It has been a while since I’ve posted a really good dessert recipe. I mean sure, the Cookies and Cream Cookies from last month were good, as were the super easy Peanut Butter Cookies. The Homemade Dark Chocolate Ice Cream was tasty too…but it wasn’t CAKE. And this cake, well…this cake was THE BOMB. Before making this, I would have said that I didn’t really like German Chocolate Cake (even though the German Chocolate Cake Bars that I made last Father’s Day were delicious). I think it was the icing that always kinda turned me off, because there was a time when I didn’t like coconut. Those days are long over, b/c now I am definitely Team Coconut.
For my Dad’s birthday, he requested German Chocolate. I went on a search, combined a couple of recipes, and ended up with this fabulous cake. The cake itself starts with a mix. I know, some people turn their nose up at a box mix, but I’ve found a doctored up cake mix can be pretty darn good. Plus, my local grocery store (yes, that’s singular) doesn’t carry German Chocolate. So…cake mix it is.
{Mostly} Homemade German Chocolate Cake
- 1 box German Chocolate Cake Mix
- 1 cup skim milk + 1 T. vinegar (let sit for 5-10 minutes)*
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 3 eggs (I like Eggland’s Best)
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Mix cake mix, milk/vinegar (or buttermilk), oil, eggs and vanilla in a mixing bowl.
- Mix at low speed for about a minute, until all combined. Then beat at medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Pour batter into 2 greased and floured 9 inch baking pans (I use the Baker’s Spray that has the flour/oil mixed together).
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until done. It should be set in the middle and spring back when lightly pressed.
- Cool cakes on wire rack for about 10 minutes before turning out. Allow cakes to finish cooling before icing.
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 3 T. butter
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1-1/2 cups pecans, chopped
- 2 cups coconut, shredded
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips + 1 tsp. coconut oil/butter/shortening (optional, for drizzling)
- pecan halves for decorating (optional)
- Combine sweetened condensed milk, butter and vanilla in a saucepan, and heat over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until it starts to thicken. Stir occasionally.
- Once the milk mixture begins to thicken (it will still look too thin for frosting, but that’s okay, b/c you are going to add all the pecans and coconut to it. I cooked mine a little too long, and it ended up really thick. Delicious, but thick!) add pecans and coconut. Remove from heat and stir until combined.
- Place half the ‘frosting’ on top of your 1st layer of cooled cake. Top with second layer. Spread remaining frosting on top.
- Microwave chocolate and oil for 30 seconds and stir, continue to microwave in 15-30 second intervals until mostly melted, stirring after each one. (it shouldn’t take long). Stir well and put chocolate in a piping bag or plastic baggie with the end snipped off. Drizzle cake as desired, and top with pecan halves if using.
- Store in refrigerator.
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Kim, this looks divine. I don't mind using cake mixes one bit, especially when the frosting is as amazing as yours sounds. I love the little drizzle heart on the plate! 🙂
Love, Joy
Thank you Joy!
I have never had a German Chocolate Cake, but MAN, do I want one now!
It looks so delicious… Great cake! 🙂
I don't have German chocolate anything, often enough! That frosting is perfect and to die for! Seriously, let me just scoop that up! This looks stunning!
You should definitely give it a try!
Thank you!
Thanks Tanya! I *may* have had spoonfuls of the frosting 😉
My dad's favorite too!! I haven't made one in years, it looks fab!
This looks delicious! I love using cake mix as they always turn out perfect 🙂
Kim,
Thank you for sharing this. Yum!!! Your frosting looks scrumptious and the cake is so pretty. Pinned it and shared it on my fb page.
Wanda Ann @ Memories by the Mile
Thanks for sharing.
I looks so delicious
Oh my does this look yummy….and brings back FOND memories too. I grew up in a little Texas town with DEEP German roots. The local bakery was (and still does) famous for their German Chocolate Grooms Cakes….Everyone I knew (including us) had this cake for our Grooms Cake – ours was two horseshoes…..Our anniversary is coming up….I think I will pin your recipe and make it for the special day 😉
stopping by to visit from Fluster’s Creative Muster Wednesday Linky Party
I hope you will stop by for a visit!
Carolyn, that is so awesome! I hope you make it for your anniversary! Thanks for visiting 🙂
Dear Kim, This cake looks fabulous! German Chocolate Cake is my brother's very favorite. And you are so right about dressing up a cake mix…I do that too sometimes. Found you on Foodie Friends.
When you have a chance, please do visit, I'm hosting a fun giveaway! Have a wonderful weekend. Now following, Catherine xo
Looks delicious.. thanks for sharing your dad's cake with us on foodie friday.
Shut up! You made this! Yum and it's so pretty! Your dad was probably one happy dude.
Thanks for sharing at Foodtastic Friday!
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