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German Chocolate Layer Cake with Coconut Pecan Frosting

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German Chocolate Layer Cake with Coconut Pecan Frosting

Looking for a delicious chocolate layer cake?

You have to try this decadent German Chocolate Layer Cake with Coconut Pecan Frosting. This is so much more than just a chocolate cake. One bite and you will think you are in heaven.

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Save the Recipe for German Chocolate Layer Cake with Coconut Pecan Frosting

When it comes to a homemade chocolate cake recipe, you have to have a German chocolate cake recipe. From the icing to the cake to the toppings, German Chocolate Layer Cake is a must-have recipe.

From the first bite to the last, the flavors are amazing. Rich and creamy, sweet and crunchy, this is a recipe you have to try.

German Chocolate Layer Cake with Coconut Pecan Frosting

What to Serve with Homemade Chocolate Cake Recipe

Every delicious dessert has to have an amazing dinner to go with it. And believe me, with this homemade chocolate cake recipe, you want to have a fantastic dinner. These are some of my favorites that I think you will love.

  • Ham & Asparagus Casserole – This ham and asparagus casserole is one of the best easy casserole recipes. With just a few ingredients, this cheesy ham casserole is ready in under an hour.
  • Instant Pot Roast – This Instant Pot roast is an easy all-in-one hearty Instant Pot meal, perfect for cool nights! So much quicker and easier than any roast you’ve made before!
  • Mini Lasagna Rolls – These lasagna rolls are an easy recipe perfect for feeding a crowd. Each spinach lasagna roll is already individually portioned, for a much less messy traditional Italian comfort food dinner.
  • Seared Ribeye Steak With Red Wine Pan Gravy – Seared ribeye steak with red wine pan gravy is a meal you won’t soon forget. Have you ever made steak in a skillet? If not, you are in for a real treat with this delicious pan-seared ribeye steak.

What is German Chocolate Cake Icing

This is a classic German Chocolate Cake Icing Recipe. German Chocolate layered Cake is known for the very rich icing. This coconut pecan frosting is not a whipped icing like buttercream but is more of a pourable icing. When you make this icing, it will coat the top of the cake and then drizzle over the sides.

This German Chocolate Cake Icing is made is not only rich, but it is also chock full of coconut and pecans that make this a one of a kind icing. That is why many people will refer to it as a coconut pecan frosting.

 How to Store German Chocolate Cake

When you have made this cake you will want to make sure it covered with a cake dome or stored in an airtight container. If you do not have a cake dome, you can also add some tooth picks and cover it with plastic. The tooth picks will prevent the plastic from sticking to the cake and pulling the icing away from the cake.

The covered cake can be left on the counter at room temperature for several days or it can be stored in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life.

Can You Freeze Homemade Chocolate Cake Recipe

What I love about this homemade chocolate cake recipe is that it can be put in the freezer if you think the cake will go stale before you have a change to eat it. It is also a great way to always have this great tasting cake on hand. You can freeze the cake in slices to make it easier to thaw and to have a slice of cake instead of having to thaw the cake all at once.

What is the Best Way to Freeze Coconut Pecan Frosting

When you are freezing this cake with the coconut pecan frosting, you do not want to lose any of the delicious coconut pecan frosting. The best way to make sure you do not lose the frosting on the air tight container you use or in the freezer bag or plastic wrap is to freeze the cake uncovered first. This will freeze the frosting before it can stick to the container.

When you are ready to thaw the cake, remove it from the protective wrapping so that the frosting doesn’t stick

german chocolate layer cake

Ingredients in German Chocolate Layer Cake with Coconut Pecan Frosting

  • semi-sweet baking chocolate
  • water
  • granulated sugar
  • unsalted butter
  • eggs
  • vanilla
  • 2 % milk
  • all-purpose flour
  • baking soda
  • salt
  • brown sugar
  • evaporated milk
  • coconut flakes
  • pecans

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How to Make German Chocolate Layer Cake with Coconut Pecan Frosting

How to Make Chocolate Layer Cake:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Melt chocolate with the water in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until just melted.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Pour in the melted chocolate and mix together.

Next, mix in the eggs, vanilla and milk until well combined.

Add the flour, baking soda and salt to the mixing bowl and stir or mix into the batter until just combined.

how to make german chocolate layer cake

Spray 3 8-inch cake pans with non-stick cooking spray. For extra coverage, line the bottom of the pans with an 8 inch circle of parchment paper.

Pour batter evenly between the three pans and then bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothipick inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean.

Cool and make frosting.

After frosting has cooled, assemble the cake:

Put the first layer rounded side down on a cake plate, topping with 1/3 of the frosting.

Add the second layer also rounded side down, repeating with another layer of the frosting.

Add the 3rd layer, rounded side up. Top with remaining frosting. Do not frost the sides.

how to assemble the cake

Refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour prior to serving to make the cake easier to slice. Save any leftovers covered in the refrigerator.

german chocolate layer cake

How to Make German Chocolate Cake Icing

Melt butter and then add in granulated sugar, brown sugar, evaporated milk and vanilla. Whisk until well combined.

Mix in egg yolks.

Cook over medium heat, frequently stirring, until mixture thickens and is bubbly. This should be 10-12 minutes.

Add in coconut and pecans and stir to combine.

Remove from stovetop and cool for at least 30 minutes, stirring now and then.

how to make coconut pecan frosting

Enjoy!

German Chocolate Layer Cake with Coconut Pecan Frosting

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German Chocolate Layer Cake with Coconut Pecan Frosting

Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 12
Looking for a delicious chocolate layer cake? You have to try this decadent German Chocolate Layer Cake with Coconut Pecan Frosting. This is so much more than just a chocolate cake. One bite and you will think you are in heaven.
4.38 from 16 votes

Ingredients 

  • 4 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 cup 2 % milk
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Coconut-Pecan Frosting

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 cups evaporated milk
  • 6 egg yolks
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 2 ½ cups coconut flakes
  • 2 cups pecans, chopped

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This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

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Instructions

Cake

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Melt chocolate with the water in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until just melted.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Pour in the melted chocolate and mix together.
  • Next, mix in the eggs, vanilla and milk until well combined.
  • Add the flour, baking soda and salt to the mixing bowl and stir or mix into the batter until just combined.
  • Spray 3 8-inch cake pans with non-stick cooking spray. For extra coverage, line the bottom of the pans with an 8 inch circle of parchment paper.
  • Pour batter evenly between the three pans and then bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothipick inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean.
  • Cool and make frosting.

After frosting has cooled, assemble the cake:

    Coconut-Pecan Frosting

    • Melt butter and then add in granulated sugar, brown sugar, evaporated milk and vanilla. Whisk until well combined.
    • Mix in egg yolks.
    • Cook over medium heat, frequently stirring, until mixture thickens and is bubbly. This should be 10-12 minutes.
    • Add in coconut and pecans and stir to combine.
    • Remove from stovetop and cool for at least 30 minutes, stirring now and then.

    Notes

    Makes 12 servings.
    Author: Laura

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