the frosting for a sweet and salty twist.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Calories: 550
Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 6g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this cake in advance? Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead and keep them wrapped tightly. Frost the cake the day you plan to serve it.
Can I freeze German Chocolate Cake? Yes, the cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
What can I use instead of evaporated milk? You can substitute with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream if needed.
Conclusion
This German Chocolate Layer Cake with Coconut Pecan Frosting is a show-stopper that will have everyone coming back for more. Try this recipe for your next celebration and let us know how it turns out! We’d love to hear your thoughts and any creative variations you tried. Happy baking!
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