Old-School German Chocolate Cake (Classic Recipe)
This is the traditional, from-scratch version inspired by the original recipe made famous by Baker’s Chocolate in the 1950s. It’s rich, moist, and layered with that iconic coconut-pecan frosting.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
4 oz German’s sweet chocolate (chopped)
½ cup boiling water
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs (separated)
1 tsp vanilla extract
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk
For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:
1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large egg yolks
½ cup unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1⅓ cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
Prepare the Cake:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
Pour boiling water over chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth. Let cool.
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
Add egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in melted chocolate and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
Add dry ingredients to batter alternately with buttermilk (start and end with dry).
Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into batter.
Divide evenly between pans.
Bake 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Make the Frosting:
In a saucepan, whisk evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 10–12 minutes).
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans.
Cool until spreadable.
Assemble:
Place one cake layer on a plate.
Spread coconut-pecan frosting on top.
Repeat with second and third layers.
Frost only the tops between layers and the top of cake (traditional style — sides are usually left unfrosted).
Pro Tips (Old-School Style):
Use room temperature ingredients for best texture.
Don’t rush the frosting — it must thicken properly.
Toast the pecans lightly for deeper flavor.