Best German Chocolate Cake – Moist Chocolate Layers

German Chocolate Cake –  Few cakes capture the heart of dessert lovers quite like the classic German Chocolate Cake. Contrary to popular belief, this decadent dessert isn’t German at all—its origin traces back to an American baker named Samuel German, who developed a special type of dark baking chocolate. The cake was later named in his honor, and ever since, it has become a beloved dessert across the United States.

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Recipe Timing

• Prep Time: 30 minutes

• Active Time: 35 minutes

• Resting/Cooling Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: ~2 hours

• Cuisines: American

• Course: Dessert

• Servings: 12

• Calories (per serving): ~520

Nutrition & Details (Per Serving)

(Approximate values based on 12 servings)

• Calories: 520

• Carbohydrates: 59g

• Protein: 6g

• Fat: 30g

• Saturated Fat: 16g

• Sugar: 45g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sodium: 360mg

Equipment Needed

• Three 8-inch round cake pans

• Mixing bowls

• Saucepan

• Hand mixer or stand mixer

• Parchment paper

• Rubber spatula

• Wire cooling rack

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Whisk

• Spatula or offset spatula

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake Layers:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup vegetable oil

• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature

• 3 large eggs, room temperature

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 cup hot water or hot coffee (for richer flavor)

For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:

• 1 cup evaporated milk

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup packed light brown sugar

• 3 large egg yolks

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut

• 1 ½ cups chopped pecans (toasted for deeper flavor)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Pans

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease three 8-inch pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

3. Lightly dust with cocoa powder to prevent sticking.

2. Make the Chocolate Cake Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

2. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla.

3. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until combined.

4. Gradually pour in the hot water or coffee while mixing on low speed.

5. The batter will be thin—this is what creates a moist, soft crumb.

6. Divide the batter evenly among the three pans.

3. Bake the Cake Layers

1. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

2. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes.

3. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Prepare the Coconut-Pecan Frosting

1. In a saucepan, combine evaporated milk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, and egg yolks.

2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens—about 10–12 minutes.

3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans.

4. Let the frosting cool to room temperature. It will thicken further as it cools.

5. Optional: Prepare Chocolate Buttercream

This step is optional but recommended for frosting the sides.

1. Beat butter until creamy.

2. Add powdered sugar and cocoa powder.

3. Mix in vanilla and milk until smooth.

6. Assemble the Cake

1. Place the first cake layer on a serving plate.

2. Spread a generous amount of coconut-pecan frosting on top.

3. Add the second layer and repeat.

4. Add the third layer and spread more frosting on top.

5. If using chocolate buttercream, frost the sides of the cake.

6. For decoration, add extra pecans or toasted coconut on top.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve slightly chilled for the best slicing results.

• Pair with vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

• Garnish with chocolate curls or extra pecans for presentation.

Conclusion

This German Chocolate Cake is a masterpiece of textures and flavors—from its moist chocolate layers to its signature coconut-pecan frosting. Each bite offers rich sweetness, nutty crunch, and velvety softness that makes this dessert unforgettable. With clear steps and simple ingredients, you can create a bakery-quality cake right at home. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, holidays, or any special occasion, this recipe is sure to become one of your most treasured desserts.