Jul 13 2026
RestaurantsDon Hall's Factory RestaurantGerman Chocolate Cake Recipe

German Chocolate Cake Recipe

Time1h 30m
Serves12

A Hall's favorite with coconut icing.

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Cake

Method

Cake Preparation

  1. 1

    Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.

  2. 2

    Mix Dry Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

  3. 3

    Combine Wet Ingredients

    In another bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.

  4. 4

    Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

    Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

  5. 5

    Add Boiling Water

    Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth (the batter will be thin).

  6. 6

    Bake the Cakes

    Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  7. 7

    Cool the Cakes

    Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Coconut Icing Preparation

  1. 8

    Melt the Butter

    In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

  2. 9

    Combine Ingredients

    Once melted, stir in the sweetened condensed milk, shredded coconut, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans.

  3. 10

    Cook the Mixture

    Continue to cook the mixture, stirring constantly for about 5 minutes, until it thickens slightly.

  4. 11

    Cool the Icing

    Remove from heat and let the icing cool to room temperature before spreading on the cooled cakes.

Assembly

  1. 12

    Layer the Cakes

    Place one cake layer on a serving platter and spread a generous amount of coconut icing on top.

  2. 13

    Repeat Layers

    Add the second layer of cake and repeat the process, adding more icing on top. Finally, place the last layer on top.

  3. 14

    Frost the Top

    Spread the remaining icing over the top and sides of the cake.

  4. 15

    Serve

    Slice the cake and serve. Enjoy your delicious German Chocolate Cake!

More from Don Hall's Factory Restaurant