Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert with this Upgraded German Chocolate Cake recipe. Rich cocoa cake layers are filled with a luscious coconut-pecan filling and frosted with decadent chocolate buttercream. A show-stopper for any occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
Cake:
- 1 and 3/4 cups (219g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 3/4 cup (62g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder
- 1 and 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons espresso powder (optional)*
- 1/2 cup (120ml) canola or vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup (180g) full fat sour cream, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk, at room temperature*
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) hot water or coffee*
Coconut-Pecan Filling:
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 can (12 ounces; 354ml) evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup (125g) chopped pecans
For Garnish:
- Extra toasted pecans
- Sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease three 9-inch round cake pans, line with parchment paper rounds, then grease the parchment paper.
- Make the cake: Whisk dry ingredients. Mix wet ingredients. Combine wet and dry ingredients, add hot water/coffee, mix until combined. Divide batter into pans and bake.
- Prepare the coconut-pecan filling as cakes cool. Cook butter, sugar, egg yolks, and milk until thick. Stir in vanilla, pecans, and coconut. Cool.
- Assemble and frost: Level cakes if needed. Layer cake and filling. Frost with chocolate buttercream. Garnish with pecans and coconut. Refrigerate before serving.
Notes
- Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- Allow the coconut-pecan filling to cool completely before layering in the cake.
- Refrigerating the cake before slicing helps it hold its shape better.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: German Chocolate Cake, Dessert Recipe, Coconut Pecan Filling, Chocolate Buttercream
