The beauty of German Chocolate Sheet Cake lies in its accessibility. Whether you’re a novice baker or an experienced pastry chef, this recipe welcomes all skill levels. The sheet cake format eliminates the intimidation factor of layer cakes while maintaining all the sophisticated flavors that make German chocolate cake a timeless favorite. From potluck dinners to birthday celebrations, this German Chocolate Sheet Cake serves as the perfect centerpiece that never fails to impress.
This German Chocolate Sheet Cake recipe has been carefully crafted to ensure consistent results every time. The combination of rich chocolate cake and the iconic coconut-pecan topping creates a dessert experience that’s both nostalgic and satisfying, making it an essential addition to any baker’s repertoire.
Recipe Introduction: Your New Favorite Crowd-Pleaser
This German Chocolate Sheet Cake recipe transforms the classic three-layer cake into an easy-to-make sheet cake that serves 24 people effortlessly. The rich chocolate base is topped with the traditional coconut-pecan frosting that makes German Chocolate Sheet Cake so distinctive. Perfect for potlucks, office parties, or family gatherings, this German Chocolate Sheet Cake combines convenience with the beloved flavors that have made this dessert an American favorite. The recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, ensuring that even beginning bakers can create a show-stopping German Chocolate Sheet Cake that rivals any bakery version.
Storage Options
Store your German Chocolate Sheet Cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. For longer storage, wrap individual pieces tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. The coconut-pecan topping maintains its texture beautifully during storage, making this cake even more convenient for make-ahead occasions.
Summary
This German Chocolate Sheet Cake features a moist chocolate cake base topped with the classic coconut-pecan frosting. Serving 24 people, it’s baked in a single sheet pan for ultimate convenience while delivering all the beloved flavors of traditional German chocolate cake.
Equipment
- 18×13-inch rimmed sheet pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium saucepan
- Electric mixer (hand or stand)
- Wire whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your 18×13-inch sheet pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- In a medium saucepan, combine butter, water, and cocoa powder. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Pour the hot chocolate mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well.
- In a small bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla. Add to the chocolate mixture and stir until smooth.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
- While cake bakes, prepare the frosting: In a medium saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens slightly (about 3-4 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in coconut, pecans, vanilla, and salt.
- Spread frosting over the warm cake immediately after removing from oven.
- Cool completely before cutting and serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs and buttermilk for best mixing results
- The frosting should be applied while the cake is still warm to help it set properly
- Don’t overbake the cake as it will continue cooking slightly from residual heat
- German’s Sweet Baking Chocolate can be substituted for cocoa powder if desired
Tips for Success
- Measure ingredients accurately for consistent results
- Don’t overmix the batter once eggs are added to prevent tough cake
- Apply frosting while cake is warm but not hot to prevent melting
- Use fresh pecans for the best flavor and texture
- Allow cake to cool completely before cutting for clean slices
- Line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal
Additional Tips and Variations
Consider these variations to customize your German Chocolate Sheet Cake: add mini chocolate chips to the batter for extra richness, substitute chopped walnuts for pecans, or drizzle with chocolate ganache for an extra decadent finish. For a tropical twist, add a tablespoon of rum extract to the frosting. You can also make individual servings by baking in a muffin tin and adjusting the cooking time to 12-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make this German Chocolate Sheet Cake ahead of time? A: Yes! This cake actually improves in flavor after a day and stores well covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Q: Why is it called German Chocolate Sheet Cake if it’s American? A: The cake is named after Samuel German, who created German’s Sweet Baking Chocolate for Baker’s Chocolate Company in 1852.
Q: Can I use regular cocoa instead of German’s chocolate? A: Yes, the unsweetened cocoa powder in this recipe works perfectly and is more readily available than German’s chocolate.
Q: How do I know when the frosting is ready? A: The frosting should coat the back of a spoon and have a thick, spreadable consistency that holds its shape.
Q: Can I freeze this cake? A: Yes, wrap individual pieces tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
This German Chocolate Sheet Cake recipe proves that classic desserts can be both impressive and accessible. By transforming the traditional layer cake format into a convenient sheet cake, you can enjoy all the beloved flavors of German chocolate cake without the complexity. The combination of moist chocolate cake and rich coconut-pecan frosting creates a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to special celebrations. With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, this German Chocolate Sheet Cake will become your go-to recipe for feeding crowds and creating lasting memories. Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or starting a new one, this German Chocolate Sheet Cake delivers the perfect balance of convenience and indulgence that makes every bite worth savoring.
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