A rich and moist homemade German chocolate cake layered with coconut-pecan frosting and chocolate buttercream. This traditional old-fashioned cake is a family favorite!
Craving more chocolate desserts with the same flavor profile? Try German chocolate brownies, chocolate lava cake recipe and German chocolate cookies, too!
Table of Contents
Classic German Chocolate Cake
One of my family’s all time favorite cakes is a traditional German chocolate cake. My mom would make it for every birthday and it brings back so many memories. We made this recipe for my Dad’s birthday about a month ago and it was loved by all!
It starts with a moist, mild chocolate cake that’s layered with a gooey coconut pecan frosting and a sweet chocolate buttercream. It has all the best flavors and textures and is super decadent and delicious.
Why This Recipe Works
- Decadent: A lush chocolate cake, German chocolate frosting with a coconut pecan filling, and a rich chocolate buttercream to top it off! The frosting makes the cake.
- Indulgent: I swapped Baker’s German’s melted chocolate for unsweetened cocoa and it adds depth of flavor and rich chocolate color to the cake recipe.
- Perfect for a celebration: Whether you are celebrating a special birthday or holiday, this from scratch cake adds the perfect touch.
Homemade German Chocolate Cake Ingredients
This homemade German chocolate cake recipe does take a little more effort since we’re making the cake and both frostings from scratch, but trust me, it is so worth it!
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Chocolate cake: The base of this dessert starts with my trusty chocolate cake recipe. It’s simple to make with baking staples like flour, sugar, eggs, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt and vanilla and has a few extra ingredients like buttermilk and vegetable oil which helps to make it super moist and tender.
- Coconut pecan frosting: This frosting is the real show stopper, so don’t skip on making it! It’s definitely the best part and the canned stuff just doesn’t compare. It cooks on the stove until thick and caramelly and has great texture from the flaked coconut and chopped pecans.
- Chocolate buttercream: The finishing touch for the exterior of the cake. It’s rich, fudgy, smooth and creamy all at the same time and only takes a handful of ingredients like butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla and half and half.
Variations
While I prefer making the cake from scratch if I have the time, you can definitely use a box of German chocolate cake mix to make this recipe even easier.
I would suggest adding in about 1/2 cup sour cream to make it softer, similar to how I do when making my favorite chocolate cupcakes from cake mix. It makes a difference!
If you need a gluten-free cake, try my gluten free chocolate cake then layer with the coconut pecan frosting.
How to Make German Chocolate Cake
Make a homemade German chocolate cake requires 3 separate tasks: baking the cake, preparing the coconut pecan frosting on the stove and then mixing together the chocolate buttercream.
- Sift. Start by sifting the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda and a teaspoon salt) through a flour sifter. This gets rid of any lumps in the flour mixture and will help make the texture of the cake more light and airy.
- Mix. Next use a whisk or your electric mixer beaters to stir in the wet ingredients (water, buttermilk, oil, eggs and vanilla) until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Pour and bake. Using a rubber spatula, divide the cake batter evenly between two greased 9-inch round cake pans and then bake in the oven at 350°F for about 28 to 35 minutes. They will be done when a toothpick comes out clean from the center of the cake. Then allow to cool completely on wire racks.
- Mix buttercream. Use an electric mixer to cream the butter until light and fluffy. Then slowly add in the powdered sugar, cocoa, vanilla and salt to taste. If the consistency is too thick, add in a little half and half, heavy cream or milk to thin it out.
- Cook coconut frosting. Bring the evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolk, butter and vanilla to a simmer in a small to medium saucepan on the stove. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens and turns an amber, caramel color (make sure to stir constantly so it doesn’t burn). Remove the pan from the heat and fold in the flaked coconut and chopped pecans, then let cool.
- Frost. Spread the coconut pecan frosting in the center of the cake, then cover the sides with the chocolate buttercream. Then slice and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
- If you need an easier cake, use a box of German chocolate cake mix but I suggest adding 1/2 cup sour cream for a softer cake texture like I do in my chocolate cupcakes from cake mix.
- If you need a gluten-free cake, try my gluten free chocolate cake then layer with the coconut pecan frosting.
- Measure the flour using the spoon and level method so that your cake has the perfect soft and fluffy texture.
- Bake the cakes on the middle oven rack so they cook evenly and don’t brown too fast.
- Freeze the cooled cakes for a few minutes prior to frosting to help give it a clean surface and minimize any crumbs while spreading the frosting on top.
- Stir the coconut frosting continuously while cooking so that the caramel doesn’t burn.
- Adjust the consistency of the buttercream if needed. Thin it out with milk or half and half or thicken the texture by adding in more powdered sugar.
Craving more chocolate desserts? Check out this easy death by chocolate poke cake, better than anything cake or this chocolate Texas sheet cake.
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German Chocolate Cake
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Ingredients
Cake
- 2 cups (260 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (410 grams) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (65 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt or table salt
- 1 cup (225 grams) hot water
- 1 cup (245 grams) buttermilk
- ½ cup (100 grams) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs , at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Coconut Pecan Frosting
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups flaked coconut (make sure it’s fresh)
- 1 cup pecans , chopped
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt or table salt
Chocolate Buttercream
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 4-5 cups powdered sugar
- 5 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 Tablespoons half-and-half , can sub for heavy cream or milk
- Pinch salt , more to taste
Instructions
Chocolate Cake
- Prep. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Center an oven rack in the middle position. Line the bottom of 2 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. Lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Sift dry ingredients. In a large bowl, sift 2 cups flour, 2 cups sugar, 3/4 cup cocoa, 2 teaspoons baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt.
- Make cake batter. Using a handheld mixer or whisk, mix in 1 cup hot water, 1 cup buttermilk, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 2 eggs, and 2 teaspoons vanilla until well combined. Spread the batter evenly between the pans.
- Bake. Bake 28 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs. Let cool 2 to 3 minutes before running a knife around the edges and turning out onto a cooling rack. Let cool completely. Once cooled I like to wrap in plastic and freeze before frosting.
Coconut Frosting
- Simmer frosting. Combine 1 cup evaporated milk, 1 cup sugar, 3 egg yolks, 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-heat, stirring constantly. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened and turned a caramel color. Be careful not to burn.
- Add coconut and pecans. Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups coconut and 1 cup pecans. Allow the frosting to cool slightly and thicken.
Chocolate Buttercream
- Combine frosting ingredients. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup butter with an electric mixer. Slowly add the 4-5 cups powdered sugar, 5 Tablespoons cocoa powder, 1 1/2 Tablespoons vanilla, and pinch salt. Add up to 3 Tablespoons heavy cream as needed to thin.
- Frost cake. Frost the center of the cake with the coconut frosting and the sides with the chocolate buttercream frosting.
Notes
- Bake and cool the cakes. Then wrap in plastic and freeze until ready to use.
- Make the coconut frosting and allow to cool. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Allow to come to room temperature when ready to use.
- Make the chocolate buttercream and store in a covered container in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks. Allow to come to room temperature when ready to use. You may need to beat a minute before using to fluff up.
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Recipe FAQs
First things first, it didn’t originate in Germany!
The sweetness, texture and type of frosting used is what sets this cake apart. A classic German’s chocolate cake is made with sweeter Baker’s German chocolate, while chocolate or devil’s food cake is typically made with unsweetened chocolate. The cake is always fluffier and less dense.
The frosting has a distinct coconut pecan flavor, while the frosting on chocolate cakes typically vary anywhere from a meringue to a chocolate buttercream.
Yes, the cake and both frostings can be prepared in advance. After baking the cakes, let them cool and then wrap and freeze.
Then prepare both frostings as directed. The coconut frosting will stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week and the buttercream will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Let both come to room temperature before using.
No, it can be stored at room temperature. I used a glass cake stand (with a lid) to store mine. Just make sure you’re storing it in some sort of airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Sure. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight or on the counter for a few hours until no longer frozen.
Categorized as: American, Birthdays, Cake + Cupcakes, Chocolate, Desserts, Freezer-Friendly, Vegetarian
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
Looks easy and tasty
Looking forward to hearing how it goes when you make the German chocolate cake!
Made this for hubby’s birthday cake!
Came out perfectly. I did switched the water for hot coffee. So so good, he requested it for next years birthday cake.
Love this although I bake as sheet cake a day bake less time so as not to dry out the cake
Can I sub kefir for the buttermilk?
Haven’t tested that out, but let us now if you do!
German chocolate cake has always been my favorite, and this is my new go-to recipe. It was easy and delicious!
One of my faves too!
Can’t get enough of this decadent cake! My family loved it. I’m excited to make this again for the Thanksgiving party. YUM!
My family loved this! Our new favorite cake recipe <3
Baked this for my mother’s birthday and it was a hit!
So happy to hear that! It’s the perfect cake to celebrate special occasions :)
My new favorite chocolate cake recipe! Super flavorful and delicious! Perfect for occasions and family gatherings! Loved this!
Glad to hear it was a hit! :)
My wife made this for my birthday and by far it is my favorite German chocolate cake recipe
Awesome! Hope you had a great birthday. Thanks for the comment!
So good. People loved it!!
Made it for my daughters birthday party. The frosting was absolutely fantastic!
I love German Chocolate Cake and this recipe hit all the marks!! So delicious!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!!
German Choc Cake is my favorite and this recipe did not disappoint! I’ll for sure be using it again! Thanks for sharing!
So amazing! We all loved this cake
I request this for my birthday cake every year!
Such a delicious cake! I’m so glad you enjoy it!
This recipe is so delicious!