Name: German Chocolate Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Ingredients: 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate, melted; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 cup evaporated milk; 1 cup sugar; 3 egg yolks; ½ cup butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups shredded sweetened coconut; 1 cup chopped pecans; ½ cup unsalted butter; 2 ½ cups powdered sugar; ½ cup cocoa powder; ¼ cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe

What Is German Chocolate Cake

Despite its name, German Chocolate Cake is not from Germany. German Chocolate Cake is a rich layered chocolate cake filled and topped with a coconut pecan mixture.

The cake is known for its sweet chocolate flavor, creamy coconut filling, and crunchy nuts. It’s soft, moist, and slightly caramel-like from the cooked frosting. Each bite mixes chocolate, coconut, and pecans into a perfect dessert balance.

Where Was German Chocolate Cake Invented

It was invented in Texas, in the United States in the 1950s and named after Samuel German, the man who created a special baking chocolate used in the first version of this cake. The name stuck after the recipe became popular nationwide. So, if you’ve ever wondered why it is called German Chocolate Cake, now you know, it’s about the chocolate, not the country.

What Does German Chocolate Cake Taste Like

This cake has a deep chocolate flavor, a nutty coconut filling, and a buttery sweetness. It tastes like a mix of caramel, chocolate, and toasted pecans with a creamy texture that melts in your mouth.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s a dessert with personality, soft cake layers, gooey coconut pecan filling, and a smooth German Chocolate Cake frosting that ties everything together. It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any day you need a serious chocolate fix.

Prep Time

Prep: 30 minutes
Bake: 35 minutes
Cooling and Frosting: 45 minutes
Total: 1 hour 50 minutes

Servings

12 slices

Nutrition (Per Slice)

Calories: 580
Fat: 32g
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 6g
Sugar: 45g

Kitchen Tools Needed

3 round 9-inch cake pans
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Rubber spatula
Saucepan
Wire rack
Offset spatula

Ingredients

For the Cake

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate, melted
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs

For the Coconut Pecan Filling

1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup sugar
3 egg yolks
½ cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups shredded sweetened coconut
1 cup chopped pecans

For the German Chocolate Cake Frosting

If you’ve ever wondered how to make German Chocolate Cake frosting, this is the classic version everyone loves.

½ cup unsalted butter
2 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ cup cocoa powder
¼ cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How To Make German Chocolate Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round pans.
Mix dry ingredients in a bowl: flour, baking soda, and salt.
Cream butter and sugar. Beat until fluffy, then add eggs one at a time.
Add melted chocolate and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk.
Bake. Divide batter into pans and bake for 30–35 minutes. Cool completely.
Make the coconut pecan filling. In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, egg yolks, butter, and vanilla. Stir over medium heat until thickened. Add coconut and pecans. Cool before spreading.
Make the frosting. For this German Chocolate Cake icing recipe, beat butter, cocoa, sugar, milk, and vanilla until creamy. Add milk if needed for a smoother texture.
Assemble. Layer the cakes with the coconut filling between each. Spread the chocolate frosting on top and sides.
Serve. Chill for 30 minutes to set or serve immediately for a softer texture.

Quick Tips

Use room-temperature butter and eggs for even mixing.
Toast the pecans for a richer flavor.
Let the filling cool completely before assembling.
Store leftovers in the fridge for best texture.

FAQs

What Frosting Goes On German Chocolate Cake

Traditional German Chocolate Cake frosting is the coconut pecan mixture layered inside. The outside is usually covered with a rich chocolate icing like the one above. Both together make the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Does German Chocolate Cake Have Nuts

Yes, it does. Chopped pecans give the filling its crunch and add flavor depth.

Does German Chocolate Cake Need To Be Refrigerated

Yes. German Chocolate Cake needs to be refrigerated because of the milk and eggs in the filling. Keep it covered and chilled for up to 5 days.

Can You Freeze German Chocolate Cake

Yes. You can freeze German Chocolate Cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Final Thought

Now you know how to make German Chocolate Cake and how to make German Chocolate Cake frosting like a pro. It’s sweet, nutty, and full of chocolate charm. Serve it, share it, or keep it all for yourself, we won’t judge. 🫶🏻😋

German Chocolate Cake

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Additional Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Soft, moist layers of rich chocolate cake wrapped in creamy coconut pecan filling and smooth chocolate frosting. Each bite melts into a mix of sweetness, crunch, and silkiness that makes it impossible to stop at one slice.