Homemade German Chocolate Cake with Coconut Pecan Filling

Happy Baking, foodie friends!

Have you ever made a recipe that turned out so good it immediately earned a permanent spot in your recipe collection? That is exactly what happened when I made this Homemade German Chocolate Cake for the first time!

Last year, my aunt came to me with an order for my uncle’s birthday cake. She wanted a German chocolate cake, and I decided to accept the challenge! I had made plenty of cakes before, but this was my first time making a German chocolate cake, and I was excited to see how it would turn out.

I already had a chocolate cake recipe that I absolutely love. In fact, it is the only chocolate cake recipe you need! So, instead of starting from scratch with an entirely new cake recipe, I decided to use my tried-and-true chocolate cake and add a homemade German chocolate coconut pecan filling.

Y’all, it was a winner! This cake was so delicious that it immediately earned a spot on my cake menu and in my recipe rolodex.

I also remembered that one of my aunts had given me a German chocolate cake recipe years ago. I had never gotten around to trying it, but when I compared the filling recipes, I noticed something interesting. Her recipe called for one cup of granulated sugar, while the recipe I found online used a combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar.

I love discovering how recipes can be adapted and made your own, especially when you already have a favorite recipe that works beautifully.

If you love rich chocolate cake, sweet coconut, crunchy pecans, and creamy chocolate frosting, this Homemade German Chocolate Cake is one you will want to save!

What Is German Chocolate Cake?

German chocolate cake is a layered chocolate cake traditionally paired with a sweet coconut pecan filling. The filling is made with ingredients such as butter, sugar, evaporated milk, egg yolks, shredded coconut, and pecans.

Despite its name, German chocolate cake did not originate in Germany. Its name comes from Samuel German, who developed a type of sweet baking chocolate for the Baker’s Chocolate Company in the 1800s. A chocolate cake recipe featuring German’s chocolate later became popular in the United States.

My version puts a KMarie Kitchen spin on this classic dessert. Instead of using German’s sweet baking chocolate, I use my favorite Hershey’s cocoa chocolate cake recipe, pair it with a homemade coconut pecan filling, and finish it with chocolate cream cheese frosting.

The result is a delicious combination of rich chocolate, sweet coconut, crunchy pecans, and creamy frosting.

Why You’ll Love This German Chocolate Cake Recipe

• Rich chocolate flavor: The chocolate cake is made with Hershey’s cocoa powder for a delicious chocolate taste.
• Homemade coconut pecan filling: The sweet, nutty filling gives German chocolate cake its signature flavor.
• Chocolate cream cheese frosting: Cream cheese adds a smooth, creamy finish that complements the cake.
• Perfect for celebrations: Make this cake for birthdays, holidays, Sunday dinner, family gatherings, and special occasions.
• A recipe worth keeping: This cake earned a permanent place on my cake menu after the very first time I made it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chocolate Cake

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup Hershey’s cocoa powder
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

Ingredient tips

• Hershey’s cocoa powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder to give the cake its rich chocolate flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Measure carefully to help prevent a dry or dense cake.
• Vegetable oil: Helps keep the cake moist.
• Boiling water: This helps bring out the cocoa flavor. Don’t be surprised when the cake batter is thin!
• Eggs and milk: Room-temperature ingredients can help the batter mix more evenly.

German Chocolate Coconut Pecan Filling

• 1 stick (½ cup) butter
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup evaporated milk
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Ingredient tips

• Brown sugar and granulated sugar: Using both gives the filling a combination of sweetness and brown sugar flavor.
• Evaporated milk: Creates the creamy base for the filling. This is different from sweetened condensed milk, so don’t substitute one for the other without adjusting the recipe.
• Egg yolks: Help thicken the filling as it cooks.
• Sweetened shredded coconut: Provides the signature coconut flavor and texture.
• Chopped pecans: Add a delicious nutty crunch.

Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

• ½ cup butter (1 stick), softened
• ⅔ cup Hershey’s cocoa powder
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• ⅓ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

This is th

e same chocolate cream cheese frosting I love using on chocolate cakes. It is rich, creamy, and a delicious complement to the coconut pecan filling.

If you love homemade frosting, be sure to check out my Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting recipe for the full recipe and more tips.

How to Make German Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together until evenly combined.

Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat with a mixer until the ingredients are well incorporated.

Carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, and that is normal for this chocolate cake recipe.

Step 2: Bake the Chocolate Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.

Bake for approximately 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Baking times can vary depending on your oven and cake pans, so begin checking near the end of the suggested baking time.

Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack. Let the cake layers cool completely before assembling.

KMarie Kitchen tip: If you’re looking for another chocolate dessert to add to your recipe collection, try my Perfect Hershey’s Chocolate Cake. It is the chocolate cake recipe that inspired this delicious variation!

Step 3: Make the Coconut Pecan Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, evaporated milk, and egg yolks. Whisk until combined.

Cook over medium-low to medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This can take several minutes, depending on your heat level and saucepan.

Avoid rushing the process with excessive heat because the egg yolks can scramble.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans.

Transfer the filling to a bowl and allow it to cool until thick enough to spread. It will continue to thicken as it cools.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.

Add the cocoa powder and mix until combined.

Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to prevent the powdered sugar from scattering.

Add the milk and vanilla extract, then beat until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.

If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk, a small amount at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

For the smoothest frosting, make sure the butter and cream cheese are softened before mixing.

Step 5: Assemble the German Chocolate Cake

Once the cake layers have cooled completely, place one layer on your cake plate or serving stand.

Spread a generous layer of coconut pecan filling over the top, leaving a small border around the edge if needed to prevent the filling from spilling over.

Place the second cake layer on top.

Spread the chocolate cream cheese frosting over the sides and top of the cake. You can leave the coconut pecan filling visible on top for a classic German chocolate cake look or add some of the filling to the top as well.

If desired, finish with extra chopped pecans or shredded coconut.

Refrigerate the finished cake until you’re ready to serve.

Tips for the Best German Chocolate Cake

Let the cake layers cool completely. Warm cake can melt the frosting and cause the filling to slide. Give the layers enough time to cool before assembling.

Stir the coconut pecan filling constantly. This helps the mixture cook evenly and prevents the egg yolks from scrambling on the bottom of the saucepan.

Allow the filling to thicken. The filling should be spreadable, not runny. Let it cool before adding it between the cake layers.

Use softened butter and cream cheese. This makes it easier to create smooth, creamy chocolate frosting without lumps.

Don’t overfill the cake. A generous layer of filling is delicious, but too much can cause the cake layers to slide apart.

Make the cake ahead. You can bake the cake layers ahead of time and wrap them tightly once completely cool. Assemble the cake when you’re ready, or refrigerate the finished cake for later.

What Makes My German Chocolate Cake Different?

Traditional German chocolate cake is commonly made with a chocolate cake featuring German’s sweet baking chocolate and a coconut pecan filling. My version takes a slightly different approach.

I start with my favorite Hershey’s cocoa chocolate cake recipe, which I already know and love. Then I add the coconut pecan filling and finish the cake with homemade chocolate cream cheese frosting.

I love having a dependable chocolate cake recipe that I can use in different ways. Once you have a great base recipe, you can create something new just by changing the filling, frosting, or toppings.

This is exactly why I added this German chocolate cake to my menu. It is a great reminder that you don’t always have to reinvent the wheel to create something delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is German chocolate cake actually German?

No. German chocolate cake is an American dessert named after Samuel German, who developed a type of sweet baking chocolate. The cake itself is not a traditional German cake.

What is the filling in German chocolate cake made of?

The classic coconut pecan filling is made with butter, sugar, evaporated milk, egg yolks, shredded coconut, and pecans. These ingredients are cooked together until the mixture thickens.

Can I use a regular chocolate cake recipe for German chocolate cake?

Absolutely! A rich chocolate cake can be paired with coconut pecan filling to create your own version of German chocolate cake. That is exactly what I do with this recipe using my favorite Hershey’s cocoa cake.

Can I make German chocolate cake without pecans?

Yes. You can omit the pecans if you prefer not to use nuts. The filling will have a different texture, but you will still have the coconut flavor. If you’re avoiding nuts because of an allergy, check ingredient labels and prevent cross-contact.

Can I make German chocolate cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day ahead and store them tightly wrapped once completely cool. The coconut pecan filling and frosting can also be prepared ahead and refrigerated. Bring the filling and frosting to a spreadable consistency before assembling.

Does German chocolate cake need to be refrigerated?

Yes, this version of German chocolate cake should be refrigerated because it contains chocolate cream cheese frosting and a coconut pecan filling made with egg yolks.

Once assembled, store the cake in an airtight container or covered cake carrier in the refrigerator.

For the best flavor and texture, let individual slices sit at room temperature briefly before serving. Do not leave the cake at room temperature for more than two hours. If you’re serving it outdoors or in warm weather, keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve.

How should I store German chocolate cake?

Store leftover German chocolate cake in an airtight container or covered cake carrier in the refrigerator. Because this recipe contains cream cheese frosting and an egg-yolk-based filling, refrigeration is important for food safety.

For more homemade cake storage tips, check out my guide on How to Store Pound Cake.

Can I freeze German chocolate cake?

Yes. You can freeze the cake layers separately, wrapped tightly to protect them from freezer burn. You can also freeze portions of the assembled cake, although the texture of the cream cheese frosting and coconut pecan filling may change slightly after thawing.

Thaw frozen cake in the refrigerator before serving.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this Homemade German Chocolate Cake, I have more delicious desserts for you to try! Whether you’re a chocolate lover or enjoy baking homemade cakes for family and friends, these recipes are perfect for adding something sweet to your table.

Perfect Hershey’s Chocolate Cake

Looking for another rich and delicious chocolate dessert? My Perfect Hershey’s Chocolate Cake is the chocolate cake recipe I use as the base for this German chocolate cake. It’s a great recipe to keep on hand whenever a chocolate craving strikes!

Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re a fan of rich chocolate frosting, you’ll want to save my Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting. It’s smooth, creamy, and delicious on chocolate cakes, German chocolate cakes, and even fresh strawberries.

How to Store Pound Cake

Want to keep your homemade cakes fresh for as long as possible? My How to Store Pound Cake guide shares helpful storage tips for keeping your baked goods delicious.

Be sure to explore more recipes here at KMarie Kitchen for sweet treats, family favorites, and delicious ways to create memories through meals!

Sweet Endings

This Homemade German Chocolate Cake will always remind me of accepting a new baking challenge for my uncle’s birthday and discovering another recipe worth sharing with my foodie friends.

What started as a special cake order became a permanent addition to my menu and recipe collection. That is one of my favorite things about cooking and baking: sometimes the recipes you try for someone else become the recipes you return to again and again.

If you love chocolate cake as much as I do, give this recipe a try! The rich chocolate layers, sweet coconut pecan filling, and creamy chocolate cream cheese frosting make a wonderful combination for birthdays, holidays, and family celebrations.

If you make this recipe, leave a comment and let me know how it turned out. I’d love to hear what you think!

Happy Baking!

KMarie Kitchen ~ Helping you create memories through meal!!