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German Chocolate Layer Cake

A rich and decadent German Chocolate Layer Cake with coconut-pecan frosting that's perfect for celebrations.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: German
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 4 oz Semi-sweet baking chocolate Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
  • ½ cup Water Used to melt the chocolate.
  • 1 cup Unsalted butter (softened) Allows for better control over saltiness.
  • 2 cups Granulated sugar Adjust for desired sweetness.
  • 4 large Eggs Add one at a time for best results.
  • 1½ teaspoons Vanilla extract Enhances flavor.
  • 2¼ cups All-purpose flour Key dry ingredient.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking soda Leavening agent.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Balances sweetness.
  • 1 cup 2% milk Adds moisture.
For the Frosting
  • 1 cup Melted unsalted butter To achieve a creamy texture.
  • 1 cup Granulated sugar Sweetens the frosting.
  • 1 cup Brown sugar Adds depth of flavor.
  • 2 cups Evaporated milk Richness comes from this ingredient.
  • 6 large Egg yolks Provides richness.
  • 2½ cups Coconut flakes Sweetened or unsweetened based on preference.
  • 2 cups Chopped pecans Toast for enhanced flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Melt chocolate: In a saucepan, combine 4 ounces of semi-sweet baking chocolate with ½ cup of water. Heat over low until melted and smooth, stirring occasionally.
  2. Mix sugars and butter: In a large bowl, beat together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar until creamy.
  3. Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate 4 large eggs, one at a time, along with 1½ teaspoons of vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
  4. Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 2¼ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with 1 cup of 2% milk.
Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Frosting Preparation
  1. While the layers cool, whisk together 1 cup of melted unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 2 cups of evaporated milk along with 6 egg yolks in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir often until thickened.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in 2½ cups of coconut flakes and 2 cups of chopped pecans. Let cool before spreading on the cake layers.

Notes

For best results, let the cake cool completely before frosting. Room temperature ingredients will yield a smoother batter.