German Chocolate Cake

This impressive homemade German chocolate cake has tall decadent layers of moist chocolate cake, coconut-pecan filling, and chocolate frosting.

Why this recipe works

This gorgeous 3-tiered German chocolate cake is swoon-worthy. Coconut pecan filling provides a delicate crunch between layers of chocolate cake. Traditionally, this cake is slathered with coconut pecan frosting, but this chocolate frosting version adds another layer of depth to an already amazing cake and it sure beats the boxed cake mix!

Serve it up with a heaping scoop of homemade chocolate ice cream to really impress your guests!

fork in a slice of German Chocolate Cake

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

CAKE – Grab 1 package (4 ounces) of Baker’s German Chocolate. On top of that you will need water, sugar, unsalted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk. Don’t have buttermilk? Add 1 Tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk and allow to rest for 10 minutes.

FILLING – To skip a lot of hassle here we’ve opted for the store-bought coconut pecan frosting and chocolate frosting. You can find both in the baking aisle of your local grocery store next to the cake mixes and canned frosting. You may certainly make your own from scratch if desired.

How to Make German Chocolate Cake

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

Preheat the oven to 350F. Spray 3 9-inch cake pans with non-stick spray and line with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl place the chocolate and water. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Whisk well and reheat another 15-30 seconds if needed until the mixture is smooth. Set aside.
In an extra large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the sugar and butter with whisk attachments until light and fluffy. Add in the egg yolks one at a time until combined.
Add the melted, and now cooled, chocolate as well as the vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
In a separate large bowl combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Working in two batches, alternate adding the flour and buttermilk to the chocolate mixture. Mix until well combined.
In another separate bowl, use a hand held mixer to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
Fold the egg whites into the cake the batter with a rubber spatula.
Divide evenly amongst the three cake pans and bake for 30 minutes.
Run a small metal spatula or butter knife along the edge of the cake pans to loosen the cake. Allow to cool in pans for 15 minutes. Remove cakes from pans and cool on wire racks.
Assemble the cake by placing layers of coconut-pecan filling between the layers of cake with the final layer on top in the center of the cake, spread almost all the way to the edge.
Use the chocolate frosting to cover the outside of the cake. Use a large star or large closed-star tip on a piping bag to create decorative boarder on the top of the cake.
Chill in the refrigerator for easier cutting.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

How do I decorate the cake?

Decorating a German chocolate cake is simple. Frost the outside of the cake, being sure that it is fully cooled off before beginning. Add a layer of coconut pecan frosting on the top of the cake, spreading almost to the edge of the cake. Next, use a large star or a closed-star tip on a piping bag or gallon-sized Ziploc bag to pipe top chocolate border. You may optionally chill the cakes before frosting, this can help make the process much easier for you.

How do I store German chocolate cake?

To store the cake, place it in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It is not necessary to keep German chocolate cake in the refrigerator, but I have found that it helps it keep longer. You can store it in an air-tight container at room temperature for 1-2 days.

Serving Suggestions

German chocolate cake is great for all occasions. Birthdays, retirements, potlucks, holidays, you name it. It’s a year round cake that doesn’t need a special occasion to enjoy!

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Amanda Formaro

President at Amanda's Creative Studio, Inc.

Amanda Formaro is the crafty, entrepreneurial mother of four grown children. She loves to bake, cook, make kid's crafts and create decorative items for her home. She is a crafting expert and guru in the kitchen and has appeared online and in print publications many times over the years. She is also a craft book author five times over and product developer as well as the owner of FunFamilyCrafts.com. You can find her on social media by using the buttons to the left!