Description
Craving a rich, indulgent dessert that’s both easy to make and perfect for serving a crowd? This German Chocolate Sheet Cake combines a moist, deeply chocolaty base with an irresistible coconut-pecan frosting for the ultimate comfort bake. It’s the kind of cake that gets requested over and over again—ideal for parties, family gatherings, or when you just need a slice of nostalgic Southern flavor. Whether you’re browsing for easy dessert ideas, crowd-pleasing food ideas, or a quick homemade cake recipe, this one delivers every time. Perfect as a dinner idea, birthday treat, or even a decadent snack, it stores beautifully and gets better with time.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large egg yolks (room temperature)
½ cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13 inch sheet pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Add dry ingredients to wet mixture alternately with buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry.
6. Stir in boiling water slowly until the batter is thin and smooth.
7. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack.
9. Meanwhile, make the frosting: In a saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter.
10. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (10–12 minutes).
11. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans.
12. Spread warm frosting evenly over cooled cake.
13. Optional: Top with extra toasted coconut or pecans.
14. Let the frosting set before slicing and serving.
Notes
Toasting the pecans and coconut adds a layer of nutty, caramel-like flavor that takes the frosting to the next level.
This cake is even better the next day—plan ahead if serving for a special occasion.
Always let the cake cool fully before adding the frosting to avoid melting or sliding.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 43g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: German chocolate cake, sheet cake recipe, coconut pecan frosting, easy cake recipe