What sets this apart is the frosting, a cooked custard of egg yolks and evaporated milk stirred with toasted pecans and coconut. Cook it until it coats a spoon and thickens, or it stays runny and slides off the layers.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep35 min
Cook35 min
Makes1 nine-inch layer cake
CuisineAmerican
Cost$$
Vegetarian
Contains dairy · eggs · gluten · tree nuts
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for1servings
Chocolate
Sweet or bittersweet melted into the batter for a mild deep chocolate crumb.
Bake the layersCream butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar, beat in 4 eggs and the melted chocolate, fold in flour and buttermilk, and bake in two pans at 350F for 30-35 min until a skewer comes out clean.
Cook the frostingSimmer the evaporated milk, remaining sugar, butter, and 2 egg yolks over medium heat, stirring 10-12 min until it thickens and coats a spoon.
Add coconut and pecansOff the heat stir in the toasted pecans and coconut and let it cool until spreadable.
AssembleSpread frosting between the layers and over the top, leaving the sides bare as tradition has it.
Can you make German Chocolate Cake in an air fryer? — Sometimes
You can, but a custard needs gentle, even heat and usually a water bath the basket can’t give, so the top tends to set before the middle. Bake it in ramekins that fit and watch closely, or use the oven for a foolproof set.
Can you freeze German Chocolate Cake? — Not ideal
Not really — the cream, custard, or emulsion turns grainy or splits once thawed. This one is best kept fresh in the fridge.
Can you make German Chocolate Cake ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — bake it a day or two ahead; it keeps well-wrapped at room temperature and freezes cleanly. Add any frosting or glaze close to serving.
Is German Chocolate Cake gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
Is German Chocolate Cake vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan
It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy and egg. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Community Notes
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