Old Fashioned 3-Layer German Chocolate Cake Recipe – Made from Scratch
If you’re searching for the ultimate dessert to wow your guests, look no further than this Old Fashioned 3-Layer German Chocolate Cake Recipe! This classic treat boasts a rich chocolate flavor, creamy coconut pecan frosting, and a moist crumb that will send your taste buds into a frenzy. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or just a cozy weekend treat, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Ready to bake? Let’s dive into this easy recipe!
A Little History
German Chocolate Cake might sound like it hails from Germany, but it’s actually a classic American dessert! Created in 1852 by an American named Samuel German, this cake is named after him—and it quickly became a beloved favorite across households in the U.S. It’s usually served during special occasions, and its towering three layers paired with sweet coconut pecan frosting make it impossible to resist!
Ingredients
To whip up this delightful 3-Layer German Chocolate Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
For the Coconut Pecan Frosting:
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
Now that you have everything ready, here’s how to make this best German chocolate cake recipe step by step!
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans to ensure a flawless cake release.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add in the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well blended.
- Gradually pour in the hot water and mix until smooth. The batter will be quite thin, which is perfect for a moist cake!
Step 3: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared pans. Bake in your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 4: Make the Frosting
While the cakes are baking, let’s get started on the buttery coconut pecan frosting:
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and egg yolks.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil. Allow it to boil for about 10 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, coconut, and pecans. Let it cool before frosting the cake!
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting over it, then stack the second layer and repeat. Top off with the final layer and frost the top and sides of the cake as desired.
Tips and Variations
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk handy, you can create your own by combining milk and a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it in your recipe.
- Add Some Flavor: For an extra twist, consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter for a deeper chocolate flavor!
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days—if it lasts that long!
Let’s Bake!
Now that you’re equipped with this easy Old Fashioned 3-Layer German Chocolate Cake recipe, it’s time to gather your ingredients and give it a try. This cake not only looks impressive but also offers a rich chocolate experience that everyone will love.
Try it and let us know how it turned out! We’d love to hear about your baking adventures! Happy baking!