### German Chocolate Sheet Cake
—
#### **Introduction**
German Chocolate Sheet Cake is a delightful twist on the classic German chocolate cake, known for its moist, tender crumb and rich coconut-pecan topping. Baking it as a sheet cake makes it easier to serve for gatherings, allowing everyone to enjoy a slice of this iconic dessert without the fuss of layering. Perfectly sweet, slightly nutty, and indulgently creamy, this cake is ideal for celebrations or any occasion that calls for a deliciously comforting dessert.
—
#### **Origin and Cultural Significance**
Despite its name, German chocolate cake isn’t from Germany—it’s an American creation. The recipe dates back to 1957 when a recipe using “German’s Sweet Chocolate,” a brand developed by American chocolatier Samuel German, became widely popular. Known for its unique topping of coconut and pecans rather than frosting, German chocolate cake has become a beloved dessert staple in the United States.
—
#### **Ingredients Quantity**
**Cake:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
– ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 ½ tsp baking powder
– 1 ½ tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup whole milk
– ½ cup vegetable oil
– 2 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup boiling water
**Coconut-Pecan Topping:**
– 1 cup evaporated milk
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large egg yolks
– ½ cup butter, cut into pieces
– 1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
—
#### **Optional Additions**
– ½ cup chocolate chips in the batter for extra chocolatey richness
– 1 tsp almond extract in the topping for added depth
– 1 cup mini chocolate chips sprinkled on top for decoration
—
#### **Tips for Success**
– Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
– Adding boiling water to the batter helps activate the cocoa powder, intensifying the chocolate flavor.
– Stir the coconut-pecan topping constantly while cooking to avoid curdling or burning.
– Let the topping cool slightly before spreading to prevent it from running off the cake.
—
#### **Instructions**
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. **Make the Cake Batter:**
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
– Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until well combined.
– Stir in boiling water until the batter is smooth (the batter will be thin).
3. **Bake the Cake:**
– Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
– Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
4. **Prepare the Coconut-Pecan Topping:**
– In a medium saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 10-12 minutes.
– Remove from heat and stir in coconut, pecans, and vanilla extract. Let the topping cool slightly.
5. **Assemble the Cake:**
– Spread the coconut-pecan topping evenly over the cooled cake.
– Optionally, sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top for decoration.
6. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Slice into squares and enjoy your German Chocolate Sheet Cake!
—
#### **Description**
This German Chocolate Sheet Cake is tender, moist, and perfectly sweet. The chocolate cake has a rich, deep flavor, while the coconut-pecan topping is creamy, nutty, and adds a delightful texture to each bite. With every forkful, you’ll experience a harmony of flavors that’s both decadent and comforting.
—
#### **Nutritional Information** (per serving, approximately):
– **Calories:** ~450
– **Protein:** 6g
– **Carbohydrates:** 56g
– **Fat:** 24g
– **Fiber:** 3g
– **Sugar:** 40g
—
#### **Conclusion and Recommendation**
German Chocolate Sheet Cake is a crowd-pleaser and a fantastic dessert for gatherings, potlucks, or birthdays. Its rich chocolate flavor and luscious topping make it a memorable treat. For a complete dessert experience, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
—
#### **Embracing Healthful Indulgence**
To lighten this cake, you could substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, use a reduced-sugar sweetener, and opt for a low-fat evaporated milk in the topping. These small adjustments reduce calories and fat without sacrificing too much of the cake’s signature taste and texture, allowing for a balanced indulgence. Enjoy a slice of this classic cake with a few simple tweaks for a more healthful treat!