Easy German Chocolate Sheet Cake Recipe

Ever wondered how to make a German chocolate cake easy to make? Our easy German chocolate sheet cake recipe makes it simple. It combines the best parts of homemade German chocolate cake with the ease of a sheet cake.

This easy chocolate sheet cake recipe gives you a moist, rich cake. It has a sweet coconut pecan topping that everyone will love. It’s perfect for any event, from big celebrations to family dinners. Plus, even if you’re new to baking, you can make this German chocolate cake from scratch with our easy guides.

Ingredients Needed for Your German Chocolate Sheet Cake

The secret to a great german chocolate cake is in the ingredients. The right mix gives you a perfect taste and texture. Let’s look at what you need for this traditional recipe.

A square pan filled with delicious german chocolate sheet cake, showcasing a tempting treat perfect for any dessert lover.

For another chocolate lover’s dream, take a look at our Ultimate Chocolate Pound Cake Recipe. Its dense and rich flavor offers a delicious contrast to the layered coconut and pecan topping of this German chocolate cake.

Main Ingredients

For the base of your cake, you’ll need these main ingredients:

  • All-purpose flour: for structure.
  • Granulated sugar: for sweetness.
  • German chocolate baking chocolate: for rich flavor.
  • Cocoa powder: for extra chocolate taste.
  • Baking powder and baking soda for rising.
  • Boiling water: to mix with chocolate.
  • Canola oil: for moisture.
  • Eggs: for binding.
  • Vanilla extract: for flavor.
  • Buttermilk: for flavor and texture.
  • Shortening: for richness.

Coconut Pecan Topping

The coconut pecan topping makes the cake special. Here are the ingredients for this delicious frosting:

  • Evaporated milk:  for creaminess.
  • Light brown sugar: for sweetness.
  • Egg yolks: to thicken.
  • Butter: for richness.
  • Instant ClearJel or cornstarch: for thickening.
  • Vanilla extract: for flavor.
  • Shredded coconut: for texture.
  • Chopped pecans: for crunch.

With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious german chocolate cake. It will be a hit with your family.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make German Chocolate Sheet Cake

Ever wondered how to make German Chocolate Cake in a sheet form? You’re in the right place! This guide will help you make a classic German Chocolate Cake every time. Let’s get started!

A delicious slice of chocolate pecan brownies on a plate, showcasing rich chocolate and crunchy pecans.

Preparing the Cake

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, gather all the ingredients you’ll need0

Start by melting the German chocolate in boiling water. Let it cool to room temperature. In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and eggs. Add the dry ingredients slowly, stirring until smooth.

Pour the batter into a greased 10×15-inch or 13×9-inch baking pan. Bake for 13-15 minutes in the 10×15 pan, or 22-25 minutes in the 13×9 pan. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

Making the Coconut Pecan Topping

No German Chocolate Cake is complete without its iconic coconut pecan topping. Here’s what you’ll need.

In a saucepan over medium heat, mix the evaporated milk, butter, sugar, and salt. Stir constantly until it turns caramel and thickens, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and add vanilla, coconut, and pecans.

Spread the topping over the cooled cake. Let it set for at least 2 hours before serving. Now, you have a delicious, simple German chocolate cake for any occasion!

A slice of German chocolate sheet cake topped with crunchy nuts, showcasing rich chocolate layers and a delightful texture.

Why You’ll Love This German Chocolate Sheet Cake

Imagine a dessert that combines rich chocolate and coconut pecan frosting. Our best German chocolate cake is a single sheet cake perfect for gatherings. It’s 13×18 inches, feeding up to 16 people.

The recipe is simple yet iconic. It makes baking easy without losing flavor. In 20-22 minutes at 400°F, you get a moist, fluffy chocolate base.

This cake is special because it’s easy to make yet tastes like a traditional German chocolate cake. These delicious sheet cake ideas appeal to many, making it perfect for any event.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will German chocolate cake last?

Your German chocolate coconut cake can last several days if stored right. Here are some german cake storage tips:
- At room temperature: 2-3 days, covered to prevent drying out.
- Refrigerated: Up to 4 days, stored in an airtight container to maintain moisture.
- Cake layers can be frozen for up to 3 months, and the frosting can also be frozen for 3 months.

How many layers does a sheet cake have?

Sheet cakes are known for their simplicity. They are usually single-layered. This makes them quicker and easier to make than multi-layered cakes. They're perfect for casual gatherings and ensure everyone gets a fair share of that delicious German chocolate coconut cake topping.

What is special about German chocolate cake?

Many think German chocolate cake is from Germany. But it's actually named after Samuel German, an American who created a special chocolate for Baker’s Chocolate Company. The cake is famous for its rich, moist chocolate and a unique coconut-pecan frosting. This mix gives it a distinct and unforgettable taste.

What does German cake taste like?

German chocolate cake sheet cake has a rich flavor. It combines deep chocolate with a creamy, nutty coconut-pecan frosting. This mix creates a balanced taste—rich chocolate, sweet coconut, and crunchy pecans. It's a dessert you won't forget.

Conclusion

The easy German chocolate cake recipe is a mix of old flavors and new baking ways. It’s a cake that brings warmth and family together. Its sweet chocolate, creamy coconut pecan topping, and fluffy layers make every event special.

We’ve covered all the steps, from getting the ingredients to making the coconut pecan filling. This filling uses 1 cup of evaporated milk and 1 ⅓ cups of flaked coconut. Our guide makes it easy to get perfect results every time.

Hosting a party? Pair your German chocolate sheet cake with our Decadent Butterfinger Cake Recipe. The candy-inspired layers are sure to wow your guests and complement the classic flavors of your sheet cake.

Print
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Delicious german chocolate sheet cake on a plate, showcasing layers of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter frosting.

German Chocolate Sheet Cake Recipe


  • Author: Chef Daniel
  • Total Time: 50 minutes + 2h Chill time

Description

This German Chocolate Sheet Cake combines a rich, moist chocolate base with a decadent coconut-pecan topping. Simple to make and perfect for gatherings, it’s a delightful twist on a classic dessert.


Ingredients

Scale

  • For the Cake Base:
    • 2 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
    • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
    • 4 ounces German chocolate baking chocolate, melted
    • ¼ cup (21g) cocoa powder
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 cup boiling water
    • 1 cup canola oil
    • 4 large eggs
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • ½ cup buttermilk
    • ½ cup shortening
  • For the Coconut Pecan Topping:
    • 1 cup (8 ounces) evaporated milk
    • 1 cup (213g) light brown sugar
    • 3 large egg yolks
    • 5 tablespoons (71g) butter
    • 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons cornstarch (or Instant ClearJel)
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1⅓ cups (128g) shredded coconut
    • 1½ cups (170g) chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cake:
    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10×15-inch or 13×9-inch baking pan.
    • Melt German chocolate in boiling water and let cool. In a separate bowl, mix buttermilk, oil, and eggs. Combine all dry ingredients, then slowly stir into the wet mixture until smooth.
    • Pour batter into the pan and bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
  2. Make the Coconut Pecan Topping:
    • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine evaporated milk, brown sugar, egg yolks, and butter. Stir constantly until thickened (10–15 minutes).
    • Remove from heat and mix in vanilla, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans.
  3. Assemble the Cake:
    • Spread the topping evenly over the cooled cake. Let it set for 2 hours before serving.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22-25 minutes
  • Category: Cakes

Keywords: German Chocolate Sheet Cake

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