Baker's German Cake Recipe: Delicious & Easy

Baking a chocolate cake has a special kind of magic. It can take you back to sweet memories. Maybe it’s recalling the moment a freshly baked german chocolate cake’s aroma filled your home.
Its rich chocolate layers, mixed with pecan crunch and coconut smoothness, bring warmth. This cake becomes the heart of any event – birthdays, gatherings, or calm afternoons.
With Baker’s German Cake Recipe, creating this joy at home is simple. This easy recipe lets you whip up a delicious masterpiece. One that’s bound to wow everyone.

Introduction to Baker’s German Cake

Baker’s German Cake, also known as German Chocolate Cake, is a favorite dessert in America. It started with a recipe from Samuel German in 1852. He made a special dark chocolate for Baker’s Chocolate Company. The cake became famous in 1957, thanks to George Clay and The Dallas Morning News.

This cake is an American invention, even with its name. It’s known for its sweet chocolate from German’s. What makes it stand out is the coconut pecan frosting. This sets it apart from other chocolate cakes like Devil’s food cake.

Knowing the history of Baker’s German Cake helps people appreciate it more. It has unique textures and creamy frosting that any dessert lover would enjoy. Learning about how it’s made and its key ingredients will reveal more about this delicious cake.

What Makes Baker’s German Cake Unique?

Baker’s German Cake is more than just a dessert. Its mix of flavors and textures is delightful. A sweet, mild chocolate cake gets an upgrade with luxurious coconut pecan frosting. This combination sets it apart from other chocolate cakes, making it memorable.

Rich chocolate flavor

The secret to its rich flavor is German’s sweet chocolate. It’s sweeter than dark chocolate but not too intense. Perfect for those who like a subtle taste. It’s a joy whether you’re having it after dinner or at a special event. The balanced flavor makes every bite a delight.

Signature coconut and pecan frosting

The coconut pecan frosting is key to its distinctiveness. It combines creamy, chewy, and crunchy textures. The mix of coconut and pecans with chocolate provides a nutty finish. This takes the cake to another level. For those who want to bake it, a recipe is available here.

Essential Ingredients for Baker’s German Cake Recipe

The Baker’s German Cake is known for its rich flavor and moist texture. Each ingredient plays a vital role in making this dessert special. Learning about them can turn your baking into an art form.

Cake ingredients

4 oz Baker’s German’s sweet chocolate
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs (separated into yolks and whites)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk

Frosting ingredients

4 egg yolks
1 (12-oz) can evaporated milk
1½ cups light brown sugar
½ cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2½ cups sweetened flaked coconut
1 cup chopped pecans

The ingredients for this German chocolate cake create a perfect mix of chocolatey goodness and unique textures. Every part is key for that special taste we love in this dessert.

Preparation Steps for the Cake

Making a perfect Baker’s German Cake needs you to focus on key steps. You’ll need to prepare the cake pans, make the batter, and follow good baking tips for German chocolate cake. Stick to these steps and you’ll end up with a delicious layered dessert everyone will adore.

Preparing the cake pans

First, grease and line your three 9″ round cake pans well. It’s important so the cake layers don’t stick and come out easily. Line the bottoms with parchment or wax paper. Then, use butter or spray to grease the sides. This makes sure your cakes slide out without trouble.

Making the batter

Start the batter by mixing dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, and salt. Then, cream butter and sugar in a separate bowl until they’re light and fluffy. Add the eggs one by one, beating after each. Vanilla extract adds flavor. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet slowly, alternating with buttermilk. This makes the batter light and airy.

Baking tips for perfect layers

For golden-brown and moist layers, follow these tips:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before you start.
An oven thermometer can help you bake evenly.
Don’t overfill the pans with batter.
A toothpick should come out clean after 25-30 minutes of baking.
Let the layers cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then move them to wire racks.

Follow these preparation and baking tips for a stunning German chocolate cake. Doing so ensures a tasty result every time.

Creating the Perfect Coconut Pecan Frosting

Learning to make a coconut pecan frosting can really take your Baker’s German Cake to the next level. This special frosting boosts the cake’s chocolatey goodness and adds a smooth texture. Follow these simple tips to make a frosting that’s just right for your cake.

Stovetop preparation

Start making your coconut pecan frosting on the stovetop. First, mix 3 large egg yolks, 12 ounces of evaporated milk, and 1 ¼ cups of light brown sugar in a pan. Cook on low heat while stirring to avoid burning. Let it gently boil and thicken for about 10 minutes.

Then, take it off the heat and add 6 ounces of unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt. Lastly, mix in 6 ounces of chopped pecans and 7 ounces of sweetened flaked coconut. Now, your frosting is ready.

Additions and adjustments for sweetness

If you want to tweak the frosting’s sweetness, there are options. For more sweetness, add extra brown sugar or a different sweetener. To make it less sweet, use less brown sugar to fit your taste. Here’s a tip: You can keep the frosting in the fridge for a day. Just warm it to room temperature before spreading on your cake.

Baker’s German Cake Recipe: Step-by-Step

Making a Baker’s German cake is an art. Follow this guide for great results. First, mix the ingredients right to get that special taste and texture.

Combining wet and dry ingredients

First, get your ingredients ready. Melt two 4-ounce bars of German’s Sweet Chocolate for 30 seconds to 1 minute in the microwave. Let it cool a bit before you mix it. Mix the dry goods like flour, baking soda, and salt in a big bowl. In another, mix the wet ingredients including the melted chocolate, egg yolks, buttermilk, and vanilla. Then, slowly blend the wet mix into the dry, stirring gently. This ensures a smooth mix without overdoing it.

Important mixing techniques

It’s key to mix things the right way. Beat the egg whites till stiff peaks form to make the cake light and fluffy. Carefully fold these into your batter. This makes sure your cake comes out soft and well-formed, not heavy or too dense.

Layering the cake

Now, get ready to assemble your cake. Spread the batter evenly into three lined 9-inch round cake pans. Bake them at 350°F for 24 to 28 minutes. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 15 minutes, then on wire racks for an hour. Add the coconut-pecan frosting between each layer, aligning them nicely. This makes your cake look as good as it tastes.

Serving Suggestions for Baker’s German Cake

Enjoying your Baker’s German Cake fully involves careful serving suggestions. Matching the rich chocolate and unique coconut pecan frosting with the right drinks and presentation can make a big difference. These tips will make your dessert shine at any event.

Pairing with beverages

Consider these drinks to bring out the best in your German chocolate cake:

Coffee: A strong cup of coffee goes well with the cake’s sweetness and depth.
Tea: Earl Grey or chamomile tea offers a clean balance.
Dessert wines: Sweet dessert wine pairs well with the chocolate and nuts.

Pairing your German chocolate cake with these drinks enhances the taste and creates a lovely blend of flavors.

Presentation tips for special occasions

How you present desserts can really affect their appeal. Here are tips to spotlight your Baker’s German Cake:

Garnish: Add toasted coconut flakes or crushed pecans on the frosting for texture.
Plating: Place slices on nice plates, with fresh fruit for color.
Layering: Stack the cake layers tall and hold them with decorative picks for drama.
Piping icing: Use a piping bag for fancy borders around each slice.

Using these presentation tips ensures your Baker’s German Cake looks as good as it tastes.

Storage Tips for Leftover Cake

Storing leftover Baker’s German Cake correctly is key to keeping it fresh and tasty. Use airtight containers to lock in moisture. This stops the cake from drying out. Slicing the cake and storing pieces separately makes it easy to grab a piece later without spoiling the rest. This approach helps keep every slice as fresh as when it was first made.

Airtight containers

Airtight containers are vital for keeping leftover cake. Before sealing, ensure the cake has fully cooled. Wrapping the cake in plastic wrap before putting it in the container adds another layer of protection. This step is crucial for keeping your cake moist and delicious for longer.

Room temperature vs refrigeration

Deciding whether to keep your cake at room temperature or refrigerated depends on a few things. These include the weather and the type of frosting used. For Baker’s German Cake with coconut pecan frosting, refrigeration is best to avoid spoiling. But if you’ll eat the cake within a few days, room temperature is fine. Just keep an eye on the humidity to prevent texture changes. By sticking to these tips, your cake will remain delicious for days after making it.

FAQ

What is Baker’s German Cake?

Baker’s German Cake, also called German chocolate cake, is a rich dessert. It has layers of chocolate cake with a creamy frosting of coconut and pecans on top and in between. The cake’s special flavor comes from German’s sweet chocolate.

How did Baker’s German Cake originate?

The cake comes from a recipe by Samuel German, who was from Texas, back in 1852. It was named to honor him. This highlights the cake’s rich history and its unique taste that makes it so loved.

What are the essential ingredients for Baker’s German Cake?

For the cake, you need Baker’s German’s sweet chocolate, flour, sugar, eggs, and buttermilk. The frosting needs evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, butter, vanilla, coconut, and pecans. These make the cake and its frosting delicious.

What makes the frosting unique?

What’s special about the frosting is its creamy feel. Plus, the coconut and pecans mix adds a rich taste. This combo goes perfectly with the chocolate layers of the cake.

Sure! First, line your cake pans with parchment paper for easy cake removal. When you mix the batter, fold it gently to keep it fluffy. Bake until each layer is perfectly golden-brown and moist.

What are some serving suggestions for Baker’s German Cake?

Enjoying this cake with coffee, tea, or sweet dessert wines is a great idea. For special events, try garnishing it with extra pecans or melted chocolate for a fancy look.

How should leftover Baker’s German Cake be stored?

Keep the cake in airtight containers to stay fresh. You can store it at room temperature or in the fridge. This way, it stays tasty for days.

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