Homemade German Chocolate Cake Recipe

There’s nothing more satisfying than a slice of German chocolate cake. Rich chocolate layers paired with coconut-pecan frosting is pure bliss.

This Homemade German Chocolate Cake Recipe brings bakery-quality flavor to your kitchen. Unlike store-bought versions, this one bursts with fresh, homemade goodness. You’ll find each bite moist, nutty, and deeply chocolatey.

If you’re searching for a dessert to impress, look no further. Whether for birthdays, holidays, or casual gatherings, this cake steals the show.

It’s a treat your friends and family will always remember. Follow this Homemade German Chocolate Cake Recipe for perfect results every time. Every step is designed for easy execution at home.

When I First Introduced to It

I first tasted a Homemade German Chocolate Cake Recipe at a potluck. A neighbor brought it, and I had three slices! It was soft, creamy, and unforgettable. That day, I knew I had to learn it myself.

Equipment List

  • Two 9-inch round cake pans
  • Mixing bowls (3 sizes)
  • Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Cooling rack
  • Saucepan (medium-sized)
  • Wire whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Parchment paper
  • Serrated knife (for leveling)

Ingredients List

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup hot water
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
Homemade German Chocolate Cake Recipe

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Step 2: Grease pans. Line with parchment paper.
Step 3: Mix flour, cocoa, sugar, powder, soda, and salt.
Step 4: Add eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla. Mix well.
Step 5: Slowly add hot water. Stir until smooth.
Step 6: Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.
Step 7: Bake 30–35 minutes. Insert toothpick to check.
Step 8: Cool cakes on a rack for 10 minutes.
Step 9: Remove cakes and cool completely.
Step 10: For frosting, combine milk, sugar, yolks, and butter.
Step 11: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, 12 minutes.
Step 12: Remove from heat. Stir in coconut, pecans, and vanilla.
Step 13: Let frosting cool until thickened but spreadable.
Step 14: Level cakes if needed. Stack and frost layers.
Step 15: Use extra frosting to cover top and sides.
Step 16: Chill before slicing for neat, clean cuts.

Recipe Tips

  1. Use room temperature eggs for better mixing.
  2. Don’t overmix the batter. Mix until just combined.
  3. Let the cake cool fully before frosting.
  4. Toast the pecans for extra nutty flavor.
  5. Store cake in an airtight container to keep moist.

What Can You Serve With It?

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
Creamy ice cream balances the cake’s richness beautifully.

2. Fresh Berries
Strawberries or raspberries cut through the sweetness well.

3. Whipped Cream
Light and airy, it adds a nice texture contrast.

Conclusion

This Homemade German Chocolate Cake Recipe is truly unforgettable. With its luscious frosting and moist layers, it wins every time.

Easy to make and easier to enjoy, this dessert is a must-try. From casual dinners to special events, it never disappoints. Bake it once, and you’ll make it forever.

Homemade German Chocolate Cake Recipe

Homemade German Chocolate Cake Recipe

a1249165781d3bdf6f67da00b201ea1c1c0aca85992e8291ac0aa2384f39481f?s=30&d=mm&r=gFoodie Twist
There’s nothing more satisfying than a slice of German chocolate cake. Rich chocolate layers paired with coconut-pecan frosting is pure bliss.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 Slices
Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup hot water
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  • Grease pans. Line with parchment paper.
  • Mix flour, cocoa, sugar, powder, soda, and salt.
  • Add eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla. Mix well.
  • Slowly add hot water. Stir until smooth.
  • Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.
  • Bake 30–35 minutes. Insert toothpick to check.
  • Cool cakes on a rack for 10 minutes.
  • Remove cakes and cool completely.
  • For frosting, combine milk, sugar, yolks, and butter.
  • Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, 12 minutes.
  • Remove from heat. Stir in coconut, pecans, and vanilla.
  • Let frosting cool until thickened but spreadable.
  • Level cakes if needed. Stack and frost layers.
  • Use extra frosting to cover top and sides.
  • Chill before slicing for neat, clean cuts.

Notes

  1. Use room temperature eggs for better mixing.
  2. Don’t overmix the batter. Mix until just combined.
  3. Let the cake cool fully before frosting.
  4. Toast the pecans for extra nutty flavor.
  5. Store cake in an airtight container to keep moist.
Keyword Homemade German Chocolate Cake Recipe