Best German Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 and 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:

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

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Cooking Steps:

For the Chocolate Cake:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 2: In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Add eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Gradually add boiling water to the batter, stirring continuously. The batter will be thin, but that's okay.

Step 5: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.

Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:

Step 8: In a medium saucepan, whisk together evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter over medium heat.

Step 9: Stir continuously until the mixture thickens, about 12-15 minutes.

Step 10: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans.

Step 11: Let the frosting cool completely before using.

For the Chocolate Ganache:

Step 12: In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream until it just begins to simmer.

Step 13: Pour the hot cream over the semisweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.

Assembly:

Step 14: Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of coconut-pecan frosting over the top.

Step 15: Repeat with the second cake layer and another layer of frosting.

Step 16: Place the third cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining coconut-pecan frosting.

Step 17: Optionally, drizzle chocolate ganache over the top of the cake.

Step 18: Serve the Best German Chocolate Cake and savor the rich combination of flavors.

Delight in the decadence of this Best German Chocolate Cake, a timeless dessert that's perfect for celebrations or simply satisfying your sweet tooth.