Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsVilla Europa Restaurant and LoungeGerman Chocolate Cake Recipe

German Chocolate Cake Recipe

Time2h
Serves12

Layers of chocolate butter cake with a German chocolate filling of coconut and pecans between the layers, iced with semi-sweet chocolate ganache and crumbled pecans.

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Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients

Method

Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare the Cake

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

  2. 2

    Mix Dry Ingredients

    In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

  3. 3

    Add Wet Ingredients

    Add butter, eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water until smooth.

  4. 4

    Bake the Cake

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

  5. 5

    Cool the Cake

    Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks.

  6. 6

    Prepare the Filling

    In a saucepan over medium heat, combine coconut, pecans, sugar, evaporated milk, egg yolks, and butter. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 10 minutes). Stir in vanilla and cool completely.

  7. 7

    Prepare the Ganache

    In a saucepan, heat heavy cream until just boiling. Remove from heat and add chocolate chips. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth.

  8. 8

    Assemble the Cake

    Place one layer of cake on a serving platter, spread half of the filling on top. Add the second layer and repeat. Top with the third layer.

  9. 9

    Ice the Cake

    Pour ganache over the top and sides of the cake, allowing it to drip down. Decorate with crumbled pecans.

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