Classic German Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 2 large eggs

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 cup hot water or hot coffee

For the Coconut-Pecan Filling:

• 1 cup evaporated milk

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups shredded sweetened coconut

• 1 cup chopped pecans

For the Chocolate Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar

• ½ cup cocoa powder

• ½ cup milk

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

🔪 Instructions

1. Bake the Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Add buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla; beat until smooth.

4. Stir in hot water or coffee (batter will be thin).

5. Divide batter evenly among pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Coconut-Pecan Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter.

2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (~10 minutes).

3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans.

4. Let cool to room temperature before assembling.

3. Prepare the Chocolate Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy.

2. Gradually add powdered sugar, cocoa, milk, and vanilla. Beat until smooth and fluffy.

4. Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of coconut-pecan filling on top.

2. Repeat with the second layer.

3. Place the third layer on top and frost the entire cake with chocolate frosting.

4. Optionally, pipe frosting around edges and sprinkle extra coconut or pecans for decoration.