What is the difference between chocolate cake and German chocolate cake?

While both are undeniably delicious, the key difference lies in the ingredients and frosting . A traditional chocolate cake often uses cocoa powder and is topped with buttercream or ganache. A German chocolate cake recipe , on the other hand, uses German’s sweet baking chocolate , which is milder and sweeter, and it’s famous for its coconut-pecan frosting that’s rich, gooey, and layered between each cake tier.

What are the ingredients in German chocolate cake?

The core ingredients include: German’s Sweet Chocolate Buttermilk Butter Eggs Sugar (white and brown) Flour Coconut and Pecans (for the signature frosting) Evaporated milk and vanilla Together, they form the iconic German chocolate cake recipe with its sweet, nutty, and ultra-moist layers.

What is a misconception about German chocolate cake?

Many people think it’s a traditional dessert from Germany—but that’s false . The cake is 100% American. The name comes from Samuel German , the chocolatier who invented the sweet chocolate used in the recipe. So, it’s not about German heritage—it’s about the chocolate that made this dessert famous.

What is the secret to super moist cake?

Moisture comes from a few essentials: Buttermilk or sour cream Proper egg ratio Oil + melted butter combo Not overmixing or overbaking Following a tested German chocolate cake recipe and not skipping ingredient temperatures (like room-temp eggs) makes a big difference.

What cake mix is most like German chocolate?

The top boxed mixes that closely match the flavor and texture of a homemade German chocolate cake include: Betty Crocker German Chocolate Cake Mix Duncan Hines Signature German Chocolate Mix Pillsbury Moist Supreme German Chocolate Enhance them with homemade coconut-pecan frosting and a splash of buttermilk in the batter.

What can you substitute for German chocolate in a German chocolate cake?

No German’s Sweet Chocolate on hand? No problem. Use: Semi-sweet chocolate + 1 tsp sugar per oz Milk chocolate (slightly reduced sugar) Bittersweet chocolate with added sweetener Cocoa powder with butter and sugar hack These options still yield a delicious German chocolate cake recipe —rich, moist, and layered with flavor.

German Chocolate Cake Recipe – The Best Ever Guide (2025)

Name: German Chocolate Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 oz German’s Sweet Chocolate (melted); 1/2 cup water; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup buttermilk (room temp); 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs, separated; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup evaporated milk; 1 cup granulated sugar; 3 egg yolks; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut; 1 cup chopped pecans

Description

This German chocolate cake recipe is a rich, moist classic layered with sweet coconut-pecan frosting. Made with authentic German’s Sweet Chocolate, this dessert delivers big on flavor and nostalgia—perfect for any celebration or weekend indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Layers:

4 oz German’s Sweet Chocolate (melted)
1/2 cup water
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk (room temp)
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, separated
1 tsp vanilla extract

Coconut Pecan Frosting:

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

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line three 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
Melt chocolate with water in a saucepan over low heat, then cool slightly.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg yolks one at a time, then stir in chocolate and vanilla.
Combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Add alternately with buttermilk, mixing until just blended.
Beat egg whites to stiff peaks and fold gently into batter.
Divide into pans and bake 25–30 minutes. Cool 10 minutes in pans, then remove to racks to cool completely.
For frosting: Cook evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, butter, and vanilla over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick (10–12 minutes).
Stir in coconut and pecans. Cool to room temperature.
Assemble cake: spread frosting between layers and on top. Traditionally, the sides are not frosted.

Notes

For a lighter cake texture, fold in egg whites carefully—don’t overmix.
Let frosting cool fully for perfect spreadability.
Substitute German’s Sweet Chocolate with semi-sweet chocolate + sugar if needed.
This cake stores well at room temp (2 days), fridge (5 days), or freezer (2–3 months).

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: 12 servings