Homemade German Chocolate Cake
Introduction
Homemade German Chocolate Cake is a classic dessert that brings joy to anyone who tries it. With its rich chocolate layers and sweet coconut-pecan frosting, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a weekend treat, this cake will impress your family and friends.
Why Make This Recipe
Making this cake at home is so rewarding! It’s not only delicious but also fun to bake. It’s a great way to spend time with family, and I love seeing their faces light up when they take a bite. Plus, the combination of chocolate and coconut is simply irresistible!
How to Make Homemade German Chocolate Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup boiling water
Frosting:
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk to the dry ingredients. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
- Gradually stir in the boiling water to the batter until it’s smooth. Don’t worry if the batter looks thin; that’s how it should be!
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, you can prepare the frosting. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine evaporated milk, sugar, butter, and egg yolks. Stir constantly until it thickens, which should take about 10 minutes.
- Remove the frosting from heat and mix in the shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract. Let it cool.
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread the coconut-pecan frosting on top. Serve it up and enjoy the deliciousness!
How to Serve Homemade German Chocolate Cake
This cake is best served at room temperature. You can cut it into slices and enjoy it plain, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. It’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dessert night.
How to Store Homemade German Chocolate Cake
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it, and it will last for about a week. Just make sure it’s covered so it doesn’t dry out!
Tips to Make Homemade German Chocolate Cake
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Don’t skip the boiling water; it helps create a moist cake.
- Allow your cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the icing from melting.
Variation
You can add a layer of chocolate ganache on top of the frosting for an extra chocolate kick. If you love fruit, consider adding some raspberries or strawberries for a fresh touch!
FAQs
1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can use regular milk. Just add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to make it slightly sour to mimic buttermilk.
2. Can I freeze the cake?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing.
3. How can I make it gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make this cake gluten-free.