Fashioned German Chocolate Cake

Savoring Tradition: Old Fashioned German Chocolate Cake Extravaganza

Transport yourself to a world of timeless flavors with our Old Fashioned German Chocolate Cake recipe—an homage to the rich culinary heritage of German baking. This decadent dessert, adorned with its signature coconut and pecan frosting, is a symphony of textures and tastes that has stood the test of time. Join us on a delightful journey as we explore the art of crafting this classic cake, celebrating the warm nostalgia it brings to every table.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water

For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:

  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/3 cups shredded sweetened coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

Crafting the Chocolate Cake:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
  4. Gradually add the boiling water, stirring continuously. The batter will be thin, but this is normal.
  5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Making the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter over medium heat.
  2. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens, about 10-12 minutes.
  3. Remove the saucepan from heat and add vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Mix until well combined.
  4. Allow the frosting to cool to room temperature before spreading it on the cake.

Assembling the Cake:

  1. Place one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread a portion of the frosting evenly over the top.
  2. Repeat this process with the remaining layers, ensuring an even layer of frosting between each.
  3. Use the remaining frosting to generously cover the top and sides of the cake.
  4. For an extra touch, decorate the top with additional pecan halves and coconut flakes.
  5. Allow the cake to set for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Cook Notes

Perfect your Old Fashioned German Chocolate Cake with these expert tips:

  1. Boiling Water Magic: Don’t be alarmed by the thinness of the batter after adding boiling water. This step contributes to the cake’s moist texture.
  2. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the eggs, milk, and butter for the frosting are at room temperature for a smooth and well-incorporated mixture.
  3. Layer Thickness: Aim for even layers when spreading the frosting between the cake layers, creating a balanced flavor in each bite.
  4. Frosting Consistency: If the frosting becomes too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding a little more evaporated milk.

Variations

Customize your Old Fashioned German Chocolate Cake experience with these delightful variations:

Dark Chocolate Twist:

Use dark cocoa powder for an intense chocolate flavor in the cake.

Coffee Infusion:

Replace the boiling water in the cake batter with freshly brewed coffee for a subtle coffee undertone.

Caramel Drizzle:

Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the frosted cake for an extra layer of sweetness.

Keto Versions

Indulge in the lusciousness of Old Fashioned German Chocolate Cake while staying keto-friendly with these low-carb adaptations:

Almond Flour Base:

Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour for a keto-friendly alternative.

Sugar Swaps:

Substitute granulated sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit.

Coconut and Nut Moderation:

Reduce the amount of shredded coconut and chopped pecans in the frosting to lower the carb content.

In conclusion, Old Fashioned German Chocolate Cake is more than a dessert; it’s a nostalgic journey back to the heart of baking traditions. As you savor each forkful of moist chocolate cake layered with coconut-pecan frosting, you’re not just enjoying a treat—you’re embracing the warmth and comfort that only a classic recipe can provide.

So, preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and embark on the joyous task of crafting an Old Fashioned German Chocolate Cake. Share it with loved ones, relish the smiles it brings, and create lasting memories around the table. This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a symbol of the sweet moments shared with family and friends. Indulge, celebrate, and savor the magic of this timeless treat!