German Chocolate Cake with the classic coconut-pecan frosting:
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
4 oz German sweet chocolate (Baker’s chocolate)
1/2 cup boiling water
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, separated
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
For the Frosting:
12 oz can evaporated milk
5 egg yolks, lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups white sugar
3/4 cup unsalted butter
1 1/2 to 2 cups pecan pieces
1 1/2 to 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
For the Cake:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a small bowl, melt the German chocolate in boiling water, stirring until smooth. Set aside to cool.
3. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
4. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the melted chocolate and vanilla extract.
5. Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the chocolate mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
6. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold them into the batter.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Frosting:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 10-12 minutes).
2. Remove from heat and stir in the pecans, coconut, and vanilla. Let cool to room temperature.
To Assemble:
1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a third of the frosting over the top. Repeat with the second and third layers.
2. Frost the top and sides with the remaining coconut-pecan mixture.
Enjoy your delicious homemade German Chocolate Cake!
