German chocolate cake, USA

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 4 oz German’s sweet chocolate
• 1/2 cup boiling water
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 4 egg whites

For the Frosting

• 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter
• 4 egg yolks, lightly beaten
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 (7 oz) package sweetened flaked coconut
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Melt Chocolate: In a medium bowl, combine the German chocolate and boiling water. Stir until the chocolate is fully melted and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Egg Yolks: Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the melted chocolate and vanilla extract.
5. Combine Mixtures: Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the chocolate mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
6. Whip Egg Whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold half of the egg whites into the batter to lighten it, then fold in the remaining egg whites.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
3. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
4. Bake for about 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Allow cakes to cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Frosting

1. In a medium saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sugar, butter, egg yolks, and vanilla extract.
2. Cook over medium heat for about 12 minutes, stirring constantly until thickened and bubbly.
3. Remove from heat and stir in coconut and chopped pecans. Let it cool until spreadable.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting over it.
2. Top with the second cake layer and use remaining frosting to cover the top of the cake.
3. Optionally, leave the sides unfrosted for a traditional look.