Homemade German Chocolate Cake
Ingredients for German Chocolate Cake:
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 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 or canola oil
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup boiling water
Ingredients for Coconut and Pecan Frosting:
– 1/2 cup light brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup butter
– 3 large egg yolks
– 3/4 cup evaporated milk
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
Ingredients for Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:
– 1/2 cup butter
– 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 3 cups powdered sugar
– 1/3 cup evaporated milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Preparing the Cake:
1. **Preheat the Oven:**
– Heat oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Grease two 8 or 9-inch round baking pans.
– Line the bottom with wax or parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
– In a large bowl, stir together granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
– In a separate bowl, combine eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
– Mix well.
4. Combine and Add Boiling Water:
– Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix to combine.
– Stir in boiling water (batter will be very thin).
5. Bake the Cake:
– Pour batter into prepared pans.
– Bake for 25-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with few crumbs.
– Cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then invert onto wire racks to cool completely.
Preparing the Coconut and Pecan Frosting:
1. **Cook the Frosting:**
– In a medium saucepan, add light brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, egg yolks, and evaporated milk.
– Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a low boil over medium heat.
2. Thicken the Mixture:
– Stir constantly for several minutes until the mixture begins to thicken.
3. Add Flavor and Cool:
– Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, chopped pecans, and shredded sweetened coconut.
– Allow to cool completely before layering on the cake.
Preparing the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:
1. Melt and Mix:
– Melt butter and stir in unsweetened cocoa powder.
2. Combine Ingredients:
– Alternately add powdered sugar and evaporated milk, beating to spreading consistency.
– Add a small amount of additional milk if needed to thin the frosting, or a little extra powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
Assembling the Cake:
1. Layer the Cake:
– Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
– Spread coconut and pecan frosting over the top.
2. *Add the Second Layer:
– Place the second cake layer on top.
– Frost the sides and top with chocolate buttercream frosting.
3. **Finish and Serve:**
– Decorate with additional pecans and coconut if desired.
– Enjoy your homemade German chocolate cake!
