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German Chocolate Sheet Cake

Carly
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German Chocolate Sheet Cake: A Decadent Classic

German Chocolate Sheet Cake

German Chocolate Cake, with its rich, fudgy cake base and luscious coconut-pecan frosting, is a timeless dessert beloved by many. This sheet cake version offers a convenient and equally delicious twist on the traditional layered cake. Let's dive into the recipe and explore some tips for baking perfection.

Understanding the Name

Before we get started, it's important to note that despite the name, German Chocolate Cake has no German origins. The name actually comes from a type of chocolate called "German sweet chocolate," which was popular in the United States during the 19th century.

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 sweet chocolate
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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 extract

Instructions

Preparing the Cake:

  1. Preheat: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and greasing a 15x10-inch baking sheet.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and cocoa powder.
  3. Melt Wet Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine water, butter, shortening, and German sweet chocolate. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until smooth and combined.
  4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually pour the hot chocolate mixture into the dry ingredients, whisking until well blended.
  5. Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in buttermilk, baking soda, salt, eggs, and vanilla extract one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.

Creating the Frosting:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together evaporated milk, egg yolks, butter, white sugar, and brown sugar.
  2. Cook Frosting: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened.
  3. Add Mix-ins: Remove from heat and stir in coconut, pecans, and vanilla extract.
  4. Frost Cake: Let the frosting cool slightly before spreading evenly over the cooled cake.
  5. Chill: Refrigerate for 1-2 hours to set the frosting before serving.

Tips for Perfect German Chocolate Cake

  • Use high-quality ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for good-quality chocolate and fresh ingredients.
  • Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, so mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Cool completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
  • Toast the coconut and pecans: To enhance the flavor of the frosting, consider toasting the coconut and pecans lightly before adding them.
  • Store properly: Cover and store leftover cake in the refrigerator.

German Chocolate Sheet Cake is a decadent and convenient twist on the traditional layered cake. This classic dessert features a rich, fudgy chocolate cake topped with a creamy coconut-pecan frosting. Despite its name, the cake has no German origins; the term "German chocolate" refers to a type of chocolate popular in the 19th century.

To create this delightful treat, start by combining dry ingredients such as flour, sugar, and cocoa powder. Then, melt butter, shortening, and German sweet chocolate together and gradually incorporate them into the dry mixture. Finally, add buttermilk, baking soda, salt, eggs, and vanilla extract to form the cake batter. Bake the batter in a prepared baking sheet until cooked through.

While the cake cools, prepare the frosting by combining evaporated milk, egg yolks, butter, white and brown sugars in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer until thickened. Stir in coconut, pecans, and vanilla extract for a burst of flavor. Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the luscious frosting evenly over the top and refrigerate to set before serving.

With its irresistible combination of flavors and textures, German Chocolate Sheet Cake is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy this timeless dessert and savor every bite!

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