German Chocolate Sheet Cake: A Decadent Classic for Every Occasion

For the Topping:

• 1 ½ cups shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease the Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking sheet or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This will ensure that your cake comes out easily and doesn’t stick to the pan.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
4. Melt the Butter and Cocoa: In a saucepan, melt the butter with the cocoa powder and water over medium heat, stirring occasionally until everything is fully combined and smooth. Allow it to cool slightly.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add the cooled cocoa-butter mixture to the wet ingredients, and stir until combined.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
7. Pour the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

8. Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be set, soft, and slightly springy to the touch.
9. Cool the Cake: Once done, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 4: Prepare the Coconut-Pecan Topping

10. Cook the Topping: While the cake is cooling, it’s time to prepare the topping. In a medium saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken (about 10 minutes). Be patient—this will create a luscious, creamy consistency.
11. Add the Coconut and Pecans: Once the mixture has thickened, stir in the shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract. Continue cooking for 3-5 more minutes until the mixture is thick and sticky. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the topping cool slightly.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

12. Top the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the coconut-pecan topping generously over the entire surface of the cake. Make sure it covers every corner for that perfect texture and flavor in each bite.
13. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake into squares or rectangles and serve. This cake is perfect on its own, or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re looking to make it extra decadent.

Why German Chocolate Cake is a Classic:

The key to any great German chocolate cake lies in the combination of the rich, fudgy cake and the creamy coconut-pecan topping. While the cake itself is incredibly moist and soft, the topping provides a perfect contrast in texture—sweet, creamy, and crunchy. The pecans add a nutty richness, while the coconut brings a tropical flair that balances out the deep chocolate flavor.

The cake gets its name from German’s Sweet Chocolate, a brand of chocolate used in the original recipe created by an American baker, Samuel German, in 1852. The chocolate’s milder sweetness and smooth texture make it ideal for this dessert. It’s the perfect marriage of cake and topping, and making it as a sheet cake makes it even more convenient for large groups or family events.

Tips for the Perfect German Chocolate Sheet Cake:

• Let the Cake Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool before adding the topping to avoid it melting into the cake.
• Make it Ahead: This cake is a great make-ahead option because the flavors intensify the longer it sits. Prepare it a day in advance, and the coconut-pecan topping will have more time to meld together.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best results, use fresh eggs, high-quality cocoa powder, and fresh coconut for that rich flavor.
• Customize the Topping: If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can substitute with other nuts like walnuts or skip the nuts entirely for a coconut-only topping.

Serving Suggestions:

• For Special Occasions: This cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration. It’s a crowd-pleaser and can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
• With Ice Cream: Serve slices with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an extra indulgence.
• For Coffee Breaks: Pair a slice of cake with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack.

Conclusion:

German Chocolate Sheet Cake is a decadent, irresistible dessert that combines a rich, moist cake with a sweet, nutty topping. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, this cake is guaranteed to impress. With its ease of preparation and the ability to feed a crowd, it’s the perfect dessert to bring to any party, holiday, or get-together. Try this recipe today, and get ready to enjoy a truly scrumptious treat!