Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to dessert heaven? Then get ready to bake the most decadent, moist, and utterly irresistible German Chocolate Cake you've ever tasted! This isn't just any recipe; this is Baker's original German Chocolate Cake recipe, a classic for a reason. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade masterpiece – it's easier than you think! This easy recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, offering a delicious and satisfying treat without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a perfect addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas, especially when you need a show-stopping dessert to complete a meal.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) freshly brewed hot coffee
For the Coconut Pecan Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
- 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (100g) flaked coconut, toasted
- 1 cup (100g) pecan halves, toasted
Instructions:
Baking the Cake:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. This ensures your cake layers come out perfectly.
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This thorough mixing prevents lumps in your batter.
- Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Coffee Infusion: Slowly pour in the hot coffee while mixing on low speed. The coffee adds incredible moisture and depth of flavor.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Frosting:
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
- Evaporated Milk & Vanilla: Add the evaporated milk and vanilla extract, beating until well combined and creamy.
- Toasted Coconut & Pecans: Stir in the toasted coconut and pecans. Toasting enhances their flavors, creating a more complex and delightful frosting.
Assembling the Cake:
- Level Cakes (Optional): If your cake layers are uneven, use a serrated knife to carefully level them.
- Frosting: Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of frosting. Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake.
Tips for Success:
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Toast the Nuts and Coconut: Toasting the pecans and coconut enhances their flavor and adds a lovely texture to the frosting. Spread them on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh ingredients will ensure the best flavor and texture.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chips: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the cake batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Different Nuts: Substitute other nuts like walnuts or macadamia nuts for the pecans.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: For a tangy twist, use a cream cheese frosting instead of the traditional coconut pecan frosting.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Fat: 25-30g
- Saturated Fat: 15-20g
- Sugar: 50-60g
- Protein: 4-5g
This Baker's Original German Chocolate Cake recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy every delicious bite of this classic dessert, perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a truly special treat. Happy baking!