Best 5 German Chocolate Cake Coconut Pecan Frosting Recipes

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The German chocolate cake is a beloved classic with its moist chocolate layers and rich frosting made from coconut and pecans. Its origins are debated, but the cake became popular in the United States in the early 20th century. The frosting, which is the star of the show, is made with egg yolks, sugar, butter, milk, and vanilla extract, which are cooked together and thickened. Toasted coconut and chopped pecans are then added, giving the frosting its signature taste and texture. The cake itself is often layered with the frosting and then topped with more toasted coconut and pecans for an extra special touch.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH COCONUT-PECAN CAJETA FROSTING



German Chocolate Cake With Coconut-Pecan Cajeta Frosting image

Provided by Bobby Flay

Categories     dessert

Time 3h25m

Yield one 4-layer cake

Number Of Ingredients 30

12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for the pans
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups firmly packed light muscovado sugar
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups strong brewed black coffee, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups whole milk
1 3/4 cups unsweetened coconut milk
1 cup goat's milk or additional whole milk
3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Seeds scraped from 1/2 vanilla bean
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, cold
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons coconut rum (optional)
1 1/4 cups coarsely chopped pecans, toasted
1 1/4 cups sweetened shredded coconut, toasted
1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut, toasted, for garnish
1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted, for garnish
Coconut Whipped Cream, for serving

Steps:

  • Make the cake: Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees F. Butter two 9-inch-round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt together in a medium bowl.
  • Melt the 12 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the cocoa powder and cook for 1 minute. Remove from the heat, add the muscovado and granulated sugars and whisk until the sugar has dissolved. Add the coffee, buttermilk, eggs and vanilla extract and continue whisking until smooth and just combined. Add the dry ingredients and stir until the batter is smooth.
  • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, 40 to 45 minutes. Let the cakes cool in the pans on a wire rack for 20 minutes. Invert the cakes onto the wire rack and let cool at least 1 hour before frosting.
  • Make the frosting: Combine the whole milk, coconut milk and goat's milk in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over low heat. Keep warm while you prepare the caramel.
  • Combine the sugar and 1/4 cup water in a medium saucepan over high heat and cook without stirring until a deep amber color, 8 to 10 minutes. Slowly and carefully whisk in the warm milk mixture and continue whisking until smooth. Add the vanilla seeds and corn syrup. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until the sauce is reduced by half and the consistency of a caramel sauce, about 55 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter, vanilla extract, salt and rum (if using). Transfer the sauce to a medium bowl and stir in the pecans and shredded coconut. Let the frosting cool to room temperature, stirring it occasionally, before frosting the cake.
  • To assemble the cake, slice each cake in half horizontally. Place 1 cake layer on a cake round and spread one-third of the frosting evenly over the top. Repeat to make 3 layers, then top with the remaining cake layer, top-side up.
  • Make the ganache: Bring the cream to a simmer in a small saucepan. Put the chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl, add the hot cream and the corn syrup and let sit for 30 seconds. Gently whisk until smooth. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  • Set the cake on a wire rack placed over a rimmed baking sheet. Pour the chocolate ganache over the cake, letting the excess drip down the sides. Sprinkle the top with toasted coconut and pecans. Let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours before slicing.
  • Slice the cake and top with a dollop of Coconut Whipped Cream.

GERMAN CHOCOLATE TEXAS SHEET CAKE WITH COCONUT-PECAN FROSTING



German Chocolate Texas Sheet Cake with Coconut-Pecan Frosting image

I wanted to make a German chocolate sheet cake for a family reunion, but couldn't find a recipe I liked. So I created my own. It was a huge hit! This is now my go-to whenever I need to make a German chocolate cake. It takes a little time to make, but it's so worth it!

Provided by Dee

Categories     Desserts     Nut Dessert Recipes     Pecan Dessert Recipes

Time 1h25m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 19

cooking spray
4 (1 ounce) squares sweet baking chocolate (such as Baker's German's Sweet Chocolate®), broken into pieces
½ cup water
4 large eggs, separated, divided
2 cups white sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
Coconut-Pecan Frosting:
2 cups evaporated milk
2 cups white sugar
½ cup butter
6 egg yolks
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
2 cups chopped pecans

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray an 11x17-inch sheet pan with cooking spray.
  • Place chocolate and water in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir and continue cooking until chocolate is almost melted, about 30 seconds longer. Remove from microwave and stir until chocolate is completely melted.
  • Beat egg whites in a glass, metal, or ceramic bowl until stiff peaks form.
  • Combine sugar and butter in a large bowl; beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add egg yolks to the sugar mixture, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Blend in melted chocolate and vanilla extract.
  • Stir together flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Add flour mixture to sugar-butter mixture alternating with buttermilk, beating batter until well blended after each addition. Add egg whites and stir gently until incorporated. Spread batter into the prepared pan.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 28 to 30 minutes. Cool on a wire rack, about 30 minutes.
  • While cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. Combine evaporated milk, sugar, butter, egg yolks, and vanilla extract in a large saucepan over medium heat; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in coconut and pecans. Mix the frosting until cooled but still spreadable. Spread on top of cooled cake.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 439.8 calories, Carbohydrate 51.5 g, Cholesterol 119.1 mg, Fat 24.5 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 6 g, SaturatedFat 12.4 g, Sodium 168.5 mg, Sugar 41.2 g

GERMAN CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE WITH COCONUT PECAN FROSTING



German Chocolate Layer Cake With Coconut Pecan Frosting image

A delicious German chocolate cake from scratch, with a coconut pecan frosting and filling. Recipe is from Diana Rattray's Guide to Southern U.S. Cuisine. Pretty Easy to make.. tastes awesome.

Provided by DamiansMummy

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h

Yield 1-2 layer cake, 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

4 ounces baker's German sweet chocolate, melted and cooled
2 1/2 cups cake flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup butter, room temperature
1 cup buttermilk, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
3/4 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 egg yolks, slightly beaten
1 1/3 cups baker's angel flake coconut
1 cup chopped pecans

Steps:

  • Grease two 9-inch layer cake pans and line bottoms with waxed paper.
  • Sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  • Cream butter; add flour mixture, 3/4 cup buttermilk, and vanilla. Stir until dry ingredients are moistened; beat at medium speed of electric mixer for 2 minutes, scraping bowl from time to time.
  • Add melted chocolate, eggs, and remaining 1/4 cup buttermilk. Beat 1 minute longer.
  • Pour batter into prepared cake pans. Bake in a preheated 350° oven for about 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Cool in pans on rack for 15 minutes. Remove and cool completely on racks.
  • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, sugars, butter, and vanilla. Bring to a full boil, stirring constantly.
  • Remove from heat (mixture might appear a bit curdled).
  • Quickly stir a small amount of the hot liquid into the beaten egg yolks; return egg yolk mixture to the hot mixture in saucepan and blend well. Return to a boil, stirring constantly.
  • Remove from heat and stir in coconut and pecans. Cool to spreading consistency, beating occasionally.
  • Here then i added me own little flair, it's perfect just the way it is, but this adds a little something extra. I chopped up some more pecans somewhat small and pressed them into the sides all the way around. Then i just topped it with some chocolate shavings. Enjoy.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 756.7, Fat 40.5, SaturatedFat 21.2, Cholesterol 162.4, Sodium 506.9, Carbohydrate 93.9, Fiber 2.7, Sugar 62.6, Protein 8.9

GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE & COCONUT PECAN FROSTING



German Chocolate Cake & Coconut Pecan Frosting image

I was in a pinch one time and had to make a cake for a large crowd at a church function, so as a result I resorted to make triple boxes of cake mix to create this size cake, and then made my own HOMEMADE Coconut Pecan Frosting, often referred to as German Chocolate Cake frosting, by making the homemade frosting in a triple...

Provided by Rose Mary Mogan

Categories     Other Desserts

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 18

COCONUT PECAN FROSTING FOR GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE
1 c sugar
1 c evaporated milk
3 large egg yolk slightly beaten
1 stick butter
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 1/3 c shredded coconut
1 c chopped pecans
GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE SCRATCH VERSION
4 oz baker's german sweet chocolate,chopped
2 1/2 c cake flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
2 stick unsalted butter (8 ounces)
2 c sugar
4 large eggs, separated
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 c buttermilk

Steps:

  • 1. In a medium sauce pan mix the evaporated milk, sugar, beaten egg yolks, butter and vanilla.
  • 2. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened, about 12 to 15 minutes. Then stir in coconut and pecans.
  • 3. Allow to cool until thick enough to spread, beating occassionally. This recipe makes enough to frost the TOPS ONLY OF 3 (9") LAYER CAKES, or tops and sides of 2 layer cakes.
  • 4. NOTE IF YOU WANT TO COVER BOTH TOP AND SIDES, MAKE ONE AND A HALF TIMES THE RECIPE . THIS SHOULD GIVE YOU ENOUGH. Or you may opt to do as I did here, to get more serving bake it in a sheet cake pan.
  • 5. ALSO NOTE: The frosting you see here is a TRIPLE RECIPE, SO KEEP THAT IN MIND. Recipe given is for ONE RECIPE ONLY.
  • 6. Cream butter & sugar in a medium bowl till light and smooth. Beat in egg yolks,one @ a time. Add vanilla and beat on high speed till light & fluffy about 3 minutes. Add chocolate and blend on low speed. Alternating with buttermilk, fold in dry ingredients into butter mixture beginning and ending with dry ingredients. In a large bowl beat the egg whites on high speed till soft peaks form then fold into cake batter. Divide batter evenly among 3 pans and smooth tops. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven 30 to 35 minutes, until the cake pulls away from sides of pan, & center springs back when gently pressed. Set on racks and allow to cool. Then frost as directed above.

COCONUT PECAN FROSTING FOR GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE



COCONUT PECAN FROSTING FOR GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE image

Categories     Nut

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 Cup Evaporated Milk
1 Cup Sugar
3 Egg Yolks
1 Stick Butter
1 Teaspoon Vanilla
1 1//3 Cups Flaked Coconut
1 Cup Chopped Pecans

Steps:

  • In a large sauce pan, mix evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, butter and vanilla. Cook over medium heat for 12 minutes or until thick. Add coconut and pecans. Beat until spreadable consistency.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality chocolate. The quality of the chocolate you use will greatly impact the flavor of your cake. Look for a chocolate that is at least 70% cacao.
  • Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing the batter will make the cake tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Bake the cake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Overbaking the cake will make it dry.
  • Let the cake cool completely before frosting it. This will help the frosting to set properly.
  • Make the coconut-pecan frosting ahead of time. This will give the flavors time to meld.

Conclusion:

German chocolate cake is a classic dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich chocolate flavor, coconut-pecan frosting, and moist texture, it is sure to be a hit with everyone. So next time you are looking for a special dessert, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!

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