Description
This classic German Chocolate Cake combines a moist chocolate cake base with a rich, caramel-like coconut pecan frosting. The cake uses a convenient German chocolate cake mix, while the signature frosting is homemade by simmering evaporated milk, coconut, pecans, butter, sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla until thick and luscious. Perfect for special occasions or dessert anytime, it offers a delightful balance of texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 (18.25 ounce) package German chocolate cake mix
Frosting
- 1 (5 ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1 cup flaked coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Prepare cake batter: Follow the package instructions on the German chocolate cake mix to prepare the batter. Pour the resulting batter evenly into your prepared baking pan.
- Make frosting base: In a saucepan, add evaporated milk, flaked coconut, chopped pecans, butter, granulated sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Cook this mixture over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until it thickens noticeably into a creamy, caramel-like consistency.
- Add frosting to cake batter: Once your frosting mixture is ready, spread it evenly over the raw cake batter in the pan.
- Bake the cake: Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean. After baking, allow the cake to cool completely before serving to let the frosting set perfectly.
Notes
- Use fresh egg yolks for the best consistency and flavor in the frosting.
- Stir the frosting constantly over low heat to avoid scrambling the eggs or burning the mixture.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to maintain clean cuts and avoid frosting slide-off.
- You can toast the pecans lightly before adding to enhance their flavor.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
