German chocolate cake

German chocolate cake is a classic dessert known for its rich and indulgent flavor, consisting of layers of moist chocolate cake, a creamy coconut-pecan frosting, and sometimes a chocolate ganache drizzle. Here’s a recipe to make a homemade German chocolate cake:

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:

• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/3 cups shredded sweetened coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans

For the Chocolate Ganache (optional):

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

Instructions:

For the Chocolate Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed with an electric mixer until the batter is smooth.
4. Stir in the boiling water until the batter is well combined. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay.
5. Divide the batter equally between the prepared cake pans.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
7. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and place them on wire racks to cool completely.

For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the evaporated milk, granulated sugar, egg yolks, and butter.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes golden brown. This should take about 10-12 minutes.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans.
4. Allow the frosting to cool to room temperature. It will thicken as it cools.

For the Chocolate Ganache (optional):

1. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the chopped semi-sweet chocolate. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until the chocolate is fully melted and the ganache is smooth.

Assembly:

1. Place one of the cooled chocolate cake layers on a serving plate.
2. Spread a generous layer of the coconut-pecan frosting over the top of the first cake layer.
3. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top with more of the coconut-pecan frosting.
4. If using, drizzle the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake.
5. Refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes to set the frosting.
6. Slice, serve, and enjoy your homemade German chocolate cake!

German chocolate cake is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for special occasions and celebrations. The combination of chocolate, coconut, and pecans is truly irresistible.