Yields: 12-16 servings Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 4 oz. German chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Coconut Pecan Frosting:
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
Equipment:
- Three 9-inch round cake pans
- Mixing bowls (various sizes)
- Electric mixer (hand or stand)
- Double boiler or saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Wire rack
Instructions:
Cake:
- Prepare the Chocolate:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a double boiler or saucepan over low heat, melt the German chocolate with the hot water, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla:
- Beat in the egg yolks one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and melted chocolate mixture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Beat Egg Whites: * In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in Egg Whites:
- Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cake batter until just combined.
- Bake:
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then invert them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting:
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter.
- Cook and Thicken:
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 12-15 minutes).
- Add Coconut and Pecans:
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Let cool slightly.
- Frost the Cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting over the first layer.
- Place the second layer on top and frost with another layer of frosting.
- Repeat with the final layer of cake and frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Serve:
- Slice and serve your Family Recipe German Chocolate Cake.
Tips and Variations:
- Toasted Pecans: Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for enhanced flavor.
- Chocolate Shavings: Garnish with chocolate shavings for an elegant touch.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the frosting for added richness.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing.
- Even Layers: Use baking strips on the cake pans to ensure even baking and flat layers.
Enjoy your delicious Family Recipe German Chocolate Cake!
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