This German Chocolate Cake is made with rich, chocolate cake layers, coconut pecan frosting and chocolate ganache for an impressive chocolate cake that will wow your chocolate lovers!
We’re smack dab in the middle of January and I’m here with a luscious German Chocolate Cake recipe
But sometimes I struggle with getting back to routine after the holidays, and cake always helps. Especially if it’s chocolate!
I’m sharing tons of tips and tricks to make this your best German Chocolate Cake yet, including tips to make ahead and freeze, so be sure to skim through the post below to ensure success!
It’s actually best if you do not refrigerate because the frosting can get too cold making it difficult to spread. If it is too hard to spread, let it sit at room temperature for about an hour to let it soften up.
How to store German Chocolate Cake:
German chocolate cake can be left at room temperature for several hours until you serve it, but any leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator for the best results.
What’s in a German Chocolate Cake?
This German Chocolate Cake is made up of three different components, but sometimes only the first two are used. I like to add the chocolate ganache because it adds a bit more chocolate flavor and the drizzle is fun!
- Three layers of chocolate cake
- Cooked coconut pecan custard frosting — the trademark of the German Chocolate Cake, and not as hard to make as you might think!
- Chocolate ganache — just for a little extra chocolate! I like to pour it over the top cake layer before adding the rest of the frosting, because it makes fun drips and really makes it extra special.
German Chocolate Cake Frosting Recipe & Tutorial
FAQ
Does chocolate cake frosting need to be refrigerated?
Is it OK to leave German Chocolate Cake out overnight?
Does German chocolate frosting thicken as it cools?
Does coconut pecan frosting go bad?
Does German chocolate cake need to be refrigerated?
The simple answer is no; German Chocolate Cake does not need to be refrigerated (unlike another beloved dessert, carrot cake ). However, proper storage is key to extending longevity and ensuring it does not dry out and become a crumbly, repulsive mess. With proper storage, German Chocolate Cake can sit at room temperature for up to five days.
Can you make German chocolate cake frosting at home?
While it is easy enough to pick up a premade container of frosting from the store, using this homemade German chocolate cake frosting recipe to make your own at home is approximately 1 million times better! The flavors are more complex and pronounced, and the store-bought version just can’t compare!
What can I do with German chocolate frosting?
Once the German Chocolate Frosting has cooled, you can use it to finish off chocolate cupcakes, in between stacked chocolate cake layers, or as a top dressing for a chocolate sheet cake. German Chocolate Frosting is all things buttery and sweet, with the perfect amount of pecans and coconut to round out the flavor and texture!
How long can German chocolate cake sit at room temperature?
However, proper storage is key to extending longevity and ensuring it does not dry out and become a crumbly, repulsive mess. With proper storage, German Chocolate Cake can sit at room temperature for up to five days. There is noticeable deterioration beyond the five-day mark.