My daughter and her family are here this week and I have been preparing many of her favorite meals to celebrate their visit. Most of the time I cook just for myself so it’s a real treat to cook for those I love. Nothing makes me happier than seeing my family around the dinner table enjoying good food and each other’s company. The dessert everybody always requests for a family dinner is German Chocolate Cake. It beats out peach pie as our number one favorite.
This cake takes a bit of time and care to prepare but the result is worth all the effort. The layers are rich, chocolatey and substantial enough to stand up well to the coconut-pecan frosting. There is something magical about the combination of flavors and texture, and I swear I can eat spoonfuls of the frosting right out of the pan. If there is any left in the pan after the cake is frosted what else can I do but finish it off. This is a rich cake and I can almost guarantee it will satisfy even the most extreme sweet tooth. Small slices with a little scoop of vanilla ice cream usually do it.
- CAKE:
- 1 pkg. (4 oz) Baker’s German Sweet Chocolate
- ½ cup water
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs, separated
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup buttermilk
- COCONUT-PECAN FROSTING:
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
- 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1-1/2 cups sugar
- ¾ cup (1-1/2 sticks) butter
- 1 pkg. (7 ounces) coconut
- 1-1/2 cups pecans, chopped
- GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cover bottoms of 3 8″ or 9″ round cake pans with parchment paper. Butter sides of pans. Microwave chocolate and water in large microwavable bowl on high until almost melted, stirring after 1 minute. Stir until chocolate is completely melted.
- Mix flour, baking soda and salt, set aside. Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Blend in melted chocolate and the vanilla. Add flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk, beating until well blended after each addition.
- Beat egg whites in a small bowl with electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. Gently stir into batter. Pour evenly into prepared pans.
- Bake 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Immediately run small metal spatula around cake layers. Cool in pans 15 minutes, remove layers from the pans to wire racks. Discard parchment paper, Cool cake layers completely. Spread coconut-pecan frosting between cake layers and onto top of cake
- COCONUT-PECAN FROSTING:
- Beat egg yolks, milk and vanilla in large saucepan with a wire whisk until well blended. Add sugar and butter and cook on medium heat until thickened and golden brown. Remove from heat.
- Add coconut and nuts and mix well. Cool to desired consistency. Makes about 4-1/2 cups of frosting, enough to frost 3 cake layers or 36 cupcakes.
Sorry about the blurry photo but I had to be quick to get even this shot. Once the cake was cut everyone was eager to get their plates. I have seen German Chocolate Cake prepared with chocolate buttercream frosting on the sides of the cake, but that is way too over the top for me. Just thinking about it makes my teeth hurt. We love this version and bet that your family would love it too. If you want to make something very special for a occasion you want to remember do try this recipe. I’ve made it hundreds of times and it is always the star of the show.
If you love German Chocolate cake as much as we do you might also enjoy German Chocolate Cake Macarons from an earlier post. You get all the same wonderful flavors of the cake in a light, delicate little cookie. If you have been thinking about giving macarons a try this is a great recipe to start with.
Here we are at Friday again and I’m linking this post to Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum, Fresh Food Friday at La Bella Vita, and On the Menu Monday at StoneGable.
Happy Weekend Everyone!
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{ 47 comments… read them below or add one }
German chocolate cake is one of my favorites. My son made one for my birthday a few years back and I haven’t had one since. We need a house full of cake eaters to make one. I know you are enjoying your guests and they you.
Best,
Bonnie
Yep, that would be good!!! I’m sure your daughter is thrilled to be visiting and eating so well Cathy-have fun:@)
Looks really good Cathy – haven’t had one in years.
Larry recently posted..A Couple Of Breakfast From Leftovers
Gorgeous photo, Cathy. I don’t even eat cake and that makes me want to sneak a taste.
Vickie from Part 3 recently posted..Grilled Shrimp on Fennel and Arugula
Hi Cathy!! Looks amazing!! Have a fabulous weekend.!!
Janine recently posted..Just Because ***
I love a great German’s Chocolate Cake, But those macaroons are way too pretty!
Inspired by eRecipeCards.com recently posted..Onion Frittata ala Frugal in WV
Oh, Cathy! What a wonderful treat. I have not eaten this is years and never from scratch. It will be a must try this winter. Thank you for sharing and enjoy that family.
Susan recently posted..Bonjour from the West
Delish! I know your family is basking in all the wonderful love you’re showing them through your wonderful cooking, Cathy. This is my son-in-love’s favorite cake but I’ve always just bought the icing in the can. *blush* I sure will try your version next time. Thanks!
fondly,
Rett
p.s. We BOTH had chocolate cake on the brain this week. GMTA!! ;-p
Rettabug recently posted..Deep, Dark, Decadent "Perfectly Chocolate" Chocolate Cake
This post is a fabulous reminder of an incident that I MUST do a post about.
May I use one of your photos, linked back to you, with a promise that I will let you know when my post publishes??
Thanks and xoxo, bj
bj recently posted..TEA TOWEL , CUP TOWEL or DISH TOWEL ?
Aww……………happy family times around the table, moments to cherish, and what a GORGEOUS cake too……I LOVE making cakes, as you know, and that is magnificent!
Beautiful photos and great recipe……..thanks for sharing.
Karen
Lavender and Lovage recently posted..Muddling Along, Summer Memories: Jumble Berry Crumble with Shortbread Topping
This would be a favorite cake at my house too. Looks fabulous!
Barbara @ Barbara Bakes recently posted..Hershey’s Perfectly Chocolate Chocolate Cake and Perfectly Chocolate Chocolate Frosting
Love German cake.Surely German’s know their cakes.Love their Sunday afternoon tradition when they come together and have cake and coffee;)Great recepie Cathy:)
Dzoli recently posted..Podsetnik..neke osnovne stvari Remembering the basics
That German Chocolate Cake looks like pure perfection…certainly magazine worthy. The macaroons…well, whoa. Just fantastic!
black eyed susans kitchen recently posted..VINTAGE CAR SHOW…SO PATRIOTIC
We are on the same wave length at what makes us happy..
I love the macaron /cake..association:)
Both..gorgeous.
Monique recently posted..Our Tomatoes~Mini Quiches~
Oh my! That German layer cake has me just staring. No doubt the time and care is worth the effort. This cake reminds of me the Coconut layer cake recipe from Thomas Keller. Lots of time and attention to detail but the results are so good.
I can think of a better way to enjoy meals than with your favorite people. Awesome.
Velva
velva recently posted..The Original White Lady Cocktail and Giveaway
What a wonderful looking cake,Cathy! I like all the layers and the frosting sounds like it would taste so well with chocolate.
I know how good it feels to be able to cook for a visiting family…although I am usually the one cooking in their kitchens, as I am usually the visitor
Pat recently posted..A Quick Trip to the Philly Italian Market
Thanks for the recipe. That was one of my favorites growing up. Love that frosting!
Thanks for the recipe. That was one of my favorites growing up!
Wendy recently posted..Panzanella Penne – Pasta of the Month
I hope you have a great time with your family, Cathy. The cake sounds amazing, I have a family that would love this!
Cassie @ Bake Your Day recently posted..Walnut-Zucchini Muffins
Those macaroons look great. This is the same German chocolate recipe that we use and it is truly amazing. It is one of my favorite cakes.
Barefeet In The Kitchen recently posted..Tuscan Chicken with Rosemary and Lemon
My (german) mum used to make german chocolate cake with coffee walnut butter cream. (frosting)
Coconut-pecan sounds too American to me, but I think I’ll give it a try one day.
river recently posted..in case you were wondering….
I grew up in Texas and this used to be the number one dessert served at every important event. It was made just like yours…never with chocolate frosting. Thanks for the memory.
Hi Cathy, Meant to say that I hope you are enjoying your time with your family.
Karen (Back Road Journal) recently posted..The First Vine Ripe Tomato
This is my very favorite dessert, but I’ve never made one myself. When I find myself with some time I’m going to try this recipe. It looks divine.
Mona Thompson recently posted..It’s Friday and it’s Fabulous…Master Bathroom
oh yum! i haven’t had german chocolate cake in so long. i’m totally craving this now, how delicious!
teresa recently posted..Watermelon Cake Balls
Beautiful! This is my daughter’s favorite cake. So glad you’re having a wonderful time with your family
Karen recently posted..Herbed-Baked Eggs
As if the cake weren’t special enough – macarons too! You are a superb baker lady. I remember making that cake when I was in high school – but with a box mix – way inferior to what you’ve got going on.
ciaochowlinda recently posted..Tomato Soup
We love this German chocolate cake. The filling was extremely rich and delicious, sweet though.
Angie@Angiesrecipes recently posted..Brown Rice Salad with Beet and Herbs & Roasted Beet Chips
Nothing gives me more pleasure that making my family’s favorites too. I only get to make sure wonderful desserts when we have a gathering too and that makes it even more special. How delicious your cake looks! Enjoy your daughter’s visit, Cathy!
Susan recently posted..Fresh Tomato Pasta with Herbed Breadcrumbs "Montreal"
oh wow lucky family bet it didn’t last long
That is a beautiful cake. I am working on menus for my family gathering here over Labor Day. This just might be on my list!
Penny recently posted..Stuffed Eight Ball Zucchini Squash
I was just over at Erin’s site reading her Secret Recipe Club entry and found out that you are her mother. I had to come over here and visit. That cake looks amazing. It’s my husband’s favorite kind of cake. He asks for it for his birthday almost every year.
Kristen recently posted..Brown Sugar Pound Cake
I know how much family means to you! They must love coming home for a visit.
The cake looks wonderful!
Kathleen recently posted..Summer’s Not Over Till the Calendar Says So!
Oh my, this looks delish! I love how you did the layers – they look beautiful. German Chocolate Cake is one of my favorites – the frosting is the best – this looks like the perfect recipe for it!
Becki@Becki’s Whole Life recently posted..Dijon Chicken
Best cake EVER!!! Hands down my favorite. And your macarons are amazing, wonderfully delicious!!!
Erin @ Making Memories recently posted..Secret Recipe Club: Mt. Bachelor Bars
This looks amazing! I want a big slice right now! Glad to have found your blog. Now your newest follower.
Tiffanee recently posted..Taco Biscuit Bake
I loved the macs and I love the cake! What a gorgeous work of art! Mmmm luscious. I wonder if I can make this when I am in Florida visiting?
Jamie recently posted..LEMON RISOTTO (RISOTTO AL LIMONE)
I can see why this is your favorite cake!
Ooooo….this is just soooo very addictive! I’m sure I just can’t stop at one. haha….
Kristy
kristy recently posted..Homemade Tangerine Marmalade
Oh wow! I am surprised you could get a photo at all…amazing and delicious!
Magic of Spice recently posted..What’s for dinner? Hot Buttered Honey Rum Maitake Mushroom and Olive Pizza
Looks delicious and very ‘special’… a fav of mine also!
Barb recently posted..Leftovers of the Season ….
Oh, my, Cathy! I adore a good German chocolate cake….and yours looks incredible
1
My daughter just made this German Chocolate Cake last night for her husband’s birthday & it was GREAT!!! Best one I have ever eaten.
I made this cake and it was wonderful! Thanks for the recipe. I am reprinting it and laminating it to add to my recipes.
Thanks, Mine came out delicious thanks to this wonderful recipe
Back in the day I used to make this cake often, but always with a German cake mix.
bellini recently posted..My Quest for the Lemon Almond Torta Holy Grail
Oh my gosh, I now have you to blame for the 2 pounds I will be putting on when I make this cake. I have forgotten how delicious these are until I saw your photos. This and the wonderful Texas Sheet Cake are my two favorites.
Karen Harris recently posted..The Best Part of This Year’s Super Bowl For Me: Mushroom Bacon and Swiss Stuffed Bread
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