If you’re looking for the best homemade German Chocolate Cake, you’ve come to the right place! This classic chocolate cake with coconut-pecan frosting is rich, moist, and full of deep, indulgent flavors. The combination of tender chocolate layers with a sweet, nutty topping makes this cake a favorite for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying this for the first time, follow these easy steps to create a decadent, bakery-quality dessert at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Moist & Rich – Thanks to a combination of buttermilk, oil, and hot coffee, this cake is soft and tender.
- Easy-to-Make Coconut-Pecan Frosting – No need for complicated buttercreams! This frosting is cooked to creamy perfection.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether for a birthday, holiday, or weekend treat, this cake is always a showstopper.
Ingredients & Their Roles
For the Cake Layers:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure and a soft crumb.
- 2 cups granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake while helping with moisture retention.
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Adds deep, chocolatey richness.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder & 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda – Creates the perfect rise and fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness.
- 1 cup milk & 1 cup buttermilk – Keep the cake ultra-moist and tender.
- ½ cup vegetable oil – Adds richness and keeps the cake from drying out.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1 cup hot coffee – Intensifies the chocolate flavor and ensures a smooth batter.
For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk – Provides a creamy base for the frosting.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar – Adds deep caramel notes to the frosting.
- ¼ cup butter – Makes the frosting rich and smooth.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the frosting’s flavor.
- 1 cup chopped pecans – Adds crunch and nutty depth.
- 1 cup flaked coconut – Brings a chewy, tropical sweetness to the frosting.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and hot coffee.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a dense cake.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Coconut-Pecan Frosting
- In a saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, and butter over medium heat.
- Cook while stirring constantly until the mixture thickens slightly and starts to bubble.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, pecans, and coconut.
- Allow the frosting to cool slightly before using—it should still be spreadable but not too runny.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting over the top.
- Add the second cake layer and cover the top with more frosting.
- Optionally, spread a thin layer of frosting around the sides or leave them “naked” for a more traditional look.
Pro Tips for the Best German Chocolate Cake
- Use room temperature ingredients – This helps everything mix evenly and ensures a smooth batter.
- For extra moisture, brush cake layers with simple syrup – Mix equal parts sugar and water, heat until dissolved, then lightly brush on cooled cake layers.
- Dark cocoa powder for richer flavor – If you love deep chocolate flavors, swap regular cocoa for dark cocoa powder.
- Make your own buttermilk – If you don’t have buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and let sit for 5 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
This German Chocolate Cake pairs beautifully with:
- A scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for extra indulgence.
- A cup of freshly brewed coffee to enhance the chocolatey richness.
- A cold glass of milk for a creamy contrast.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade German Chocolate Cake is the perfect balance of decadent chocolate cake and sweet, nutty coconut-pecan frosting. It’s easy to make, yet impressive enough to wow any crowd. Whether for a birthday, holiday, or just because, this cake will quickly become a family favorite.
Try this recipe today and experience the ultimate homemade indulgence! Let me know how it turns out in the comments. Happy baking!