Baker's German Chocolate Cake Recipe: A Decadent Delight
Are you ready to bake a cake that's as rich and rewarding as it is legendary? Then get ready to dive into the world of Baker's German Chocolate Cake! This recipe isn't just about following instructions; it's about crafting a culinary masterpiece that will leave your taste buds singing. We'll cover everything from choosing the right ingredients to achieving that perfect, moist crumb. Get ready to impress!
What Makes Baker's German Chocolate Cake So Special?
This isn't your average chocolate cake. The magic lies in the unique combination of ingredients: the moist, subtly sweet cake layers, the rich, intensely chocolatey frosting, and the distinctive toasted coconut topping. It's a symphony of textures and flavors that create an unforgettable dessert experience. The name itself is a bit of a misnomer – it's actually an American creation, named after an American baker, Sam German, who developed the unique chocolate recipe.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe provides all the necessary components to create a truly exceptional Baker's German Chocolate Cake. Gathering these high-quality ingredients is the first step to baking success.
For the Cake Layers:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) freshly brewed hot coffee
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
- ¾ cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup (240ml) evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Coconut Pecan Topping:
- 1 cup (115g) sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup (115g) pecan halves, toasted
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:
This detailed guide will walk you through each stage of the baking process, ensuring a flawless result every time.
Preparing the Cake:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9x13 inch baking pans.
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix!
- Coffee Infusion: Stir in the hot coffee.
- Bake: Pour batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before inverting onto wire racks to cool completely.
Making the Frosting:
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, beating until smooth.
- Incorporate Milk & Vanilla: Gradually add evaporated milk and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy.
Assembling the Cake:
- Frost & Top: Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with half of the frosting. Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
- Coconut Pecan Sprinkle: Sprinkle the toasted coconut and pecans over the top of the frosted cake.
Tips for Baker's German Chocolate Cake Success:
- Use quality ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your cake will taste.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Let the cakes cool completely before frosting: This will prevent the frosting from melting.
- Toast the pecans for enhanced flavor: Toasting the pecans brings out their nutty flavor.
FAQs about Baker's German Chocolate Cake:
- Can I use another type of nut? While pecans are traditional, you can substitute with walnuts or macadamia nuts.
- How can I store leftover cake? Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
This detailed guide empowers you to confidently bake a stunning and delicious Baker's German Chocolate Cake. Remember, baking is a journey, and each cake you bake will be a testament to your skill and passion. Happy baking!
