Slice of White German Chocolate Cake with coconut and pecan frosting on a plate

White German Chocolate Cake

The aroma of freshly baked cake wafting through the kitchen signals to me that something magical is happening. As I take a moment to inhale the sweet, rich scent enveloping my home, I’m transported back to my childhood, standing beside my grandmother in her sun-kissed kitchen. She would whip up her famous White German Chocolate Cake, creating a cozy atmosphere filled with laughter, love, and the enticing sweetness of chocolate. Today, I’ll share with you this delightful recipe that has been passed down through generations and is sure to bring joy to your kitchen too.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Duration: 20 minutes
  • Active Cooking: 30 minutes
  • Total Duration: 50 minutes
  • Portion Size: Serves 10-12
  • Complexity: Simple

Nutritional Recipe

  • Calories per portion: Approximately 330
  • Protein: 4 grams per serving
  • Carbs: 52 grams per serving
  • Fats: 13 grams per serving
  • Fiber: 1 gram per serving
  • Sugars: 32 grams per serving
  • Sodium: 170 mg per serving

Why You’ll Love This White German Chocolate Cake

This White German Chocolate Cake is the epitome of comfort dessert. Its tender crumb is balanced perfectly with the sweetness of shredded coconut and pecans, and the rich, melted German chocolate infuses every slice with decadent flavor. The crown jewel, however, is the fluffy coconut-pecan frosting that gathers on top, adding not just sweetness but a delightful texture, making every bite a celebration on its own. Whether it’s a birthday, an anniversary, or just a Tuesday, this cake elevates any occasion!

The Complete Cooking Journey

Embarking on the journey of creating a cake is like writing a love letter—with each step, you pour a piece of your heart into the cake. From the moment you gather your ingredients to the first slice, you’ll find joy in every moment.

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup German chocolate, melted

Method:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure your cake can slide out easily.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a lovely base for your cake.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Add the eggs, one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each addition, ensuring that your batter stays smooth and cohesive.

Step 4: Incorporate German Chocolate and Vanilla

Stir in the melted German chocolate and the vanilla extract. This will deepen the flavor profile, adding a delicious richness to the cake.

Step 5: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step will help in evenly distributing the leavening agent.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to a dense cake.

Step 7: Fold in Coconut and Pecans

Gently fold in the sweetened shredded coconut and chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly dispersed without losing the airiness created in the batter.

Step 8: Pour into Pans

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans, spreading it out to ensure an even bake.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma will be irresistible!

Step 10: Cool in Pans

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here is key!

Step 11: Frost with Coconut-Pecan Topping

Once cooled, frost generously with coconut-pecan frosting, and get ready to share a slice of joy!

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This cake is perfect on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. A hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk complements each bite, making it a sweet end to any meal.

Storage & Leftovers Guide

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. This cake also freezes beautifully—wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw and enjoy!

Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips

  1. Always use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
  2. Make sure your cake layers are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
  3. If you can, chill your frosting slightly before spreading; it holds its shape better.

Flavor Variations & Adaptations

Feeling adventurous? Substitute the pecans with walnuts for a different nutty flavor, or try using dark chocolate for an even richer chocolate essence. For a fruity twist, add some crushed pineapple to the coconut-pecan frosting!

Reader Questions & Solutions

  • How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the pan? Make sure to grease and flour your pans thoroughly. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for extra security.
  • Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely! You can bake the layers a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator.
  • What can I use if I don’t have German chocolate? Semi-sweet chocolate mixed with a bit of sugar can work in a pinch, but the unique taste of German chocolate is worth sourcing if possible!
  • How can I make this cake gluten-free? Substitute your all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure it has a suitable binding agent.
  • Why is my cake dense? This could result from overmixing the batter or using cold ingredients. Ensure everything is at room temperature and mix until just incorporated.

Wrapping Up

So there you have it—a heartfelt recipe for a White German Chocolate Cake that will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also warm your heart. Each slice is a reminder of cherished memories and the joy of sharing homemade goodness with loved ones. Roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s create something delicious together! Happy baking!

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White German Chocolate Cake

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A delightful White German Chocolate Cake with a tender crumb, rich German chocolate, and a fluffy coconut-pecan frosting, perfect for any occasion.

  • Author: contai-editor
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: German
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup German chocolate, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch cake pans.
  2. Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. Stir in the melted German chocolate and vanilla extract.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  6. Gradually combine the dry and wet mixtures, alternating with milk.
  7. Fold in sweetened coconut and chopped pecans.
  8. Pour batter into prepared cake pans.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
  10. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Frost with coconut-pecan frosting and serve.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature ingredients and ensure the cake layers are completely cool before frosting.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 330
  • Sugar: 32g
  • Sodium: 170mg
  • Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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