Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In a separate bowl, mix the sugar, buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in batches, mixing well between each addition. Add the hot water and sour cream, stirring until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Coconut-Pecan Frosting
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, sugar, and butter over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture comes to a simmer and the butter has melted. Stir in the beaten egg yolks and cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, coconut, and pecans. Let the frosting cool for a few minutes to thicken further.
Step 5: Frost the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of the coconut-pecan frosting on top of the first layer of cake. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Slice and serve your Family German Chocolate Cake with a scoop of ice cream or a glass of milk. It’s the perfect balance of chocolate, coconut, and pecan flavors—sure to satisfy any sweet tooth! 🍽️
Now it’s your turn! Let us know—what do you think of German Chocolate Cake? Are you a fan of the coconut-pecan topping or would you rather stick with classic chocolate frosting? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! 💬👇”