German Chocolate Sheet Cake

This German Chocolate Sheet Cake is a classic dessert that combines a moist chocolate cake with a rich, coconut-pecan frosting. It’s perfect for any occasion and sure to impress!

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup butter (1 stick)
  • ½ cup shortening
  • 4 oz German baking chocolate
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

For the Frosting:

  • 12 oz can evaporated milk
  • 3 egg yolks
  • ¾ cup butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 ½ cups shredded coconut
  • 1 ½ cups pecans, roughly chopped
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a sheet pan.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and cocoa powder.
  3. Make the Chocolate Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine the water, butter, shortening, and German baking chocolate. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until smooth and fully combined.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the chocolate mixture to the dry ingredients and whisk until well combined.
  5. Add Remaining Ingredients: Stirring between each addition, first add the buttermilk, then the baking soda, salt, eggs, and vanilla.
  6. Bake the Cake: Transfer the batter to the prepared sheet pan and bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

For the Frosting:

  1. Prepare the Frosting Base: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, egg yolks, butter, and both sugars. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then lower the heat to a simmer. Stir frequently and continue cooking for 10-12 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened.
  2. Add Mix-Ins: Remove the frosting mixture from the heat and stir in the shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract.
  3. Cool and Frost: Allow the frosting to cool slightly before spreading it over the cooled cake.
  4. Chill and Serve: Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before serving.

Enjoy your homemade German Chocolate Sheet Cake! It’s a perfect blend of rich chocolate and sweet, nutty frosting that’s sure to be a hit.