Old Fashioned German Chocolate Sheet Cake

German Chocolate Cake is moist and chocolatey and most often found with a Coconut Pecan frosting on it. In my family, having this cake on special days is a tradition. However, I do enjoy making it more often. German Chocolate has always been my favorite.

German Chocolate Cake is a cake that has been a classic for a long time.

The richness of the chocolate and the gooey Coconut and Pecan frosting that brings the flavors into an intense and delectable flavor level.

While many cake flavors come and go once the fad is done, German Chocolate never goes out of style.

Whether you’re looking for something to take to your next potluck or want to indulge in a little bit of old-fashioned luxury, this cake is sure to hit the spot.

Happy baking!

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Why is this the best German Chocolate Cake recipe?

This cake is truly indulgent and topped with a sweet Coconut Pecan flavored frosting. It is easy to make and loved by all who try it.

Test out these German chocolate brownie cookies for another chocolate and coconut dessert.

Is there a difference between regular chocolate and German chocolate?

The difference is that German Chocolate is sweeter than regular Chocolate cakes. German Chocolate is also made with milk solids, such as Buttermilk. This is what helps the cake to be extra moist.

What is Sweet Bakers Chocolate?

Most chocolate cakes contain cocoa to obtain the chocolate flavor. German Chocolate contains Sweet Baker’s Chocolate. This chocolate contains more sugar than Semi-sweet chocolate.

Can I use a different nut in the frosting?

The frosting is made with pecan, however, if you would like to, you could switch out the pecan or Walnuts. The taste will be slightly different of course.

I also have recipes for vanilla buttercream and a chocolate frosting you might enjoy as well.

Ingredients:

For the cake:

• German sweet baker’s chocolate
• Water
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Buttermilk
• Eggs separated
• Sugar
• Butter unsalted and softened
• Vanilla extract

For the icing:

• Butter unsalted
• Evaporated milk
• Sugar
• Egg yolks
• Vanilla extract
• Shredded sweetened coconut
• Chopped pecans

How to make Old Fashioned German Chocolate Sheet Cake:

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2. Place the baker’s chocolate and water into a microwave-safe bowl, and heat at 30-second intervals until completely melted.

Step 3. Add the egg whites to a mixing bowl, beat until stiff peaks are formed, and set aside.

Step 4. In a mixing bowl, beat together the 1 cup butter, 1 ¾ cup sugar, and egg yolks until well combined.

Step 5. Mix the chocolate and vanilla into the butter and sugar mixture.

Step 6. Add the flour to the mixing bowl

Step 7. add the baking soda

Step 8. then add the buttermilk 

Step 9. Beat on high until combined.

Step 10. Fold the egg whites into the batter mixture.

Step 11. Layer the batter into a 9×13 well-greased baking dish.

Step 12. Bake 40-45 minutes until cooked through.

Step 13. While the cake is baking, add 12 tbsp butter, evaporated milk, 1 ½ c. sugar, 4 egg yolks, and 1 tsp vanilla extract to a saucepan over medium heat on the stove.

Step 14. Continue to whisk and cook for 10-12 minutes until thickened.

Step 15. Remove the sauce mixture from the heat and stir in the coconut and pecans.

Step 16. Let the cake cool to room temperature and spread the icing mixture on top before serving.

Old Fashioned German Chocolate Sheet Cake

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 12

German Chocolate Cake is moist and chocolatey and most often found with a Coconut Pecan frosting on it. In my family it is a tradition to have this cake on special days. However, I do enjoy making it more often. German Chocolate has always been my favorite. German Chocolate cake is a cake that has been a classic for a long time.

4.27 from 26 votes

Review Recipe

Ingredients 

For the cake:

• 4 oz. German sweet baker’s chocolate
• ½ C. Water
• 2 C. All purpose flour
• 2 tsp. Baking soda
• 1 C. Buttermilk
• 4 Large eggs separated
• 1 ¾ Sugar
• 1 C. Butter unsalted and softened
• 2 tsp. Vanilla extract

For the icing:

• 12 Tbsp. Butter unsalted
• 1 Can Evaporated milk
• 1 ½ C. Sugar
• 4 Large egg yolks
• 1 tsp. Vanilla extract
• 7 oz. Shredded sweetened coconut
• 1 ½ C. Chopped pecans

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Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• Place the baker’s chocolate and water into a microwave safe bowl, and heat at 30 second intervals until completely melted.
• Add the egg whites to a mixing bowl, beat until stiff peaks are formed and set aside.
• In a mixing bowl, beat together the 1 cup butter, 1 ¾ cup sugar and egg yolks until well combined.
• Mix the chocolate and vanilla into the butter and sugar mixture.
• Add the flour, baking soda and buttermilk into the mixing bowl, and beat on high until combined.
• Fold the egg whites into the batter mixture.
• Layer the batter into a 9×13 well greased baking dish.
• Bake 40-45 minutes until cooked through.
• While the cake is baking, add 12 tbsp butter, evaporated milk, 1 ½ c. sugar, 4 egg yolks and 1 tsp vanilla extract to a saucepan over medium heat on the stove. Continue to whisk and cook for 10-12 minutes until thickened.
• Remove the sauce mixture from the heat and stir in the coconut and pecans.
• Let the cake cool to room temperature and spread the icing mixture on top before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 738kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 50g | Saturated Fat: 26g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 21g | Cholesterol: 223mg | Sodium: 389mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 42g

Author: Laura

How do I store this cake once it is made?

The German Chocolate Cake with the frosting does contain dairy so it does need to be kept in the refrigerator. It should be placed into an airtight container or wrapped tightly. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days.  The frosting must be always refrigerated.

Can this cake be frozen?

You could freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. There may be a slight texture difference when the cake thaws, but it should not be much.

Other Delicious Cake Recipes You’ll Love:

Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Cake – This recipe is perfect for any occasion, and it is always a hit! Plus, it’s a great way to get your kids in the kitchen.

Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake – This Cherry Dr. Pepper Cake is a sweet but tart cake with delicious cherry frosting and a splash of Dr. Pepper flavor.

Old Fashioned Butter Cake – There’s nothing quite like the smell of butter cake baking in the oven. This old-fashioned recipe is a classic for a reason – it’s delicious!