German Chocolate Sheet Cake

Here’s a delicious and relatively simple recipe for a German Chocolate Sheet Cake. This recipe includes the traditional coconut-pecan frosting that is a hallmark of German chocolate cakes.

German Chocolate Sheet Cake

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup water
• 4 oz German sweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:

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

Instructions

Make the Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter and water. Stir until the butter is melted.
4. Remove from heat and add the chopped German sweet chocolate, stirring until melted and smooth. Let cool slightly.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add the chocolate mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until just combined.
7. Stir in the buttermilk mixture until well blended.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Make the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is thickened and golden brown (about 12 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans.
4. Allow the frosting to cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally. It will continue to thicken as it cools.

Assemble the Cake:

1. Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the coconut-pecan frosting evenly over the top.
2. Let the frosting set slightly before serving.

Enjoy your homemade German Chocolate Sheet Cake!