We remodeled our wonderful German Chocolate Cake recipe into a neater, one-bowl, one-pan surprise! This wealthy, chocolatey, and moist cake is topped with essentially the most irresistible coconut pecan frosting. It’s easy to make, completely scrumptious, and completely dreamy!
For one more straightforward cake recipe, attempt our Flourless Chocolate Cake for extra chocolatey goodness!
Why Our Recipe
- Moist and fluffy each time with a cake that’s melt-in-your-mouth good.:
- Coconut pecan frosting delivers the basic German chocolate taste.
- One-bowl cake batter retains every thing easy and simple and at all times scrumptious.


German Chocolate Sheet Cake is a kind of desserts that by no means disappoints. It’s candy, nutty, moist, and chocolatey. With its easy steps, this cake is ideal for even newbie bakers! Plus, it’s so good, that you simply seemingly received’t wish to share!
Ingredient Notes


- All-Goal Flour: Stick to common all-purpose flour for one of the best outcomes. We don’t advocate utilizing cake flour because it makes this cake crumbly.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: We advocate Hershey’s cocoa powder because it’s broadly obtainable. You may as well use higher-quality choices like Ghirardelli or these from specialty chocolatiers, although they could be costlier.
- Baking Soda and Powder: You’ll want each. Remember to examine the expiration date to keep away from a flat cake.
- Eggs: Commonplace Grade AA giant eggs will work completely.
- Buttermilk: Don’t skip this! Do-it-yourself buttermilk is a superb substitute.
- Vegetable Oil: Canola oil or olive oil are good alternate options. Stick to a neutral-flavored oil.
- Salted Butter: You may as well use unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt.
- Brown Sugar: Gentle or darkish brown sugar each work nicely.
- Egg Yolks: No must mood—simply add them instantly.
- Evaporated Milk: This isn’t the identical as condensed milk, so make sure to use the right kind.
- Unsweetened Coconut Flakes: Sweetened coconut flakes can be utilized for added sweetness if most popular.
- Chopped Pecans: You could possibly additionally use chopped walnuts, however pecans are the normal alternative.
German’s Candy Chocolate
This cake will get its title from a product from the Baker’s Chocolate Firm. It was developed by a person named Samuel German. German’s Candy Chocolate Bar is a darkish chocolate bar with extra sugar in it than common semi-sweet. We don’t use this explicit product on this recipe as a result of we really feel like we will get a greater taste with out it, however the title nonetheless stands.
Milk vs Buttermilk
We extremely advocate utilizing buttermilk for one of the best taste and texture. For those who don’t have any readily available, making a substitute is easy! Simply add 1 teaspoon of white vinegar to 1 cup of milk, let it sit for five minutes, and voilà —do-it-yourself buttermilk!


The Proper Pan
Choosing the proper pan is vital to making sure your cake seems completely. For our German Chocolate Sheet Cake, we used a jelly roll pan or baker’s half sheet, which measures 13×18 inches with a rimmed edge. Utilizing a smaller or deeper pan can alter the cake-to-frosting ratio, affecting each the style and texture.
Getting ready the Pan
Put together the pan by frivolously greasing it with butter or nonstick cooking spray, then line the underside with parchment paper, guaranteeing no overhang. Precut parchment paper sheets are particularly handy for this step. Whereas parchment paper isn’t required, it helps make sure the cake doesn’t stick and makes serving simpler too.


Frosting Suggestions
Take your time when making the coconut pecan frosting—dashing it may possibly result in scorched sugar or a grainy texture, and no one desires that! Cook dinner it over medium warmth, stirring continuously, and let endurance do its factor.
You’ll comprehend it’s prepared when the frosting thickens sufficient to coat the again of a spoon. A fast finger swipe via the coating ought to depart a clear line.
As soon as it’s prepared, let the frosting cool fully earlier than spreading it in your cake. Belief me, this little step makes all of the distinction—it units completely and is a lot simpler to work with!
Storage Directions
Retailer leftovers in an hermetic container at room temperature for as much as 5 days.
Freeze particular person slices separated on a baking sheet. As soon as frozen stable, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and retailer in an hermetic container for as much as 3 months. Let thaw at room temperature.