The German Chocolate Cake That Made America Melt

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.

Separate the whites from the yolks of 3 eggs.

Sift together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt.

Whisk the dry ingredients to add air.

Make a quick buttermilk substitute with milk and lemon juice or vinegar.

Melt a good quality bar of dark chocolate in a double boiler with 1/3 cup of water.

Beat 1 cup of butter until light and creamy, then add egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each.

Gradually add 1 cup of granulated sugar to the butter and yolks mixture.

Add the cooled melted chocolate to the mixture.

Slowly pour in the buttermilk and mix, then add the dry ingredients in batches, mixing until smooth.

Whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form, then gently fold into the batter.

Spread the batter into parchment-lined pans and bake at 350°F for around 30 minutes.

Toast 1 cup of pecans in a dry frying pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes, then chop finely.

In a pot, whisk together 3 egg yolks, 1 cup of evaporated milk, and 1 cup of granulated sugar, then stir in butter and cook over medium heat for about 12 minutes until thickened.

Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut and chopped pecans, along with a few splashes of vanilla.

Let the cakes cool for about 15 minutes before removing from pans and peeling off parchment paper.

Layer the cakes on a serving tray, spreading frosting between layers and on top.

Optionally, cover the sides of the cake with ganache made from leftover chocolate.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens