Family Recipe German Chocolate Cake

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:

1. 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.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla:
   • Beat in the egg yolks one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and melted chocolate mixture.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. 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.  

7. Fold in Egg Whites:
   • Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cake batter until just combined.
8. 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:

1. Combine Ingredients:
   • In a medium saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter.
2. Cook and Thicken:
   • Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 12-15 minutes).
3. Add Coconut and Pecans:
   • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Let cool slightly.
4. 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.
5. 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!