12/19/2024
Indulgent Delight: Classic German Chocolate Cake Recipe
This Classic German Chocolate Cake is a decadent treat, featuring layers of rich chocolate cake, coconut-pecan frosting, and a smooth chocolate icing. Perfect for celebrations or when you're in the mood for a little indulgence!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
4 oz German bittersweet chocolate, grated
1/2 cup water
1 cup soft butter
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs, separated (at room temperature)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
For the Frosting:
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups evaporated milk
3/4 cup butter
5 egg yolks, beaten
2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Icing:
2 oz semisweet chocolate
1 teaspoon ghee (clarified butter)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake Batter:
Melt Chocolate: In a small saucepan, melt the grated German chocolate with 1/2 cup of water over low heat, stirring constantly. Once melted, remove from heat and let it cool.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the melted chocolate and vanilla extract.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
Beat Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the cake batter.
Bake: Divide the batter evenly between three greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from the pans and cool completely on wire racks.
2. Make the Frosting:
Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 10-12 minutes, or until thickened and golden brown.
Add Coconut and Pecans: Remove from heat and stir in the shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract. Let the frosting cool to room temperature.
3. Prepare the Chocolate Icing:
Melt Chocolate: In a small heatproof bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate and ghee together using a double boiler or by microwaving in short intervals. Stir until smooth.
4. Assemble the Cake:
Layer the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of the coconut-pecan frosting on top. Repeat with the second and third layers.
Drizzle Icing: Once the layers are stacked and frosted, drizzle the melted chocolate icing over the top of the cake. You can let it drip down the sides for a more decorative effect.
Finish and Serve: Allow the cake to set for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.