Best Ever German Chocolate Cake is a moist chocolate cake with traditional coconut pecan frosting, layer upon layer of goodness.
This Best Ever German Chocolate Cake, or, as my grandpa said, “the best damn cake ever!” A double-layer chocolate cake with a classic German Chocolate Cake frosting.
Today’s recipe is a tribute to my Grandpa, who passed away at the age of 80.
My Grandpa was one of my biggest cheerleaders, and I honestly can’t think of a time he didn’t praise what I was doing. He especially loved my baking. He had a few favorites—really anything I made—but he would often call and offer to pay me to make biscotti. On his last few birthdays, I would make him his favorite: German Chocolate Cake.
Grandpa loved these German Chocolate Cake Cookies and I wish I would have made the German Chocolate Cake and cookies for him more often.
I have the best memories of my Grandpa while I was growing up. Rode in my first convertible with him, talked on my first car phone in that very same convertible, went to my first flea market, and even learned to barter with him. I got my good business sense from him.
My sister, Nicole, and I would fly out to see him and my grandmother in Arizona and make up dance routines in his hot tub. He said we would be famous… and we were to him.
One of the most vivid memories I have was with my first school dance and date, my parents were out of town and I was staying with my grandparents. While I was getting ready, my Grandpa made it clear what would happen to this boy if there was any “fooling around”, and he wasn’t joking.
(That was the last date with that boy. My grandpa read people very well).
My grandpa always had to be somewhere other than where he was and this got worse as he got older. “When are we gonna go grandma?” “Time to get home Betty.” Even though he was always eager to go, we knew he loved being around all of us, especially his 9 great-grandchildren.
He loved to play cards, ride his bike, fish, and he loved people. He worked as a claims adjuster for Prudential and All-State and was passionate about his job!
My grandpa was an American hero, serving in the Korean War as a medic in the Army. After returning from the war, he married his “Marilyn Monroe” – my grandma.
He was proud of my grandma, and over the years, he relied on her to tend to him as he battled many illnesses, including cancer. My Grandpa was a proud Eagle Scout and had recently given all of his scout stuff to my husband, a scoutmaster. He was super proud when my son Aiden recently achieved his Arrow of Light in Cub Scouts. In fact, when Aiden was given the news of his G-pa’s passing, Aiden went and got out G-pa’s Boy Scout sash and said he would wear it in honor of him.
There are many great memories I will cherish, and every time I go to make my biscotti, cookies, and German chocolate cake, he will be next to me, asking for a bite or offering me 5 bucks for a slice.
Love and miss you G-pa! XOXO San
See how easy this German Chocolate Cake is to make.
How do you make German Chocolate Cake?
Chocolate Cake
-
Preheat oven to 350º F. Grease 3-8 or 9 inch round cake pans and lightly dust with cocoa powder. I like to make a 2 layer cake and set the 3rd aside for kids that don’t like the frosting and my sisters with nut allergies.
-
In mixing bowl (I use my Kitchen Aid), add flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well combined.
-
Add milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla to flour mixture and mix together on medium speed until well mixed. Reduce the speed to low and add boiling water to the cake batter a little bit at a time. Once the water is all mixed in, beat on high for about 1 minute.
-
Evenly distribute cake batter between the prepared cake pans.
-
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
-
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes. Remove from the pan and cool completely.
-
Make frosting while cake is baking, as it needs an hour to cool.
Coconut Pecan Frosting
-
In a large saucepan combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, margarine, and vanilla. Cook over low-medium heat until it reaches a slow boil. Stirring constantly until thick, about 12 minutes from when it starts to slowly boil. Remove from heat and stir in pecans and coconut, this frosting will thicken up as it cools.
-
Let cool 1 hour then spread on cooled cake. I use 1 1/2 cups in between each layer and then use the rest to frost the outside. For easier cutting, place the frosted cake in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Tips on making the perfect German Chocolate Cake:
Make sure your eggs and butter are stored at room temperature.
Make sure your cake is completely cool before you frost it.
Prepare the frosting a day ahead of time and store in the refrigerator. Then remove from fridge and let it sit out for an hour at room temperature before you frost the cake, this will make it for easy spreading.
It is best to store this cake in the fridge.
How do you store German Chocolate Cake?
If properly wrapped, the freshly baked chocolate cake will last for about 1 to 2 days at normal room temperature.
Wrap tightly with cling wrap or tin foil and refrigerate to extend the life of the cake.
If you’re looking for other German Chocolate inspired recipes, check out my No-Bake German Chocolate Cheesecake that is to die for. For a bite-sized version, try my German Chocolate Cake Cookies, or these German Chocolate Cake Donut Holes that are perfect for breakfast.
After making this delicious cake, be sure to try these next! Lemon Lime Layer Cake, Best Ever Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Raspberry Layer Cake, and my favorite, Double Chocolate Nutella Cake.
Don’t forget to pin this GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE recipe to your favorite Pinterest board for later.
Love anything German Chocolate be sure to check out these A Dash of Sanity Favorites.
German Chocolate Cake Donut Holes – my grandpa would have loved these!
German Chocolate Carrot Cake – a twist that made my hubby fall in love with carrot cake.
Best Ever German Chocolate Cake
Video
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup cocoa
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Coconut Pecan Frosting (makes 5 1/2 cups)
- 2 cups evaporated milk
- 2 cups white granulated sugar
- 6 egg yolks beaten with 2 teaspoons water
- 1 cup butter or margarine
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
Instructions
Chocolate Cake
- Preheat oven to 350º F. Grease 3-8 or 9 inch round cake pans and lightly dust with cocoa powder. I like to make a 2 layer cake and set the 3rd aside for kids that don't like the frosting and my sisters with nut allergies.
- In mixing bowl (I use my Kitchen Aid), add flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well combined.
- Add milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla to flour mixture and mix together on medium speed until well mixed. Reduce the speed to low and add boiling water to the cake batter a little bit at a time. Once the water is all mixed in, beat on high for about 1 minute.
- Evenly distribute cake batter between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes. Remove from the pan and cool completely.
- Make frosting while cake is baking, as it needs an hour to cool.
Coconut Pecan Frosting
- In a large saucepan combine evaporated milk, corn starch, sugar, egg yolks, margarine, and vanilla. Cook over low-medium heat until it reaches a slow boil. Stirring constantly until thick, about 12 minutes from when it starts to slowly boil. Remove from heat and stir in pecans and coconut, this frosting will thicken up as it cools.
- Let cool 1 hour then spread on cooled cake. I use 1 1/2 cups in between each layer and then use the rest to frost the outside. For easier cutting, place the frosted cake in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Gpa with some of his great-grandkids Christmas 2014.
Hey! I live in Arizona! 🙂 What awesome memories to have of your grandfather. It sounds like it would be bitter sweet to make any one of his favorites.
Love AZ!!!! Love the smell of the citrus, anytime I smell fresh citrus it takes me back to my childhood vacations there!
I’m so sorry to hear about your grandpa but what a great way to remember him. 🙂
Oh, German chocolate cake! When i worked in bakeries, I would always steal tiny cupcakes and cover them with the coconut icing. Love!
Jealous you worked in a bakery! xo San
Hey. I made the frosting first, and it looks perfect. I have the batter in the oven now. I’m a little worried, though. It looked a little less thick than I’m used to. I’m wondering if I should’ve used less than a cup of water? It smells so good. Thank you for the recipe and sweet story.
I am a little worried you said it was really thick, but if you followed the directions don’t fret – it will turn out.
Come back and let me know 😉
xo San
The frosting covered the less than perfect layers….
….Birthday Boy (32) was thrilled…very tasty!!
The frosting covered the less than perfect layers….
….Birthday Boy (32) was thrilled…very tasty!!
Somehow I think your memories help make the cake taste extra triple good!
Oh Yummy I Can’t Wait To Try
Aw what a sweet tribute to your grandfather! Love German chocolate cake and will definitely try this recipe out 🙂
Aw So Sorry For Your Loss Hold Onto Those Memeries & Cherish Them!! XOXO
Woah! I can’t believe it takes just 15 minutes to make the cake, okay I wanna try this recipe now!
So hard to lose the ones we love. I still miss and think about my own grandfather every day.
Sending (((Hugs))) for you. Sorry for your loss.
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your grandfather. It is nice that you found a way to honor his memory with something sweet.
What great memories you have of your Grandfather. Thank you for sharing your story & your recipe!
I am so sorry for your loss, I am glad though that you found a way to do something in his honor. The cake looks and sounds absolutely delicious. Thank you so much for sharing with us.
Such a sweet tribute. I’m sure he’s sending you kisses from Heaven 🙂
I haven’t had this kind of cake in a LONG time – thanks for sharing. I want some now! Your grandfather sounds like an amazing person.
Can you use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, I did and it turned out amazing!
Thanks for sharing the story of your Grandpa with us. And that cake looks so delicious.
Sorry to hear of your loss. It’s always hard when someone special passes, but it sounds like you have great memories and had special moments with him. Thanks for sharing your recipe with us.
I’m sorry to hear about your grandfather. He sounds like a wonderful man. And the cake looks absolutely divine, a great way to honor him.
This looks amazing!
I’ve never made it, but would love to try!
Your Grandpa sounds like he was a pretty cool guy. And that cake….I LOVE German chocolate cake…I have to make this.
I am sorry to hear about your grandpa’s passing, he sounds like a wonderful man and I feel privileged to know a little about such a great person! Thank you for sharing. That German chocolate cake looks so yummy! It’s been a long time since I had any! Mmmm
Wow that looks amazing!! I love German chocolate cake!!
I am doing a giveaway ($119 value) on my blog and I would love for you to check it out
-Jennie
http://thediaryofarealhousewife.blogspot.com/
You rarely see homemade German chocolate cake, I can’t wait to try this! I saw you on the Sweet Haute Link party.
I absolutely love German Chocolate Cake. My grandmother used to make it and it just reminds me of growing up! Such a wonderful recipe!