old fashioned german chocolate cake recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
old fashioned german chocolate cake recipe
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The Best old fashioned german chocolate cake recipe

I’ve been making this old-fashioned German chocolate cake recipe for years, and it’s still a family favorite. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is always a hit with them.

The rich, mocha flavor of the chocolate pairs perfectly with the sweet coconut and pecans. It’s a perfect dessert for any occasion, whether it’s a special celebration or just a Tuesday night treat.

I’ve even started making it for my husband’s birthday, and he always requests it. The best part is that it’s relatively easy to make, even for a beginner baker like me.

I’ve tried many different recipes over the years, but this one remains my go-to. It’s a classic for a reason!

My kids are always asking me to make it, and I’m happy to oblige. We’ve even started making it together as a family project, which is always fun.

The smell of the chocolate and coconut wafting from the oven is just incredible. It’s definitely worth the effort to make this cake from scratch.

Old Fashioned German Chocolate Cake

Old Fashioned German Chocolate Cake

4.7 from 1568 votes

A classic German Chocolate Cake recipe with a moist chocolate cake, rich coconut-pecan frosting, and chocolate ganache. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time45 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hrs 20 mins
Servings: 12Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp espresso powder
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup evaporated milk
3 large egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
2 cups chopped pecans

For the Chocolate Ganache

8 oz semi-sweet chocolate
1/2 cup heavy cream

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder.
Mix well.
4Add buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
5Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
6Gradually add boiling water and mix until combined.
7Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
8Bake for 30-35 minutes.
9The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack.
11While the cake is cooling, prepare the coconut-pecan frosting.
12In a medium saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, evaporated milk, and egg yolks.
13Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
14Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, coconut, and pecans.
15Let the frosting cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.
16Once the cake is completely cool, spread the coconut-pecan frosting evenly over the top.
17To prepare the chocolate ganache, heat the chocolate and heavy cream in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth.
18Drizzle the ganache over the frosting.
19Allow the ganache to set before slicing and serving.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
9×13 inch baking dish
Saucepan
Whisk

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 26g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 500mg🌾Total Carbs: 55g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 40g🥩Protein: 6g

📝Notes

Tips: For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate in the ganache. You can also add a layer of the coconut-pecan frosting between two layers of cake for an even more indulgent treat.

Watch Video Of How Old Fashioned German Chocolate Cake Works

This old-fashioned German chocolate cake recipe is a staple in our household. It’s perfect for any occasion or just as a quick dessert.

The combination of rich chocolate and sweet coconut is unbeatable. One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it freezes well, so we can enjoy it even when we’re not in the mood for baking.

We often make two or three at a time and freeze them for later use.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Old Fashioned German Chocolate Cake

Q1: What is German chocolate cake?

German chocolate cake is a type of moist, gooey chocolate cake made with a specific type of chocolate called ‘German’s chocolate.’ It was named after an American chocolatier named Samuel German who created the type of dark chocolate used in this recipe.

Q2: What are the key ingredients in this recipe?

The key ingredients in this recipe are German’s chocolate, unsweetened cocoa powder, sugar, eggs, sour cream, chopped pecans, shredded coconut, and buttermilk.

Q3: Can I substitute any of the ingredients?

You can substitute some of the ingredients if you don’t have them on hand or prefer something else. For example, you can use unsweetened almond milk instead of buttermilk or chopped walnuts instead of pecans.

Q4: How long does it take to make this cake?

This cake takes about an hour to an hour and a half to make, depending on how quickly you can mix and bake it.

Q5: Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze this cake for up to three months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the freezer.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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