Homemade German Chocolate Cake – Rich, Moist, and Irresistibly Classic

If you’re looking for the ultimate German chocolate cake recipe, you’ve just found it. This homemade German chocolate cake is luxuriously moist, deeply chocolatey, and layered with the iconic coconut pecan frosting that makes this dessert so legendary. Finished with a silky chocolate buttercream, this cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, celebrations, or anytime you want a show-stopping dessert.

Every bite delivers a perfect balance of rich cocoa flavor, buttery sweetness, and nutty coconut-pecan goodness. It’s made completely from scratch, easy to follow, and guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This German Chocolate Cake

✔ Incredibly moist and tender crumb
✔ Authentic coconut pecan frosting
✔ Rich homemade chocolate buttercream
✔ Perfect for holidays, birthdays, and celebrations
✔ Made entirely from scratch

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake

2 cups granulated sugar
1¾ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1½ teaspoons baking powder
1½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
½ cup vegetable or canola oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Coconut Pecan Frosting

½ cup light brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup butter
3 egg yolks
¾ cup evaporated milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

For the Chocolate Buttercream

½ cup butter
⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 cups powdered sugar
⅓ cup evaporated milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Homemade German Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease two 8- or 9-inch round pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Add to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.

Step 4: Add Boiling Water

Slowly stir in boiling water. The batter will be thin — this creates the ultra-moist texture.

Step 5: Bake

Pour into pans and bake for 25–35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

Make the Coconut Pecan Frosting

In a saucepan, combine sugars, butter, egg yolks, and evaporated milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, pecans, and coconut. Cool completely.

Make the Chocolate Buttercream

Melt butter, stir in cocoa powder, then alternately add powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Stir in vanilla.

Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
Spread a thin layer of chocolate frosting.
Add half the coconut pecan frosting.
Top with second cake layer.
Frost sides with chocolate buttercream.
Spoon remaining coconut frosting on top.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Use room-temperature ingredients for best texture.
Do not overbake — moistness is key.
Cool frosting completely before layering.
Toast pecans lightly for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slightly chilled for clean slices.
Pair with coffee, espresso, or cold milk.
Add chocolate curls or extra coconut for garnish.

Final Thoughts

This homemade German chocolate cake is the perfect balance of indulgence and comfort. With its moist chocolate layers, luscious coconut pecan filling, and smooth buttercream frosting, it’s guaranteed to be the star of any dessert table. Once you make it, this will become your go-to celebration cake for years to come.

Simple ingredients. Incredible flavor. Pure chocolate-coconut bliss.