German chocolate cake

Here’s a classic German Chocolate Cake recipe—rich, moist chocolate layers with the signature coconut-pecan frosting.

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🍫 German Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 4 oz sweet baking chocolate (German chocolate or semi-sweet)
• ½ cup boiling water
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, separated
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the coconut-pecan frosting:

• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large egg yolks
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1⅓ cups sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans

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Instructions

Make the cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch cake pans.
2. Melt chocolate in boiling water; let cool slightly.
3. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
5. Beat in egg yolks one at a time and vanilla.
6. Add melted chocolate alternately with buttermilk, mixing until smooth.
7. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold into batter.
8. Divide batter among pans and bake 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

Make the frosting

1. In a saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 10 minutes).
3. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans. Let cool slightly.

Assemble

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread 1/3 frosting over top.
2. Repeat with second layer.
3. Top with third layer. Spread remaining frosting over the top (not sides, traditional style).

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Tips & Variations

• Extra moist: Brush each cake layer with a little coconut milk before frosting.
• Chocolate twist: Add a layer of chocolate ganache under the frosting.
• Make ahead: Cake layers can be baked a day ahead and wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.

If you want, I can give a quick one-bowl version, a healthier protein version, or cupcake-sized German chocolate treats 🍫🥥🌰.