Baker’s German Chocolate Cake Recipe: The Best Nostalgic Delight

Whenever I think of a dessert that truly embodies indulgence and nostalgia, the Baker’s German Chocolate Cake recipe is always at the top of my list. This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that come together in perfect harmony. The rich chocolate layers paired with that luscious coconut-pecan frosting instantly transport me back to family gatherings and special moments.

If you’ve ever wondered what makes this cake so iconic, it’s the beautiful balance between the moist, tender chocolate sponge and the creamy, slightly caramelized frosting that has just the right amount of chew from shredded coconut and crunch from pecans. This recipe fits perfectly whether you’re planning a festive birthday, a comforting weekend bake, or simply craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

In this article, I’m going to share why this Baker’s German Chocolate Cake recipe stands out, how you can customize it, and tips to get it just right. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious beginner, you’ll find this recipe approachable, foolproof, and utterly delicious.

Why This Baker’s German Chocolate Cake Recipe Works So Well

The reason this Baker’s German Chocolate Cake recipe has endured for decades is its perfectly balanced flavor profile and foolproof technique. Unlike other chocolate cakes that rely solely on cocoa powder or melted chocolate, this recipe uses Baker’s German’s sweet baking chocolate, which brings a distinctive sweetness and complexity to the cake batter. This creates a deep, nuanced chocolate flavor without the bitterness some cakes can have.

What truly elevates this cake is the frosting. The classic coconut-pecan frosting is made with evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, butter, shredded coconut, and toasted pecans. This combination results in a frosting that is creamy yet textured, with a caramelized richness that complements the chocolate layers beautifully. The frosting doesn’t just sit on top, it seeps slightly into the cake layers, creating an irresistible melding of flavors.

Another reason this recipe works so well is its versatility. You can adapt the frosting by adding a touch of vanilla or almond extract for different flavor notes. For dietary preferences, you can swap pecans with walnuts or leave out nuts entirely for a nut-free version. Using dairy-free butter and coconut milk instead of evaporated milk can turn this into a vegan-friendly treat without compromising the signature flavors.

The Baker’s German Chocolate Cake recipe also holds up well to different occasions. It’s impressive enough for holiday gatherings but simple enough to whip up on a quiet weekend when you want to treat yourself.

Recipe Card

Baker’s German Chocolate Cake Recipe

Recipe by Soukayna

0.0 from 0 votes

Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium

Servings

12

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

480

kcal

This Baker’s German Chocolate Cake recipe delivers moist chocolate layers topped with a luscious coconut-pecan frosting, a true classic dessert.

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• Cake

• 1 package (4 oz) Baker’s German’s Sweet Chocolate, melted

• 1/2 cup boiling water

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 4 large egg yolks

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 4 large egg whites, beaten to stiff peaks

• Coconut-Pecan Frosting

• 1 cup evaporated milk

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 3 large egg yolks, beaten

• 1/2 cup butter

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 1/3 cups sweetened shredded coconut

• 1 cup chopped pecans

Directions

• Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
• Melt the Baker’s German’s Sweet Chocolate in boiling water and let it cool.
• Sift together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
• Step 2: Make the Batter
• Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until fluffy.
• Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Stir in the cooled chocolate and vanilla.
• Alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour, mixing just until combined.
• Gently fold in stiffly beaten egg whites.
• Step 3: Bake the Cake
• Divide batter evenly among prepared pans.
• Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Cool layers in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
• Step 4: Prepare the Frosting
• Combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 12 minutes).
• Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans. Cool until spreadable.
• Assemble the Cake
  Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting on top. Repeat with remaining layers, frosting only the tops, not the sides.

Notes

• Ensure egg whites are stiff but not dry for the best texture.
• Cool frosting completely before assembling the cake to prevent sliding layers.
• Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Like this recipe?

Follow @therecipemasterblog on Pinterest

Pro Tips for Success with Your Baker’s German Chocolate Cake Recipe

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eggs and butter make a noticeable difference in texture.
• Toast the pecans: Toasting pecans before adding them to the frosting brings out their nutty aroma and adds a deeper flavor dimension. Simply toast them lightly in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
• Level Cake Layers: Trim the tops of your cake layers for a neater presentation.
• Use a serrated knife for clean layers: If your cake domes in the oven, level it with a serrated knife to create even layers. This will help your cake stack neatly and look professional.
• Customize the Frosting: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a flavor twist.
• Serve at Room Temperature: Allow the cake to sit out for 20 minutes before serving for the best taste.

Delicious Variants to Try with Your Baker’s German Chocolate Cake Recipe

1. German Chocolate Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache

For chocolate lovers who want an extra chocolate punch, try replacing the traditional frosting on the top layer with a glossy dark chocolate ganache. Simply melt quality dark chocolate with heavy cream and pour it over the frosted layers for a silky finish. This variant balances the sweetness of the coconut-pecan frosting with a bittersweet contrast.

2. Vegan German Chocolate Cake

To make a vegan version, substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk, use coconut oil or vegan butter in place of regular butter, and swap eggs for flax or chia seeds mixed with water. For the frosting, use coconut cream instead of evaporated milk, and ensure the pecans and coconut flakes are raw and unsweetened. This keeps the cake moist and flavorful while accommodating plant-based diets.

3. Gluten-Free German Chocolate Cake

If gluten is a concern, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking mix that includes xanthan gum for structure. The rest of the ingredients remain the same. This variant is just as indulgent and allows everyone to enjoy the luscious layers without compromise.

4. German Chocolate Cake Cupcakes

Turning this cake into cupcakes is perfect for parties or when you want a smaller portion. Use the same batter and frosting but bake in a muffin tin for about 18-20 minutes. Decorate each cupcake with a generous dollop of the classic coconut-pecan frosting, making them portable and easy to serve.

FAQs

Final thoughts

There you have it, a comprehensive guide to mastering the Baker’s German Chocolate Cake recipe that brings together moist chocolate layers and a luscious coconut-pecan frosting. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a rich, nostalgic dessert, this recipe delivers every time.

Its versatility lets you customize the cake for different diets and tastes, and the pro tips ensure you get that perfect texture and flavor balance. Plus, making this cake at home means you control the quality of ingredients, making it even more rewarding.

Craving more chocolate? Try our Pistachio Cream Recipe for a unique dessert pairing that complements the richness of this cake!