Dark German Chocolate Cake Recipe – Rich & Decadent

Hi there, food lover! 👋

Ready to dive into a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the heart of old-world baking? Today, we’re stepping into the rich, comforting world of traditional Dark German Chocolate Cake—a recipe that has been passed down through generations, carrying with it the warmth of home kitchens, family gatherings, and celebrations filled with laughter.

This cake is famous for its deep chocolate flavor, silky crumb, and the iconic coconut-pecan frosting that makes every bite unforgettable. 🍫✨ Unlike typical chocolate cakes, the German variety gets its name from Samuel German, who created a special darker, sweeter baking chocolate in the 1800s. Over time, bakers embraced it, adding their own loving touches to build the version we cherish today—rich, moist, and decadently layered.

In keeping with tradition, we’ll take a slow, loving approach: heating, whisking, folding, and layering with intention. The process is as delightful as the result, so take your time, savor the aromas, and enjoy every step of creating this beautiful dessert. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a cozy dinner, or simply treating yourself, this cake is guaranteed to bring smiles all around. So, grab your apron—let’s bake something extraordinary together! 👩‍🍳💛

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Ingredients

For the Cake Layers

• 4 oz dark German baking chocolate
• 1/2 cup boiling water
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, separated
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting

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

For Assembly (Optional but Recommended)

• Extra toasted pecans
• Additional shredded coconut
• Dark chocolate curls 🍫

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Chocolate Base

Break the dark German chocolate into small pieces and place them in a heatproof bowl. Pour the boiling water over the chocolate and stir until completely melted. Let it cool slightly—it should be smooth and glossy.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps ensure your cake remains light and evenly risen.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer, beat the softened butter until creamy. Slowly add the sugar and continue beating until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step builds the cake’s airy texture.

4. Add the Egg Yolks and Chocolate

Beat in the egg yolks one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Add the melted chocolate and vanilla extract, blending until the batter is silk-smooth.

5. Combine Dry Ingredients with Buttermilk

Alternate adding the dry mixture and buttermilk to the batter, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently to keep the batter tender.

6. Beat Egg Whites and Fold

In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold them into the batter using a spatula—this is what gives the cake its famous fluffiness!

7. Bake the Layers

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans. Divide the batter evenly among them and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.

8. Make the Coconut-Pecan Frosting

In a saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, butter, and vanilla. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens—about 10–12 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the coconut and pecans. Let cool until spreadable.

9. Assemble the Cake

Place the first cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting over it. Add the second layer and repeat. Finish with the third layer and frost the top. The sides traditionally remain unfrosted, letting the rustic layers shine through. Garnish with toasted pecans, coconut, or chocolate curls if desired.

10. Serve & Enjoy!

Slice generously and savor every decadent bite. This cake is even better the next day as the flavors settle and the frosting sinks beautifully into the layers. 😍🍰

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Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 25 minutes | 🔥 Baking Time: 30 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 55 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~520 | 🍽️ Servings: 12

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩‍🍳🍽️