Baker’s German Chocolate Cake combines a mild, sweet chocolate cake with a decadent coconut pecan frosting to create an absolutely irresistible dessert. Don’t let the “German” in the name fool you, this cake is actually a home grown American classic!
What Is German Chocolate Cake
So what exactly is Baker’s German Chocolate Cake? This delicious cake is made from German chocolate, which is a sweeter chocolate than semi-sweet chocolate is. German chocolate contains more sugar, but less cacao than semi-sweet chocolate does. The result is a sweeter, yet milder chocolate taste.
Why Is It Called German Chocolate
While it seems like German chocolate would have ties to Germany, it actually originated in the US. German chocolate was developed by Samuel German, an employee of Baker’s Chocolate Company, back in 1852.
How Do You Make Baker’s German Chocolate Cake Recipe?
Making a Baker’s German Chocolate Cake is simple, and not too different from your standard layer cake recipe. The full printable recipe is found at the bottom of the page, but let me walk you through the steps.
To make your German Chocolate Cake, you’ll begin by preparing your pans. This recipe can make either three 9-inch round layers, or you can make two 9-inch round layers, and have enough batter left to make about 4-6 cupcakes. This is what I did, and it is a great option if you only have two round 9-inch baking pans.
Then separate the egg yolks from the whites, and melting your German chocolate. Next you’ll combine the flour, baking soda and salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, butter and sugar are beaten until light and fluffy.
Next, egg yolks are added, one at a time, blending well after each addition. Once combined, the melted chocolate and vanilla is added to the mixture. Then the flour mixture and buttermilk are added alternately, mixing well after each addition.
Remember those egg whites, now it’s time to use them. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Those egg whites are then gently folded into the cake batter. Take care to do this gently, the egg whites help make this cake light and fluffy, and if you over mix the airy texture the egg whites create will break down.
Then into the pans, and oven, the batter goes. After baking, you will want to let the cakes cool completely prior to frosting with the amazing Coconut Pecan Frosting.
More Delicious Recipes To Try
I hope your family enjoys this Bakers Chocolate Cake Recipe as much as mine does. If you’d like to make cupcakes instead of a layer cake, check out my German Chocolate Cupcakes recipe.
Favorite Dessert Recipes
Love chocolate and pecans? Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars are a must make treat. Texas Sheet Cake brings together your favorites in one amazing dessert. And you won’t want to miss out on my Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cake with Broiled Frosting!
If you can’t get enough of the german chocolate cake frosting, then you’ll probably love these Caramel Pecan Rolls.
If chocolate cake is your favorite, don’t miss my Chocolate Sheet Cake, Mississippi Mud Cake, Hershey’s Chocolate Cake and my quick and easy Chocolate Bundt Cake recipe.
Baker’s German Chocolate Cake
Equipment
- 2 9-inch round baking pans and a cupcake pan
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 4oz package BAKER'S GERMAN'S Sweet Chocolate
- 1/2 cup water
- 4 large eggs separated
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1 cup butter softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1 cup buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cover bottoms of either THREE 9-inch round cake pans or TWO 9-inch round cake pans (some batter will be set aside for cupcakes if using TWO pans*) with waxed paper; spray sides with cooking spray.
- Microwave chocolate and water in large microwaveable bowl on HIGH for 1-1/2 to 2 min. or until chocolate is almost melted, stirring after 1 min. Stir until chocolate is completely melted.
- Mix flour, baking soda and salt. Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with mixer until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating well after each. Blend in melted chocolate and vanilla. Add flour mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating until well blended after each addition.
- Beat egg whites in small bowl with mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form; set aside. Add egg whites to cake batter and gently fold in until blended but do not over mix. Pour into prepared pans. If using three pans, divide batter evenly, if making two layers, place approximately 1/3 of the batter into each pan, and the remaining batter can be used for cupcakes.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Immediately run small spatula around cakes in pans to loosen the cake from the sides to prevent sticking. Cool cakes in pans 15 minutes. Remove from pans and transfer to wire racks. Cool completely prior to frosting with Coconut Pecan Frosting.
Notes
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Nutrition information is estimated as a courtesy. If using for medical purposes, please verify information using your own nutritional calculator. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Alvin Wilson says
I did not see the receipt for the frosting ??
Christi Johnstone says
Hi Alvin, it’s linked up in the post three times, once at the top, and twice in the recipe card. Here it is again: https://www.lovefromtheoven.com/coconut-pecan-frosting/
Sharon Marsh says
I have not made this recipe yet. I have trouble making layer cakes. Can this be made as a sheet cake?
Barbara says
I have been making this cake since I was 10 years old I am now 65. My family and friends love it.
Sandra says
I like the cake but I don’t like anykind of nuts or the coconut so how can I make the frosting without the nuts or coconut
Christi Johnstone says
My honest advice, make a totally different frosting recipe. It’s called coconut pecan frosting, so they are pretty vital ingredients. Maybe look for some sort of caramel or brown sugar frosting recipe, that would probably pair well.
Ernestine E says
My family request’s this cake every Christmas it is the only one I know by heart.Yes I do use cake flour only always and never put Cinnamon in recipe. Will have to try it. But cake comes out perfect if you follow recipe
DOROTHY ROBINSON says
I want to use cake flour, will the recipe change for the flour?
Christi Johnstone says
I haven’t made them with cake flour so I can’t speak to how it will work, I’ve only tested the recipe as written.
Gina says
I make this cake every year for my husbands birthday. It’s so delicious, but labor intensive we wouldn’t think of any other cake. The recipe has changed on the box. You no longer have to fold in the whipped egg whites, but I still do. That is what the cake so much better
Deborah Godsey says
I’ve made this before but the one I made had cinnamon in it. Have you heard of adding cinnamon!
Debra L Diroll says
My granddaughter’s 15th birthday is next week and mine was last week. We decided to make our own birthday cake and this was it. We also made the coconut pecan frosting. She loved making this with me. It was delicious. She also learned a few things like how to separate eggs and how to fold egg whites. (My daughter doesn’t cook much.) We had a great time!
Christi Johnstone says
So glad you guys had a nice time and enjoyed the cake!
Rick says
Ummm…. WOW!
Simply amazing cake!