Old Fashioned German Chocolate Cake

Old Fashioned German Chocolate Cake: A Timeless Dessert Legacy

Step into the world of indulgence with our Old Fashioned German Chocolate Cake—a dessert that transcends time and captivates taste buds with its rich layers, coconut-pecan frosting, and velvety chocolate goodness. This classic recipe pays homage to the traditional German chocolate cake that has been a staple in kitchens for generations. Join us as we unravel the secrets to creating this timeless masterpiece, where every slice tells a story of heritage and the joy of savoring a slice of the past.

Ingredients:

Gather around the kitchen as we assemble the components for the Old Fashioned German Chocolate Cake:

For the Chocolate Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1 cup cocoa powder

For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:

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

Instructions:

  1. Preheat and Prepare:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. Sift and Mix Dry Ingredients:
    • In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
    • In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
    • Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
    • Add vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
  5. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients:
    • Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk.
    • Mix until just combined.
  6. Incorporate Cocoa Powder:
    • In a separate bowl, dissolve cocoa powder in hot water to create a smooth paste.
    • Add the cocoa paste to the batter and mix until well combined.
  7. Divide and Bake:
    • Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Make Coconut-Pecan Frosting:
    • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine evaporated milk, granulated sugar, beaten egg yolks, butter, and vanilla extract.
    • Stir continuously until the mixture thickens, about 10-12 minutes.
    • Remove from heat and add shredded coconut and chopped pecans. Mix well.
  9. Frost and Assemble:
    • Allow the cakes to cool completely.
    • Spread the coconut-pecan frosting generously between layers and on top of the cake.

Cook Notes:

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
  • Cocoa Paste Trick: Dissolving cocoa powder in hot water helps intensify the chocolate flavor.
  • Thickening Frosting: The coconut-pecan frosting thickens as it cools, so stir in the coconut and pecans promptly.

Variations:

Nutty Surprise: Add a layer of finely chopped nuts, such as hazelnuts or almonds, between the cake layers for an extra crunch.

Dark Chocolate Twist: Replace some or all of the cocoa powder with dark cocoa for an intensified chocolate flavor.

Coffee Infusion: Enhance the chocolate depth by adding a shot of espresso to the cocoa paste.

Keto Version:

For a keto-friendly adaptation, replace all-purpose flour with almond flour and use a sugar substitute for both the cake and the frosting. Adjust the quantities to fit your desired level of sweetness.

Low-Carb Version:

Craft a low-carb alternative by using a low-carb flour substitute and a sugar substitute for the cake. For the frosting, opt for a low-carb sweetener and limit the amount of coconut to reduce carb content.

Old Fashioned German Chocolate Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a tribute to tradition, a celebration of time-tested flavors, and a reminder of the joy found in sharing a slice of nostalgia. From the decadent layers of chocolate cake to the luscious coconut-pecan frosting, each element plays a role in creating a symphony of tastes that transport you to a world where indulgence knows no bounds. So, preheat that oven, whip up the batter, and bask in the delightful aroma of chocolate and coconut as you embark on a journey through the decades with a slice of Old Fashioned German Chocolate Cake. It’s not just cake; it’s a sweet connection to the past, a dessert legacy that invites you to savor the timeless pleasure of a classic treat.