Is it just me, or is every man I know obsessed with German Chocolate Cake? My dad, my brothers, my husband, and now my little boy. I love making this homemade cake for the men I love. I just made one for an extra special birthday boy who just happened to be turning 30! {My sweet husband is having a mid-life crisis. Me on the other hand, I am still TOTALLY in my mid 20’s} 😉
The ‘from scratch’ batter is a bit time-consuming, but worth it in the end. Promise. No cake mix will ever compare.
Of course, I had an extra cute helper.
Make sure to TOAST the coconut and pecans before making the frosting. This is an important step, but be careful you don’t broil them too long. I have burnt this one too many times. 😉
The best part is that this cake tastes even better than it looks.
We had a few friends over to celebrate the ‘old man’, so I made a few extra cupcakes.
But they needed something more,…a cupcake topper! These numbered chocolate cupcake toppers were surprisingly EASY to make!
I simply printed out several 30’s on a piece of paper in a cute font. I covered the paper with wax paper, put melted chocolate in a squeeze bottle, and traced the printed numbers with chocolate. I put them in the fridge to harden for approx ten minutes. They easily popped off the wax paper.
Vwallah!
Happy 30th, lover boy! You can count on a homemade german chocolate drizzle cake every year to come.
German Chocolate Drizzle Cake
Ingredients
- {Cake}
-
- 1/2 cup water
- 6 (1 ounce) squares German sweet chocolate {I use “Bakers” German semi-sweet chocolate bar}
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups white sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 1/2 cups cake flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 egg whites
-
- {Frosting}
-
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 1/2 cups evaporated milk
- 3/4 cup butter
- 4 egg yolks, beaten
- 2 cups flaked coconut
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
-
- {Drizzle}
-
- 1/2 teaspoon shortening
- 2 semisweet chocolate squares (2 ounces)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour 3 – 9 inch round pans. Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside. In a small saucepan, heat water and 4 ounces chocolate until melted. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- In a large bowl, cream 1 cup butter and 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in 4 egg yolks one at a time. Blend in the melted chocolate mixture and vanilla. Beat in the flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk, mixing just until incorporated. Do not over-mix.
- In a large glass or metal mixing bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold 1/3 of the whites into the batter, then quickly fold in remaining whites until no streaks remain. Do not over-mix.
- Pour into 3 – 9 inch pans Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then turn out onto wire rack.
- To make the Filling: In a saucepan combine sugar and butter, evaporated milk, and egg yolks. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat. Stir in coconut, pecans and vanilla. Cool until thick enough to spread.
- Spread filling between layers and on top of cake. In a small saucepan, melt shortening and 2 ounces of chocolate. Stir until smooth and drizzle down the sides of the cake.
https://howdoesshe.com/german-chocolate-drizzle-cake/
Ingredients
- {Cake}
- 1/2 cup water
- 6 (1 ounce) squares German sweet chocolate {I use “Bakers” German semi-sweet chocolate bar}
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups white sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 1/2 cups cake flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 egg whites
- {Frosting}
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 1/2 cups evaporated milk
- 3/4 cup butter
- 4 egg yolks, beaten
- 2 cups flaked coconut
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- {Drizzle}
- 1/2 teaspoon shortening
- 2 semisweet chocolate squares (2 ounces)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour 3 – 9 inch round pans. Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside. In a small saucepan, heat water and 4 ounces chocolate until melted. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- In a large bowl, cream 1 cup butter and 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in 4 egg yolks one at a time. Blend in the melted chocolate mixture and vanilla. Beat in the flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk, mixing just until incorporated. Do not over-mix.
- In a large glass or metal mixing bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold 1/3 of the whites into the batter, then quickly fold in remaining whites until no streaks remain. Do not over-mix.
- Pour into 3 – 9 inch pans Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then turn out onto wire rack.
- To make the Filling: In a saucepan combine sugar and butter, evaporated milk, and egg yolks. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat. Stir in coconut, pecans and vanilla. Cool until thick enough to spread.
- Spread filling between layers and on top of cake. In a small saucepan, melt shortening and 2 ounces of chocolate. Stir until smooth and drizzle down the sides of the cake.
I double dare you not try the frosting before it goes on the cake. Good luck with that. 😉 Do yourself a favor and invite several people over when you make this cake. If not, you will devour it yourself. Trust me on this one.
Heidi@TheCraftMonkey says
YUM!
.-= Heidi@TheCraftMonkey´s last blog ..Gettin A Little Nutty =-.
Lynn from For Love or Funny says
At college, the cafeteria would occasionally serve German Chocolate Cake, and I can truthfully say that if they EVER started making it like you did…I’d still be in college!
.-= Lynn from For Love or Funny´s last blog ..Do Witches like Pigs in a Blanket =-.
Amy @ Blowout Party! says
That looks amazing, thanks for the recipe, I must make this!
.-= Amy @ Blowout Party!´s last blog ..Lace- Black and White Wedding =-.
Susan says
Looks *DIVINE*!
Tami Higbee says
Oh my…what I wouldn’t give to taste a little bit of that right now!
.-= Tami Higbee´s last blog ..Family Fun =-.
pamela ponder says
looks like heaven
.-= pamela ponder´s last blog ..WELL I KNEW IT WOULD HAPPEN SOMEDAY-MY CHOLESTEROL CAME BACK REALLY BAD!!! HELP =-.
kelli says
i wish i had this recipe sooner. I made a bobby flay german choco cake for my sisters bday (it’s bobby flay so its suppose to be good right?) And it didnt turn out to well. it had goats milk in the frosting. I should have known better than to put it in. the whole cake tasted terrible. bleh. I am for sure going to make this recipe for my dads bday. its in september and germ choc is his fave. thanks for posting this Shelley!!
.-= kelli´s last blog ..A bUncH oF rAnDoMs PaRt 1 =-.
Emily N. says
This looks divine! I will really have to be disciplined to keep myself from making it! hee hee. Oh, and I am SO glad you got rid of the email popup bar at the bottom of the screen. That was getting annoying:) love this site though!
Penny says
Mmmmmm…..looks so good! I want some.
Donna says
Awesome! I have two questions: Where did you get those adorable cupcake wrappers and did you put filling inside the cupcakes or just frost it on top? I have to find a reason to make this!
Allison says
I think you are right about the man thing, every man I know even my youngest son LOVES german chocolate cake! So we get to have it 5 or 6 times a year, can’t wait to try this recipe, thanks!
Beverly says
Thanks for this web site. I am new here, but I love the variety of things
you put on here. This cake looks incredible. I also am a German Choc. lover!!
Lauren @ Crave. Indulge. Satisfy. says
YUM! This cake and cupcakes look amazing. My husband loves German chocolate too. Great idea with the chocolate numbers!
.-= Lauren @ Crave. Indulge. Satisfy.´s last blog ..Chicago Cake =-.
Melinda says
Yum! That looks so good! I appreciate your from scratch recipe! Can’t wait to try it!
.-= Melinda´s last blog ..Too Many Recipes! =-.
CRAZYMOM says
These look divine.Thanks for sharing. …and I love the little fluted pans. Oh my!
.-= CRAZYMOM´s last blog ..Iced Coffee- Better- Cheaper- Lower Calorie =-.
Lisa says
OMG, these look divine! I’m dying to try one! wow…
Betty Bake says
oh wow this sounds and looks delicious!!!!
num num num
🙂 hugs betty bake
.-= Betty Bake´s last blog ..LITTLE BIRDS BABY SHOWER =-.
Brandi says
You’re killing me! I might lick the computer screen! 🙂
Ami Allison says
OH. EM. GEE. I thought my Rocky Road Cupcakes looked good!! WOW!!!
BTW I am doing a giveaway! You should come check it out! 🙂
http://alililly.blogspot.com/2010/08/whoo-hoo-100-followers-giveaway.html
Aimee says
German chocolate cake is one of my most favorite things!! I love cooking from scratch, when I have the time. I featured you here. YUM!
.-= Aimee´s last blog ..Brief Bits =-.
TidyMom says
Oh YUM!!!……did you see the Upside Down Gooey German Choc Cake I post a month or so ago?….it’s my mom’s fav…….she always picks it for her birthday!
I love those chocolate 30’s…..may have to make them this weekend for my hubbys birthday
Donna says
Oh my goodness! I love, love, German Chocolate Cake. Back home in Texas that was a family favorite growning up. I have yet to make one but if I did, it would have to leave my house after the first slice! No way I could keep that in my house and not have slice after slice after slice….
.-= Donna´s last blog ..Baby Bump – Maternity Shoot =-.
Inspired2cook says
Love German Choc. Cake! Your treats look awesome!!!
Kate says
I couldn’t get the frosting to thicken on low, so I put it on high until it started to bubble and then medium (stirring continuously) for about 10-15 minutes.
Shelley says
Thanks for the tip! How did your cake turn out?
Rayan says
yum, this look so amazing, i love german choc anything…!
.-= Rayan ´s last blog ..Color Connection- Gray and Neutral =-.
adriana says
Thanks so much for this great recipe!! It was a hit at the party I had this weekend at home…. the only thing I would do next time is add 2 more oz of chocolate to the batter (I’m a bit of a chocoholic)… but it was delish!!!!!!
.-= adriana´s last blog ..Giant Lollipop Tutorial =-.
Shelley says
More chocolate never hurt anyone. 😉 I think I just may add a little extra next time too! Thanks for the tip. 🙂
wendy says
The filling calls for butter, but the instructions don’t say when to add it!! I blamed that for why my frosting didn’t turn out. Wish I’d read Kate’s tip earlier! I ended up making mine into a German chocolate trifle. It was delish, but not a cake!
So, when do you add the butter?!
Shelley says
Well that’s embarassing! 😉 Sorry for leaving that detail out! Melt the butter with the sugar in the saucepan before adding everything else. I updated the recipe. Thanks for letting me know. 🙂
Amy @ Chicy Creations says
This looks divine. Too bad my husband won’t touch anything with coconut, if I made this I’d eat the whole thing myself. Good for the tastebuds I’m sure, bad for my hips! I’m stealing that chocolate numbers idea though!
Tanya says
Yum! That looks amazing and I love how you did the 30! I’m bookmarking this for later.
.-= Tanya´s last blog ..Halloween Fabric Rag Wreath =-.
April @ The 21st Century Housewife says
Wow, if it tastes even better than it looks I’m in big trouble because your cake looks amazing! I love the way you decorated the cupcakes as well. And I agree, there is nothing like a home made cake – so much nicer and better for you than cake mixes!
self sagacity says
Oh my, this is one of my favorite cakes. I like the little cupcakes is it? Does it come out ok with the same mix?
.-= self sagacity´s last blog ..Noodles Tossed with Egg and Sausage Strips =-.
Shelley says
Yep! Equally as tasty. 🙂
Shawna says
I made this and the frosting was a total flop. It never thickened on low, and I stirred it for probably 25 minutes. I turned it up to medium, but was afraid to go any higher – thought it might burn it or something. I guess I shouldn’t have tried this for company. I used the thin frosting anyways because I didn’t have ingredients to make more. The overall taste was good, but the frosting instructions need some tweaking. I will make it again for sure though and see if I can’t get it right.
Shelley says
Bummer! Mine usually thickens right up as it cools (before I put it on the cake). Let us know if you have any additional tips. 🙂
Shelley says
I just asked my aunt Faye (who is an amazing baker and knows all the tricks of this cake). She said “Did they cook the egg yolks long enough. That is what thickens it”. Hope that helps! 🙂
Colette says
I ordered the cupcake papers. I was wondering how full did you fill them. Hoping to make them for a party? Thanks
Shelley says
Gosh, this was last month! How do you expect me to remember a thing like that?! 😉 I think they were about 2/3rds full. Maybe test one before doing a whole batch and let me know! 🙂
kimbertly says
i have a question, with the cake pictured, is that two or three layers? Looks like it could be 3? Gonna make this for our 35th wedding anniversary, as german chocalote is my hubbys favorite. Looks so yummy thanks!
Shelley says
It was just two layers, but I used deeper cake pans (Wilton brand). Make sure to note the frosting tips here in the comments. I want to make sure it turns out perfect for you!! 🙂 Let us know how it goes. Happy 35th {AWESOME}! 🙂
NiRosha K says
I would crawl over broken glass for this cake! It lasted about 3 DAYS at my house! They’re already asking me to make it again! Yummo!
.-= NiRosha K´s last blog ..The Pursuit of BLOG happiness =-.
Stephanie says
I am featuring this on Crazy Domestic this Friday! Thanks for the yummy idea!
-Steph
Jenette says
Oh finding this just totally made my day! I’m having a 40th birthday party next weekend for my hubby who’s favorite cake happens to be german chocolate too! Absolutly awesome idea of making the 30’s which I’ll of course be making 40’s, out of the chocolate! YAY! 🙂
Shauna says
I so got sidetracked by this website when I had meant to get online to find a german chocolate cake recipe for my husband’s birthday and Voila! Looks like I found what I was ‘looking’ for
kaytee says
how did you make the drizzle? I used what you said, the 1/2 c shortening and the chocolate but it did not come out correctly. What steps did you take?
Shelley says
Oh no! 🙁 I’m sorry it didn’t turn out right. I just did it exactly as listed in the directions. Maybe it’s location/altitude?
Tiffani says
another super easy drizzle to make is, 1/2 cup whipping cream and 4 oz semi-sweet or bitter sweet chocolate. bring the milk to a boil. once it boils pour over chocolate let sit for a minute and then whisk! voila!
Tiffani says
help! I made the batter exactly and when I made the cupcakes a majority of them fell while in the oven!
melissa says
Cake recipe says 6-1oz cubes of german choc. In directions it says melt the 4 oz of chocolate with the water. Just wondering if it’s 6 or 4oz?
Tara says
I am so frustrated with how unclear the directions for the frosting is. The directions makes it seem lie you are supposed to add all the ingredients at the same time. When the frosting didnt turn out i decided to check the comments to see if anyone else had the same problem…. turns out you are supposed to melt the butter with the sugar before adding the other ingredients. So I start over even tho I did not have any more nuts. Well this time I burnt my coconut 🙁 Well im off to the store to buy canned frosting for it….
Armida says
These are delicious! I was surprised by how light these are. I made cupcakes and would say only fill cups 1/2 full — they expand greatly! On the frosting, you really do need to cook for 20-25 minutes. Takes a long time to get there, but so worth it!
Nicole says
This is helpful. I want to make cupcakes. How long did they have to bake, if you remember? I know it was 6 months ago. Thanks
Jess says
This looks like heaven! Yummy! Pinned!
Stephanie says
Wow… Salivating at these photos and scrolling through over and over again…. Will definitely have to give this recipe a go!
Katelyn says
How many cupcakes does this make?
Sunnie says
Thanks for the recipe, Iam making this for my husband for Fathers Day, do you think I can make it in a 13×9 pan? Thanks!
Kelsey says
Do you have the recipe for the frosting?
Kelsey says
Oh wait I see it now lol
Amy says
Sauce would not thicken after an hour of stirring!!! Very frustrating. Had to add cornstarch.
Des says
Where did you find the German sweet chocolate {I use “Bakers” German semi-sweet chocolate bar}?
Karen says
I just made cupcakes for the 3rd time. My DIL called this morning and asked me to make them for her birthday dinner tonight. These cupcakes always get rave reviews!! Make all the work worth it. I highly recommend this recipe.