Here’s a recipe for a German Chocolate Sheet Cake—a rich, decadent, and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. This cake is filled with layers of chocolatey goodness, topped with a coconut-pecan frosting that takes it to the next level!
Title: German Chocolate Sheet Cake:
A Decadent, Easy-to-Make Dessert
Introduction: If you love rich chocolate cake topped with a sweet and gooey coconut-pecan frosting, this German Chocolate Sheet Cake is the dessert for you! A perfect twist on the classic German chocolate cake, this version is baked in a sheet pan, making it easy to serve a crowd. The cake itself is moist and flavorful, while the frosting is a heavenly blend of coconut, pecans, and sweet caramel flavor. It’s a guaranteed hit at any gathering!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to Make: This sheet cake is much easier to make than the traditional layered version, and you get all the rich flavor without all the fuss.
- Perfect for a Crowd: Baking it in a sheet pan makes it perfect for parties, family gatherings, or any occasion where you need to serve a lot of people.
- Deliciously Rich: The chocolate cake is perfectly moist and the coconut-pecan frosting adds a perfect touch of sweetness and texture.
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- For the Frosting:
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3 large egg yolks, beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups shredded coconut
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch sheet pan or baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.
- In a separate saucepan, combine the water and butter. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the butter melts completely.
- Pour the hot butter mixture into the dry ingredients, then add the buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, and vinegar. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and spread it out evenly.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes before adding the frosting.
Step 4: Make the Frosting
- In a medium saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, sugar, butter, and egg yolks over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the frosting has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans.
- Let the frosting cool for a few minutes before spreading it over the cooled cake.
Step 5: Frost the Cake
- Once the cake has cooled, evenly spread the coconut-pecan frosting over the top, ensuring the cake is completely covered with the sweet mixture.
- Allow the frosting to set before cutting the cake into squares or rectangles.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Slice the cake and serve. Enjoy the rich, chocolatey cake paired with the sweet, nutty frosting!
Tips & Variations:
- Make It in Advance: This cake can be made a day or two ahead of time. The flavors will meld together, and it will still taste amazing when served.
- Add More Toppings: For an even more decadent touch, add a drizzle of chocolate ganache over the frosting or top with additional pecans.
- Gluten-Free Version: To make this recipe gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Conclusion: This German Chocolate Sheet Cake is the perfect dessert for chocolate lovers and coconut fans alike! Easy to make in a sheet pan, it’s perfect for serving a crowd and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. With its moist chocolate cake and irresistible coconut-pecan frosting, this cake will quickly become one of your go-to dessert recipes!