Description
If you’re craving something rich, gooey, and utterly satisfying, this *German Chocolate Sheet Cake* is the answer. It brings together a moist, ultra-chocolatey cake base with a thick, caramel-like coconut-pecan topping that’s sweet, nutty, and totally unforgettable. Perfect for parties, holidays, or whenever you need a solid dessert win. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert idea, easy cake recipe, or a sweet crowd-pleaser for dinner parties, this one-pan wonder checks all the boxes. It also fits the bill for those hunting down *dinner ideas*, *easy recipes*, or classic *food ideas* with a twist.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1½ teaspoons baking soda
1½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water or hot coffee
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
¾ cup unsalted butter
1½ cups brown sugar
4 large egg yolks
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1½ cups shredded sweetened coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch pan. Dust with flour or line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour in boiling water (or coffee) and mix gently. Batter will be thin.
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean. Let it cool completely.
7. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine evaporated milk, butter, brown sugar, and egg yolks. Stir constantly for 10–12 minutes until thickened.
8. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans.
9. Spread topping evenly over cooled cake and allow to set before slicing.
Notes
Toasting the pecans and coconut before adding them enhances flavor and adds extra crunch.
Let the cake cool completely before spreading the topping to prevent it from sliding off.
For deeper flavor, substitute the boiling water with hot coffee.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 39g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: German chocolate cake, sheet cake, easy dessert, chocolate cake, coconut pecan, potluck cake, one-pan dessert, classic cake