German Chocolate Sheet Cake: A Delicious and Easy Recipe with Tips and FAQs
German Chocolate Sheet Cake is a rich and decadent dessert that combines a moist chocolate cake base with a luscious coconut-pecan frosting. This sheet cake is perfect for large gatherings, offering all the flavors of a traditional German chocolate cake in a simpler, easier-to-serve format. Below is a detailed recipe along with tips and answers to frequently asked questions to help you achieve the perfect German Chocolate Sheet Cake.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Make the Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter with water over medium heat. Bring it to a boil, then pour it over the dry ingredients. Stir until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add this mixture to the chocolate batter, mixing until fully combined.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 10-12 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Let the frosting cool slightly before spreading it over the cooled cake.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake is cool, spread the coconut-pecan frosting evenly over the top. Let the frosting set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for the Perfect German Chocolate Sheet Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before starting the recipe. This helps them blend more smoothly into the batter.
- Don’t Overbake: To keep the cake moist, check it early to avoid overbaking. Start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark.
- Toast the Pecans: For added depth of flavor, you can toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before adding them to the frosting.
- Cool Before Frosting: Make sure the cake is completely cool before adding the frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and becoming too runny.
- Chill for Clean Slices: For cleaner slices, refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes after frosting to let the icing set.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can make the cake a day in advance. Once cooled and frosted, cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. Bring the cake to room temperature before serving.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If refrigerated, let it come to room temperature before serving.
3. Can I freeze German Chocolate Sheet Cake?
Yes, you can freeze this cake. Freeze the unfrosted cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then frost before serving.
4. What if I don’t have buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
5. Can I add chocolate chips to the cake?
For extra chocolatey goodness, you can fold 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the batter before baking. This adds little pockets of melted chocolate throughout the cake.
German Chocolate Sheet Cake is a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s easy to make and full of flavor. With its rich chocolate base and signature coconut-pecan frosting, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.