If you love rich chocolate cakes with decadent frosting, this Baker’s German chocolate cake recipe is perfect for you. This timeless dessert pairs a moist chocolate cake with a luscious coconut-pecan frosting, creating a balance of sweet, nutty, and buttery flavors. Originating from the iconic Baker’s brand chocolate, this cake has been a favorite for generations.
In this guide, we’ll provide a step-by-step recipe, baking tips, and creative variations to ensure your German chocolate cake is the star of any gathering.
1. What Makes Baker’s German Chocolate Cake Special?
Baker’s German chocolate cake stands out for its unique combination of flavors and textures.
Why It’s Beloved:
- Rich Chocolate Flavor: The cake is made with Baker’s sweet chocolate, which gives it a distinct taste.
- Signature Frosting: The coconut-pecan topping adds a chewy, nutty sweetness that’s hard to resist.
- Perfect for Celebrations: Its elegant appearance and indulgent taste make it ideal for birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions.
This Baker’s German chocolate cake recipe embodies everything you want in a classic dessert: flavor, nostalgia, and beauty.
2. Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Baker’s German chocolate cake recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 package (4 oz) Baker’s German’s Sweet Chocolate (melted)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs (separated)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/3 cups shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
These ingredients work together to create a cake that’s rich, moist, and beautifully layered.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to bake the perfect German chocolate cake.
Making the Cake:
- Preheat Your Oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave or over a double boiler, melt the Baker’s chocolate and let it cool slightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg Yolks and Chocolate: Beat in the egg yolks one at a time, then stir in the melted chocolate and vanilla.
- Alternate Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients and buttermilk, alternating between the two.
- Beat Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold them into the batter.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 30–35 minutes. Cool completely before frosting.
Making the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:
- Cook the Base: In a saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 12 minutes).
- Add Coconut and Pecans: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, shredded coconut, and pecans. Let the frosting cool before spreading.
4. Assembling the Cake
Once the cake layers and frosting are cool, it’s time to assemble your Baker’s German chocolate cake.
Steps to Assemble:
- Layer the Cake: Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top.
- Repeat: Add the second layer and frost, then top with the third layer and frost the top and sides.
- Decorate: Sprinkle extra coconut or pecans for a decorative touch.
This assembly process ensures a stunning presentation with every slice.
5. Tips for Success
Baking the perfect German chocolate cake is easy with these helpful tips.
Pro Tips:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Butter, eggs, and buttermilk should be at room temperature for a smooth batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
- Cool Completely: Let the cake layers cool fully before frosting to prevent melting.
These small adjustments can make a big difference in your baking success.
6. Variations to Try
This classic Baker’s German chocolate cake recipe can be customized with creative variations.
Delicious Twists:
- Double Chocolate: Add chocolate chips to the batter for an extra burst of chocolate.
- Layered with Ganache: Spread a thin layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers for added richness.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix.
Experimenting with these ideas can make the recipe even more special.
Explore more chocolate cake ideas at Sally’s Baking Addiction.
7. How to Make It Healthier
While indulgent, this cake can be modified for a lighter touch.
Healthier Substitutions:
- Reduce Sugar: Use a sugar substitute or reduce the amount by 1/4 cup.
- Use Whole Wheat Flour: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Lighten the Frosting: Swap half the butter for Greek yogurt in the frosting.
These changes allow you to enjoy the cake with fewer calories and guilt.
8. Storing and Freezing German Chocolate Cake
Proper storage keeps your cake fresh and flavorful.
How to Store:
- Room Temperature: Cover the cake tightly and store for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Extend freshness to 5 days by refrigerating it in an airtight container.
Freezing Tips:
- Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating slices in the microwave brings back their freshly baked flavor.
9. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls for a flawless Baker’s German chocolate cake recipe.
Mistakes to Watch For:
- Overbaking: Always check for doneness with a toothpick to avoid dry layers.
- Skipping the Frosting: The coconut-pecan frosting is essential to the cake’s flavor profile.
- Not Leveling Layers: Trim the tops of the cake layers for even stacking.
These tips help you bake a cake that’s both beautiful and delicious.
Check out more baking tips at King Arthur Baking.
10. Serving Suggestions
This Baker’s German chocolate cake recipe is versatile and pairs well with various accompaniments.
Serving Ideas:
- With Coffee: A slice pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or espresso.
- As a Dessert: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- For Celebrations: Decorate with chocolate shavings or edible flowers for a festive look.
These suggestions make the cake suitable for any occasion.
Conclusion: Baking a Timeless German Chocolate Cake
This Baker’s German chocolate cake recipe is the perfect blend of rich chocolate flavor and sweet, nutty frosting. Its classic taste and beautiful presentation make it a standout dessert for any gathering.
Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or try one of the variations, this cake is sure to delight everyone at the table. Grab your ingredients and start baking today!