### **Introduction to Homemade German Chocolate Cake**
Homemade German Chocolate Cake is a rich, decadent dessert known for its distinctive flavor combination of a moist chocolate cake paired with a luscious coconut-pecan frosting. Despite its name, the cake is not actually from Germany but is instead an American creation, named after an Englishman, Samuel German, who developed a type of dark baking chocolate used in the recipe. With its layers of chocolate cake, sweet coconut-pecan frosting, and silky texture, this cake has become a beloved classic, often served at birthdays, holidays, and special occasions.
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### **Origin of German Chocolate Cake**
The cake’s origins trace back to the 1950s in the United States. The recipe for “German’s Chocolate Cake” was first published in a Dallas, Texas newspaper in 1957, using a brand of baking chocolate called “Baker’s German’s Sweet Chocolate,” which was developed by Samuel German. The recipe quickly gained popularity and became known simply as “German Chocolate Cake.” Despite its misleading name, it has no direct connection to Germany; rather, it is named after the inventor of the chocolate, Samuel German, who worked for the Baker Chocolate Company.
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### **Cultural Significance**
German Chocolate Cake holds a place of importance in American dessert tradition, especially in the South. It is often made for birthdays, holidays, or family gatherings, and its unique frosting made from coconut and pecans sets it apart from other chocolate cakes. The cake gained national attention in 1957, and its popularity only grew in the years that followed, making it a staple of celebrations. Over time, it has also become a symbol of homemade hospitality, as its rich and complex flavors are often seen as the epitome of homemade comfort.
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### **Ingredients and Quantity**
For a **classic homemade German Chocolate Cake**, you will need the following ingredients:
#### **For the Cake:**
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 4 ounces German’s Sweet Chocolate (or 70% dark chocolate)
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, separated
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup buttermilk
#### **For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:**
– 1 cup evaporated milk
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
– 1 cup chopped pecans
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### **Optional Additions**
– **Chocolate Chips:** Stir in a handful of mini chocolate chips into the cake batter for extra pockets of chocolate flavor.
– **Coffee:** Add 1/2 teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the cake batter to enhance the flavor of the chocolate.
– **Caramel Drizzle:** For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the finished cake.
– **Cocoa Powder:** If you prefer a deeper chocolate flavor, you can substitute 1/4 cup of cocoa powder for some of the flour in the cake batter.
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### **Tips for Success**
1. **Cake Moisture:** To ensure the cake is moist, don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
2. **Frosting Texture:** Allow the frosting to cool slightly before spreading on the cake. It should be thickened but still spreadable, not runny.
3. **Egg Whites:** For extra lift, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form and fold them gently into the batter. This adds airiness to the cake.
4. **Layering:** When layering the cake, make sure each layer of frosting is spread evenly to prevent the frosting from spilling out during cutting.
5. **Cake Cooling:** Let the cake layers cool completely before frosting to avoid the frosting melting off.
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### **Instructions**
1. **Prepare the cake:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. **Melt the chocolate:** In a small saucepan, combine the German’s Sweet Chocolate and water. Stir over low heat until the chocolate is fully melted. Set aside to cool.
3. **Mix dry ingredients:** In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
4. **Cream butter and sugar:** In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. **Add the melted chocolate:** Pour the melted chocolate into the butter-sugar mixture and beat until combined.
6. **Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk:** Add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
7. **Beat the egg whites:** In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter.
8. **Bake the cake:** Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
9. **Prepare the frosting:** While the cake cools, make the frosting. In a saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, sugar, butter, and egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Let the frosting cool to room temperature.
10. **Assemble the cake:** Once the cake is fully cooled, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Top with the second layer of cake and spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides.
11. **Serve and enjoy:** Let the cake set for about 30 minutes before slicing, allowing the frosting to firm up a bit. Serve and enjoy!
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### **Description**
Homemade German Chocolate Cake is a rich and indulgent treat with a moist, slightly dense chocolate cake base complemented by a sweet, buttery frosting made of coconut and pecans. The contrast between the soft, fluffy cake and the chunky, gooey coconut-pecan frosting creates a satisfying combination of flavors and textures. The cake is decadent, but not overwhelming, with the perfect balance of chocolate richness and the tropical sweetness of coconut.
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### **Nutritional Information (per serving)**
(Note: Values are estimates based on one slice of cake (1/12 of the entire cake).)
– **Calories:** 400-450
– **Carbohydrates:** 55g
– **Protein:** 5g
– **Fat:** 20g
– **Saturated Fat:** 9g
– **Cholesterol:** 65mg
– **Sodium:** 150mg
– **Fiber:** 2g
– **Sugar:** 40g
– **Vitamin A:** 8% of the Daily Value
– **Vitamin C:** 1% of the Daily Value
– **Calcium:** 6% of the Daily Value
– **Iron:** 10% of the Daily Value
(Note: Nutritional information will vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.)
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### **Conclusion**
Homemade German Chocolate Cake is a showstopper of a dessert, known for its indulgent flavor and luxurious coconut-pecan frosting. It’s a perfect cake for celebrations, offering a rich, moist chocolate experience with a twist of tropical sweetness. Whether it’s a special birthday treat or a holiday centerpiece, this cake is guaranteed to satisfy any chocolate lover.
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### **Recommendation and Embracing Healthful Indulgence**
For those looking to enjoy a slightly healthier version of German Chocolate Cake, there are a few substitutions you can consider:
– **Flour:** Use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend to make it a bit more health-conscious.
– **Butter:** Replace some or all of the butter in the frosting with coconut oil for a healthier fat option.
– **Sugar:** Consider using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup in the frosting for a more wholesome touch.
– **Coconut:** Opt for unsweetened shredded coconut to reduce added sugars.
While this cake is undeniably rich and indulgent, you can still make it a bit more balanced by enjoying smaller portions or pairing it with a side of fresh fruit. Ultimately, German Chocolate Cake is about savoring the pleasures of baking and sharing a homemade treat with loved ones. Embrace the indulgence, knowing that every bite is worth it!