Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›The Chop House Grand Rapids›German Chocolate Cake Recipe

German Chocolate Cake Recipe

Inspired by The Chop House Grand Rapids
Time2h 30m
Serves10

chocolate cake | dark chocolate fudge | coconut-pecan frosting | chocolate ganache | candied pecans | dark chocolate curls | brown sugar rum gelato

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Ingredients

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Chocolate Cake

Coconut-Pecan Frosting

Chocolate Ganache

Candied Pecans

Brown Sugar Rum Gelato

Method

Chocolate Cake

  1. 1

    Prepare the Oven and Pans

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

  2. 2

    Mix Dry Ingredients

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

  3. 3

    Combine Wet Ingredients

    In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.

  4. 4

    Combine and Prepare for Baking

    Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the boiling water until smooth. Fold in the chopped dark chocolate.

  5. 5

    Bake the Cake

    Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Coconut-Pecan Frosting

  1. 6

    Melt Butter and Combine Ingredients

    In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk, coconut, and pecans.

  2. 7

    Cook the Frosting

    Cook the mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly until it thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let cool to room temperature.

Chocolate Ganache

  1. 8

    Heat the Cream

    In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.

  2. 9

    Add Chocolate and Mix

    Remove from heat and add the chopped dark chocolate. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.

Candied Pecans

  1. 10

    Prepare the Sugar Mixture

    In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.

  2. 11

    Add Pecans

    Once boiling, add the pecans and stir to coat. Continue to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

  3. 12

    Cool the Pecans

    Remove from heat and spread the pecans on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool. Once cooled, break apart any clusters.

Brown Sugar Rum Gelato

  1. 13

    Mix Ingredients

    In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, brown sugar, dark rum, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the sugar dissolves.

  2. 14

    Chill the Mixture

    Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours or until chilled.

  3. 15

    Churn the Gelato

    Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.

  4. 16

    Freeze the Gelato

    Transfer the gelato to a container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.

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