Homemade German Chocolate Cake

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Homemade German Chocolate Cake: A Classic Dessert Made from Scratch

Homemade German Chocolate Cake is a timeless dessert that brings together rich chocolate cake layers and a luxurious coconut-pecan frosting. Despite its name, this cake is actually an American classic, known for its mild chocolate flavor and signature caramel-like topping. Making it at home may seem impressive, but when broken down step by step, it’s surprisingly approachable—and the results are absolutely worth it.

This from-scratch version delivers a moist, tender crumb paired with a sweet, nutty frosting that turns every slice into a celebration.

Ingredients Overview

Before starting, it’s helpful to have all your ingredients measured and ready. This ensures a smooth baking process.

For the Chocolate Cake Layers

Unsweetened baking chocolate
All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter
Eggs
Buttermilk
Vanilla extract
Hot water or freshly brewed coffee

For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting

Evaporated milk
Egg yolks
Brown sugar
Unsalted butter
Vanilla extract
Sweetened shredded coconut
Chopped pecans

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate

Begin by gently melting the unsweetened chocolate. This can be done over a double boiler or in short intervals in the microwave. Stir until smooth, then set it aside to cool slightly. This step ensures the chocolate blends seamlessly into the batter without scrambling the eggs later.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is key to achieving a soft texture. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the melted chocolate and vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Finish by carefully stirring in the hot water or coffee, which deepens the chocolate flavor and creates a smooth, pourable batter.