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Upgraded German Chocolate Cake
CakesIntermediate

Upgraded German Chocolate Cake

Rich chocolate cake layered with creamy coconut-pecan frosting—a decadent take on a classic with impressive homemade results.

★★★★☆ 4.9(259 reviews on Sally's Baking)
📝 This recipe is from Sally's Baking. We're sharing a preview — the full recipe lives on their site.
Prep time45 min
Bake time35 min
Total time5 hr 30 min
Makes10

Ingredients

1 1 and 3/4 cups (219g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
2 3/4 cup (62g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder
3 1 and 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
4 2 teaspoons baking soda
5 1 teaspoon baking powder
6 1 teaspoon salt
7 2 teaspoons espresso powder (optional)*
8 1/2 cup (120ml) canola or vegetable oil
9 2 large eggs, at room temperature
10 3/4 cup (180g) full fat sour cream, at room temperature
11 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk, at room temperature*
12 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
13 1/2 cup (120ml) hot water or coffee*
14 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter
15 1 cup (200g) packed light or dark brown sugar
16 3 large egg yolks
17 1 can (12 ounces; 354ml) evaporated milk
18 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
19 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
20 1 cup (125g) chopped pecans
21 use this chocolate buttercream for a naked-style cake
22 use this chocolate buttercream for frosting the top and sides
23 optional for garnish: extra toasted pecans and sweetened shredded coconut
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