BEST German Chocolate Cake Recipe

buttermilk

🥗Healthier: low-fat yogurt

💰Cheaper: milk + vinegar

Low-fat yogurt reduces calories while maintaining tanginess.

sweetened shredded coconut

🥗Healthier: unsweetened shredded coconut

💰Cheaper: coconut flakes

Unsweetened coconut is lower in sugar.

evaporated milk

🥗Healthier: coconut milk

💰Cheaper: whole milk

Coconut milk offers a dairy-free option.

granulated sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the racks in the top and bottom third of the oven.

Chop 4 ounces of German sweet chocolate and set aside for later use in ganache.

In a large bowl, sift together 2 and 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk to combine.

In a microwave, melt the chopped chocolate with 1/2 cup of hot coffee for about 20 seconds, then set aside to cool.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, add 1 and 1/4 cups of softened unsalted butter and beat on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Add 1 and 3/4 cups of granulated sugar to the butter and mix on high speed for 3 to 5 minutes until light and fluffy, scraping down the bowl as needed.

Separate 4 eggs into yolks and whites, placing the yolks in the mixing bowl and the whites in a separate bowl.

Add the egg yolks one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition.

Add 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and the cooled melted chocolate to the mixture, mixing until combined.

Gradually add the dry mixture to the batter in thirds, alternating with 1/2 cup of buttermilk, mixing on low speed and folding by hand to avoid overmixing.

In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add 1/4 cup of granulated sugar while continuing to beat until glossy and stiff peaks form.

Fold about 1 cup of the egg whites into the batter to lighten it, then gently fold in the remaining egg whites until no streaks remain.

Prepare to bake by pouring the batter into three 8-inch round cake pans.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens