The Best German Chocolate Cake

The Best German Chocolate Cake Recipe!

I love when holidays draw closer because that means there’s definitely going to be some amazing desserts around! Amazing desserts like this homemade German Chocolate Cake! All we need in life is chocolate cake, right? Chocolate cake has a way to my heart and whoever discovered chocolate is my hero. Truly though, this easy German Chocolate Cake is one of those desserts that’s so good it should become a tradition in your home for a yearly holiday like a birthday, Easter or Mother’s Day. It’s four layers of total bliss!

What is German Chocolate Cake?

Contrary to the name of this easy chocolate cake recipe, German chocolate cake is actually an American invention. German chocolate cake is a layered chocolate cake that’s topped with a rich coconut pecan frosting. The secret ingredient in German chocolate cake batter is boiling water — it’s crucial that you include it in this cake. This is one of those cakes that’s been around since 1852, and I have the feeling it’s not going anywhere. It’s just one of those perfectly delicious classics that you’ll want to make again and again. In other words, add this one to the recipe book because you’re going to love it!

German Chocolate Cake Ingredients

Granulated sugar Unsweetened cocoa powder Baking powder and baking soda Salt Whole milk and canned evaporated milk Eggs and yolks Vanilla Canola oil and butter Shredded sweetened coconut Pecans

How to Make German Chocolate Cake

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare cake pans. Whisk together the dry ingredients. Mix in milk, eggs and vanilla then blend in oil. Blend in boiling water and beat. Pour into prepared pans and bake until set, about 30 minutes. Cool and frost.

How to Make German Chocolate Cake Icing

In a saucepan mix egg yolks and evaporated milk. Mix in sugar to dissolve. Add butter and cook mixture over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until thickened, about 10 minutes. Remove pan from heat, add in vanilla, coconut, coconut and pecans. Cool until just warm then spread over cake.

Will Sweetened Condensed Milk Work in the Icing?

No, evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk are two completely different ingredients. Make sure you’re using evaporated milk to make the coconut pecan frosting.

Tips for the Best German Chocolate Cake

Because the coconut icing is so rich, I left the sides of my cake bare. But feel free to add frosting to the sides if you wish! Be sure to buy sweetened coconut flakes for the German chocolate cake icing. Whole milk is a must in this cake. It makes the chocolate cake extra moist and adds flavor.

I got this recipe from Robyn Stone’s amazing new cookbook, Add a Pinch: Easier, Faster, Fresher Southern Classics. Her new cookbook is filled with fresh takes on classic family-friendly recipes – all of which are straight forward and easy to follow and the end results look truly delicious! I highly recommend this cookbook! If you’d like to read more about this cookbook or to buy a copy for yourself you can follow this link HERE.

More Classic Cake Recipes You’ll Love:

Red Velvet Cake Angel Food Cake Hummingbird Cake Yellow Cake with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Fresh Strawberry Cake Banana Cake with Fluffy Cream Cheese Frosting