Baker's German Chocolate Cake Recipe: A Decadent Delight

The rich, dark chocolate frosting, the moist coconut-pecan layer – Baker's German Chocolate Cake is a classic for a reason. This isn't your average chocolate cake; it's a symphony of textures and flavors that will impress even the most discerning palates. This recipe focuses on achieving that perfect balance, guiding you step-by-step to baking success. Forget the boxed mix; let's craft a truly unforgettable cake from scratch.

Understanding the Magic: Why This Recipe Works

This recipe prioritizes quality ingredients and precise techniques to deliver a superior German Chocolate Cake experience. We'll delve into the nuances of each component, ensuring you understand why this recipe stands out.

The Cake: A Foundation of Moistness

The secret to a moist and tender cake lies in the balance of wet and dry ingredients. We'll use buttermilk for its tangy flavor and moisture-retaining properties. The careful incorporation of flour prevents a dry crumb, while the addition of baking powder ensures a light and airy texture.

The Frosting: Rich, Dark, and Decadent

Forget bland frosting! This recipe utilizes Baker's unsweetened chocolate for an intensely rich and dark chocolate flavor. The addition of evaporated milk contributes to its creamy texture, while powdered sugar provides the perfect sweetness. We'll even show you how to achieve the perfect consistency for easy spreading and beautiful swirls.

Baker's German Chocolate Cake Recipe: Let's Get Baking!

This recipe is broken down into manageable steps, ensuring a smooth baking process, even for novice bakers.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 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 Filling:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (170g) Baker's unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
• 1 cup (240ml) evaporated milk
• 2 cups (250g) powdered sugar
• 1 cup (70g) flaked coconut
• 1 cup (100g) chopped pecans

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Stir in the hot coffee.

3. Bake: Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before inverting onto wire racks to cool completely.

4. Make the Frosting: While cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add sugar, beating until combined. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract. Slowly add melted chocolate and evaporated milk, beating until smooth. Stir in powdered sugar, coconut, and pecans.

5. Assemble the Cake: Once cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of frosting. Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake.

6. Enjoy!: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for Baker's German Chocolate Cake Success:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for optimal mixing and texture.
• Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a significant difference in the taste and texture of your cake.
• Cooling Time: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

This recipe provides a detailed guide to creating a truly exceptional Baker's German Chocolate Cake. With a little patience and attention to detail, you’ll be rewarded with a decadent dessert that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Happy baking!