This traditional German Chocolate Cake features tender chocolate cake layers made with sweet baking chocolate, filled and topped with a rich coconut-pecan frosting cooked on the stove. Moist, nostalgic, and absolutely timeless.
⏱ Time & Servings
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Prep Time: 30 minutes
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Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
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Cooling Time: 45 minutes
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Total Time: ~1 hour 50 minutes
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Servings: 12–14 slices
🧾 Ingredients
Chocolate Cake
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4 oz sweet German chocolate, chopped
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½ cup boiling water
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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2 cups sugar
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4 large eggs, separated
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup buttermilk
Coconut-Pecan Frosting
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1 cup evaporated milk
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1 cup sugar
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3 large egg yolks
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½ cup unsalted butter
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
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1 cup chopped pecans
👩🍳 Instructions
Make the Cake
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Melt Chocolate
Pour boiling water over chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth; cool slightly. -
Prep Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans. -
Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. -
Cream Butter & Sugar
Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (4–5 minutes). -
Add Egg Yolks
Beat in egg yolks one at a time. Add melted chocolate and vanilla. -
Combine Batter
Add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk, mixing just until combined. -
Whip Egg Whites
Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold into batter. -
Bake
Divide batter evenly between pans.
Bake 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely.
Make the Coconut-Pecan Frosting
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Cook Frosting
In a saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (10–12 minutes). -
Finish Frosting
Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans.
Cool to spreading consistency.
🎂 Assemble
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Place one cake layer on a plate.
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Spread frosting on top (not the sides).
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Repeat with remaining layers.
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Leave sides naked or lightly frosted—traditional style.
🍽 Texture & Flavor
✔ Moist, tender chocolate layers
✔ Rich caramel-like coconut pecan frosting
✔ Sweet, nutty, nostalgic flavor
✔ True old-fashioned cake
⭐ Old-School Tips
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Don’t frost warm layers — frosting must cool to thicken
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Use real German chocolate for authentic flavor
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Best next day — flavors deepen overnight
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Store covered at room temp or refrigerate
📊 Nutrition (Approx. per slice)
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Calories: 520
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Fat: 30g
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Carbs: 58g
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