Homemade German Chocolate Cake

This German Chocolate Cake is a favorite for birthdays, holidays and other special occasions. Despite looking and tasting fancy, it’s actually quite easy to make. So instead of reaching for a boxed mix, try your hand at making this homemade German chocolate cake recipe with unique pecan and coconut icing that is to die for!

Ingredients in German Chocolate Cake

This recipe calls for only a couple of ingredients that you’ll probably have to shop for. Otherwise the cake batter comes together with pantry staples to make a gorgeous dessert! Here’s what you need for the cake:

Cake flour – this flour is found next to the all purpose flour at the grocery store. The finer texture results in a supremely soft and moist cake layer. Sugar – regular white sugar Baking soda Baking powder Salt – a half teaspoon salt is all you need. Buttermilk – room temperature. If you don’t have buttermilk you can make your own by adding either vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk (about one cup of milk to a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice) Vanilla – a teaspoon vanilla extract adds a rich layer of flavor to the chocolate Large Eggs – fold the beaten eggs into the cooled chocolate mixture then add to the rest of the ingredients German chocolate squares – melted and cooled (more details below)

What is the Difference Between Chocolate and German Chocolate Cake?

German chocolate cake uses entirely melted chocolate, instead of cocoa powder for its flavor. Most people think that German chocolate comes from Germany, but that’s not the case. The name comes from a man named Sam German, who developed a sweet baking chocolate for the Baker’s Chocolate Company back in the 1800s. The baking chocolate has more sugar in it than the average semi-sweet or bitter baking chocolate so it tastes sweeter, but not too sweet. And a huge difference is the frosting you put on top! Regular chocolate cake is generally iced with a creamy chocolate frosting, whereas German chocolate is iced with a gooey, sugary coconut and pecan topping that is so delicious you can eat with a spoon.

Where to Find German Chocolate Squares

I remember my mother buying German chocolate in the grocery store all the time, and I was pleased to discover you can still find it. Walmart carries them in the baking aisle next to the chocolate chips and other baking items. You can also find it online.

How to Melt German Chocolate Squares

Since the German chocolate squares is the main ingredient in this cake, you want to make sure to melt the chocolate correctly so it doesn’t become lumpy or burned. Here’s how to do it:

More Tips on Melting Chocolate

If the German chocolate squares are not completely melted at this point, you can put it back in the microwave for another 30 seconds at 50% power and stir. DO NOT OVERHEAT. The chocolate will lose consistency and burn if it’s in the microwave for too long. You can use a medium saucepan and melt on the stove top. However, you need to stir continually so it doesn’t burn. Scrape the bottom of the bowl with a spatula to make sure it doesn’t scorch. Let the bowl of melted chocolate cool on the counter for about 10-15 minutes before adding it to the recipe. You don’t want to cook your eggs in the chocolate mixture if it’s too hot. DO NOT REFRIGERATE.

German Chocolate Cake Frosting

The best topping for a German Chocolate Cake is the sweet and gooey Coconut Pecan Frosting. After making the frosting, give it time to cool at least to room temperature then spread half of the cooled frosting on top of one 8-inch cake layer. Stack the other layer of cake and spread the remaining frosting on top. If you want to frost the sides with the coconut pecan icing, you can double the recipe, or frost the sides with regular chocolate frosting. We have a delicious Easy Chocolate Buttercream Frosting that tastes amazing with this cake. READ NEXT: 33+ Easy Dessert Ideas

More Chocolate Cake Recipes

Baking a cake is such a fun thing to do with friends, family and your children. From birthdays to holidays to any old weekday, there’s always a reason for chocolate cake! Try some of these delicious cakes and cupcakes recipes!

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