There’s nothing quite like the rich, nutty flavor of a classic German Chocolate Cake to satisfy a chocolate craving! This decadent dessert features layers of tender chocolate cake filled with a unique coconut-pecan frosting that’s delightfully sticky, creamy, and full of texture.

I first made this cake for a family gathering, and it quickly became a tradition! Now, it’s a must-have for every special occasion. Ready to wow your family and friends with this impressive yet surprisingly easy-to-make cake?

Why You’ll Love This German Chocolate Cake

Get ready to fall head over heels for this delicious German Chocolate Cake. This timeless dessert is full of complex flavors and textures that make it a true showstopper.

A Unique Flavor Combination: German chocolate cake has a taste all its own. The cake’s semi-sweet chocolate base balances beautifully with the caramel-like sweetness of the coconut-pecan frosting. Every bite is a blend of chocolatey, nutty, and sweet flavors that’s pure heaven.
Texture Heaven: The cake itself is moist and tender, while the frosting is loaded with chewy coconut flakes and crunchy toasted pecans. The contrast of soft cake and textured frosting makes each forkful irresistible.
Perfect for Celebrations: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or any special gathering, this cake is sure to impress. Its beautiful layers make it look as good as it tastes, so it’s ideal for creating lasting memories at your events.
Surprisingly Easy to Make: Although it looks fancy, making German Chocolate Cake is simpler than you might think! The cake batter comes together quickly, and the frosting requires only a few basic steps. You don’t need to be a professional baker to master this classic.

Once you make this cake for your loved ones, expect requests for it to become a regular dessert at every gathering!

Ingredients Notes

The ingredients for this German Chocolate Cake are a perfect blend of pantry staples and a few unique items that make it stand out.

German’s Sweet Chocolate: This cake gets its name from the specific type of chocolate used, German’s Sweet Chocolate, created by an American chocolate maker named Samuel German. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor, which makes it ideal for this recipe. You can typically find it in the baking section of your local grocery store.
Buttermilk: The addition of buttermilk gives this cake an extra-tender crumb and a slight tang that balances the sweetness. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice into one cup of milk as a quick substitute.
Coconut Flakes: Sweetened shredded coconut is essential for the traditional German Chocolate Cake frosting. It adds a chewy, slightly sweet texture to the frosting. If you’re a fan of coconut, this will be your favorite part!
Pecans: The frosting also includes chopped pecans for added crunch and flavor. Toasting the pecans beforehand brings out their nutty richness, adding a delicious depth to the frosting.
Evaporated Milk: For a rich and creamy texture, evaporated milk is used in the frosting. It helps give the frosting that unique consistency – creamy and luscious but thick enough to stay in place between the layers of cake.

No special equipment is needed, but having two round cake pans and a mixing bowl for the frosting will make assembly a breeze.

How To Make This German Chocolate Cake

Creating this German Chocolate Cake is straightforward and fun. Follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to a beautifully layered, delicious cake.

Prepare the Cake Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This will help the cakes release easily once baked, so you can keep those lovely, even layers.
Melt the Chocolate: Start by melting your German’s Sweet Chocolate. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl in short intervals, stirring between each until melted, or use a double boiler. Set it aside to cool slightly.
Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then add the melted chocolate and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt, then alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the chocolate mixture. Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans.
Bake: Bake the cakes for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Coconut-Pecan Frosting: While the cakes are cooling, make the frosting. In a medium saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and turns a golden caramel color. Remove from heat, then stir in the shredded coconut, toasted pecans, and vanilla extract. Allow the frosting to cool until it’s thick enough to spread.
Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Place the second layer over the frosting, then cover the top with the remaining frosting. Let the frosting drip slightly over the edges for a classic look.

In just about an hour and a half, you’ll have an eye-catching German Chocolate Cake that’s ready to wow your guests. The combination of textures and rich flavors makes every slice a pure delight!

Storage Options

To store your German Chocolate Cake and keep it tasting fresh:

Room Temperature: This cake can be stored at room temperature for up to two days if you cover it well. Use a cake dome or wrap it loosely in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
Refrigerator: If you want the cake to last longer, store it in the refrigerator for up to one week. Make sure it’s tightly covered to keep it from absorbing any fridge odors.
Freezer: You can also freeze this cake. Slice it into individual pieces, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw slices at room temperature.

For best results, allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

German Chocolate Cake is a classic, but there are plenty of ways to customize it!

Chocolate Lovers: Want even more chocolate? Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake and frosting layers. It’ll add an extra dose of chocolate flavor that any chocoholic will love.
Nut Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of pecans, swap them out for chopped walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts. Each nut will give the frosting its own unique twist.
Dairy-Free Option: To make a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free margarine in place of butter, a plant-based milk instead of evaporated milk, and a dairy-free chocolate. The taste will be slightly different but still delicious.
Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free cake, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix that’s designed for a one-to-one swap. This will allow you to enjoy all the flavors and textures without the gluten.

Feel free to experiment! Whether you stick with tradition or add your own flair, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a new family favorite!