Expert Tips And Tricks
- Start making the German chocolate frosting as soon as you put in the cakes into bake. That way the frosting will have time to cool completely before frosting.
- Almond extract is the key to a delicious chocolate frosting! Just a little gives the cake an unmistakable gourmet flavor.
- Be sure to use high-quality gluten-free flour for this recipe. It makes all the difference when youre wanting the absolute best gluten-free chocolate cake!
German Chocolate Cake Consists Of Three Components
Chocolate cake, coconut pecan custard filling, and chocolate buttercream frosting.
Because its a bit more labor intensive than a two-part cake, I like to do it in stages. I make the cake early and freeze it. Then I just thaw it in the fridge the night before frosting it.
You can make the coconut pecan filling a day or two in advance store it in an air tight container. Bring it to room temp by leaving it on the counter for an hour or two before youre ready to frost the cake.
I like to make the buttercream the day of, as that just always seems to work the best.
You can make the buttercream in advance and store it in the fridge , but you have to bring it to room temp and whip it again before using.
How To Freeze The Cakes For Later Use
These cakes freeze very well! Freezing them in advance makes the assembly much easier, especially since theres a three step process to the German chocolate cake.
To freeze, wrap each cake individually in cling wrap, and cover with a layer of tin foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
To use after freezing, allow the cakes to thaw in the fridge for 24 hours. Take them out of the wrapping and set them out on a tray at room temperature for 2 hours. Frost as desired.
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Dairy Free Chocolate Buttercream
- Make sure your Dairy Free butter is at room temperature. This will allow everything to mix together smoothly and give you that creamy silky texture.
- Mix all of the ingredients together until smooth.
Are you looking for more chocolate inspiration? Make sure you check out my recipe for Gluten Free Triple Chocolate Cookie Bars. Now let’s get baking!
Layer Cakes And Leftovers
When my mom made her German Chocolate Cake it had three layers and was served without icing. This quinoa chocolate cake recipe only makes two layers. You can make your cake with just two layers . I wanted my cake to look the way my mom made hers so I made a three-layer cake.
To get three layers I simply made the recipe twice. I used three layers and put the extra layer in the freezer, perfect for emergency use. You could use that batter to make cupcakes instead. Here is my suggestion for that kind of food emergency.
The filling recipe makes a generous portion, too much really for the three-layer cake. But the recipe uses a whole can of evaporated milk and I like recipes that use the whole can . The excess filling also keeps in the fridge for weeks so I dont think its a problem. Then one night, the night of a food emergency, when you are looking in the fridge youll see it. If you have that single cake layer in the freezer you can make yourself a few pieces of layered cake. Simply cut the cake into four, six or eight wedges. Use the leftover filling and make a few pieces of layered cake. Now thats what I call leftovers!
Let me know in the comments below if you tried this cake and how you did it.
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What Is German Chocolate Cake
Many people actually dont know that German Chocolate cake is not German. Its actually named after the baker, Samuel German, who was credited with inventing this delicious creation in America in 1852.
I discuss this a bit more in my cookbook, but its often confused that German chocolate cake originated in Germany. Quite the opposite!
Its a one bowl delicious, moist chocolate cake layered with a sticky pecan coconut custard filling made with evaporated milk and eggs.
However, the original creation is obviously not vegan so we must veganize both the chocolate cake and the custard filling, which is actually quite easy.
And even better yet, this chocolate coconut pecan cake can easily be made gluten free as well!
Tips From The Betty Crocker Kitchens
- tip 1 Store opened packages of coconut tightly sealed in the refrigerator up to 6 months.
- tip 2 German chocolate did not originate in Germany. Instead, it is named for Englishman Sam German, who developed a sweet chocolate baking bar for the Massachusetts-based chocolate company where he was employed. Germans Sweet Chocolate later became known as German sweet chocolate and led to the popularity of German chocolate cake.
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How To Make Dark German Chocolate Cake:
Ingredients For The Chocolate Caramel Frosting
Here are a few notes on the key ingredients for the coconut caramel frosting.
- Evaporated Milk: This gives the frosting the best flavor! Dont substitute regular milk for the evaporated milk.
- Sweetened Shredded Coconut: You want to choose sweetened shredded coconut thats nice and soft for this recipe.
Note: Youll only use the egg yolks for this recipe. Save the extra egg whites to make gluten-free angel food cake or 7-minute frosting!
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Whats German Chocolate Cake Anyway
I discovered that German chocolate cake isnt German at all! Its just called that because of the American chocolate maker and baker that invented it. Basically, its a standard chocolate layer cake topped with coconut pecan frosting. Coconut, pecans, and chocolate? Sign me up!
But as always I had to put my own personal spin on the traditional recipe. Instead of making the frosting coconut and pecan flavored, I actually put coconut and pecans right in the chocolate cake batter to enhance the flavor even more!
The end result was more amazing than I had expected. A moist, soft, and fluffy cake studded with crunchy pecans and subtle coconut flavor throughout. Plus, the homemade chocolate frosting I made was the perfect complement to all the other delicious ingredients!
Gluten Free German Chocolate Cake Faqs
Whats the difference between a German chocolate cake in a regular chocolate cake?
German cake stands out from regular chocolate cake because its a layer cake that includes coconut pecan filling, rather than simply being frosted with chocolate frosting.
What is a substitute for German chocolate cake mix?
I make this gluten-free German chocolate cake base from scratch, using high-quality gluten-free flour, cocoa powder, sour cream, oil, and other cake ingredients.
What makes German Chocolate German?
German chocolate cake didnt originate in Germany. Instead, it gets its name from the Germans sweet chocolate bar that many recipes call for when making this cake.
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Gluten Free Chocolate Cake
- Pregame! Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 2 8″ round cake pans with nonstick baking spray and set aside.
- Add your eggs and sugar to a mixing bowl and mix on high for 3 minutes until it becomes a little light and frothy.
- Add the vanilla, yogurt, and espresso powder. Mix well.
- Add in all of the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to over mix. This will keep your cake tender.
- Mix in the coffee until just combined.
- Divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 35-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow your Gluten and Dairy Free German Chocolate Cake to cool completely before frosting.
Can I Make This Gluten
I haven’t tried using an egg substitute in this gluten free chocolate cake but a few others have tried it with flax-egg.
If you make it egg free please stop back by and let me know which egg replacer you used.
If you don’t want to experiment, you could always start with my Gluten-Free Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes.
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Can I Make This Healthy German Chocolate Cake Vegan
Just like my gluten-free double chocolate muffins recipe, this gluten-free German chocolate cake can definitely be made vegan! Heres what you need to do,
Egg replacer: You should be able to substitute the 2 eggs for 1 flax egg . I havent tested this yet, but it should work well! The cake might be a little less fluffy. Let me know if you try this!
Easy Vegan German Chocolate Cake
This unbelievably vegan German chocolate cake tastes just like the real deal. Rich and decadent easy chocolate cake with layers of sticky coconut pecan filling!
If you love chocolate, caramel, coconut, and nutty pecans, then youre going to fall in love with this absolutely decadent and rich, entirely VEGAN German Chocolate Cake recipe!
Now, I do love our vegan chocolate cake recipe – its one of my all time favorite vegan cake recipes on the blog . But this German Chocolate Cake takes chocolate to a whole new level!
With layers of rich caramel, pecans, and coconut, this upgraded chocolate cake is an absolute dream. Whats more, its actually easier to make than other layered cakes in terms of assembly!
Since were making this a naked-style German chocolate cake, theres no need to crumb coat or perfect the outer frosting, which can sometimes be daunting. Just simply layer, slice, and enjoy!
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Gluten Free German Chocolate Cake
We believe this decadent, gluten free German chocolate cake recipe wins the chocoholic-cake prize. Wowzie! I made it twice this week, just to share with family and friends. The combination of bittersweet and semisweet chocolate mixed with espresso and sour cream make a heavenly dessert that begs to be eaten. German chocolate frosting tops the cake in our house, Yum! We make a version with less sugar, unsweetened coconut and homemade evaporated milk. Need to dive in to that? .
German Chocolate Cake: Tips for Success
- Bring the eggs to room temperature
- Not all Dutch-processed cocoas are created equal. Use a high quality Dutched chocolate that is rich in color and flavor
- Use both types of sugar: cane sugar and light brown cane sugar
- Xanthan gum helps maintain the rise and structure of the cake however, we have made this cake without xanthan gum and it turned out with minimal cave
- Spray pan with non-stick spray. We have a homemade version of Goop that is fool proof.
Size matters?
Some people create cake with a level of genius that we admire. There are books and magazines devoted to the Art of Cake. Our family is a bit more simple, For our special occasions, we like to make a single layer cake or sometimes a two layer and just frost the middle and top. Easy, peasy. This recipe will make a perfect 9×13 sheet, or 2 9 rounds.
Peace & LOVE Teri
Birthdays are Better with GF German Chocolate Cake
- Very thick batter
How To Make Gluten
Many modern takes on German Chocolate Cake, including this gluten-free version, no longer call for baking chocolate. Instead, the name German Chocolate Cake has become synonymous with its flavor profile: a deep dark chocolate cake layered with coconut pecan frosting and chocolate buttercream. Let’s break it down.
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Ingredients For The Frosting
- Vegan butter – Dairy-free butter adds richness to the frosting!
- Granulated sugar – Granulated sugar adds sweetness and a syrupy texture.
- Brown sugar – Brown sugar adds a toffee-like note to the frosting. So delicious!
- Egg yolks – Use large egg yolks. These give the frosting flavor and structure!
- Non-dairy evaporated milk – This adds flavor and richness!
- Vanilla extract – Use pure vanilla extract or paste.
- Unsweetened coconut – You can use either shredded or desiccated coconut.
- Pecans – Use freshly roasted pecans for the best flavor!
- Salt – Use fine salt.
How To Measure Gluten
The best way to measure gluten-free flour, or any flour, is to weigh it using a kitchen scale! Its the most accurate way to measure ingredients.
If you dont have a kitchen scale, you can use measuring cups. First, use a spoon to fluff the flour inside the bag or container.
Then, use a spoon to scoop the flour into a measuring cup. Make sure you dont press or pack it in!
Use the flat side of a knife to level off the flour.
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What Causes A Gluten
If your temperature is too high, or your cake is placed in the oven too high your cake may bake up into a high, cracked dome.
The heat of baking activates the baking powder and causes it to release carbon dioxide, which forms bubbles and raises the cake.
If your oven is too hot, that process is sped up. Make sure to place your cake in the center, and regularly check your oven’s temperature.
Gluten Free German Chocolate Cupcakes
I distinctly remember scooping giant spoonfuls of Betty Crocker German Chocolate Frosting out of the plastic tub it comes in, and eating it gleefully when I was maybe eight or nine. Prying off the red plastic top to find perfectly-solidified caramel custard, pecan and coconut goop was like finding buried treasure. How I got my hands on the tub of frosting in the first place is the real question either very impressive childhood sneaking into the kitchen and up into the baking cupboards, or maybe we all just indulged after making a cake or cupcakes or something more reasonable. Overall, this penchant for German Chocolate topping aligns with what seems to be my affinity for goopy, sweet, sticky things. Whether its peanut butter, dulce de leche, lemon meringue pie filling, all types of pudding , or spoon fulls of coconut pecan caramel frosting, it has my name written all over it. So, when a coworker mentioned one of his favorite treats was German Chocolate cake , these just had to be made.
- 1/8tspsalt
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Ingredients For The Cake
Here are some of the key ingredients in this gluten free German chocolate cake recipe:
- A high-quality gluten-free 1:1 baking flour: I like to use gluten-free measure-for-measure flour blend like King Arthur Flour in my baked goods. It works best to use a blend that contains xanthan gum in this recipe.
- Sour cream: Using part sour cream in place of what would usually be buttermilk gives this cake stability. It also gives it a delicious flavor and richness!
- Oil: Oil allows for a light, moist crumb that doesnt clump up as it tends too with butter.
Why Is It Called German Chocolate Cake
As classic and well-known as German Chocolate Cake is, its name is quite deceptive. While one may think that German chocolate cake has roots in Germany, it actually originates in the US. Instead, the cake is named after a chocolate maker named Samuel German who invented a special dark baking chocolate for the Baker’s Chocolate Company in the 1800s.
In the 1950’s, a Dallas woman published a cake recipe titled German’s Chocolate Cake in a local paper that called for that special dark baking chocolate. The recipe spread in popularity and was reprinted in other newspapers across the country, coming to be known simply as German Chocolate Cake.
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What Kind Of Cocoa Powder For German Chocolate Cake
There are two types of cocoa powder – dutch-processed and natural unsweetened. While either type will work, I strongly recommend using Dutch-processed baking cocoa.
Unlike natural unsweetened, Dutch-processed cocoa powder has been treated with alkaline to neutralize its acidity. Because of the Dutch-processing, the cocoa powder turns the cake deep dark brown and makes it extra rich without being bitter.
Easy Gluten Free German Chocolate Cake
Published: Jan 29, 2021 by Heidi. This post may contain affiliate links
If you came for the recipe, keep scrolling. If you came for the story of why the super easy cake that should have taken 1 hour actually took four, read on! If you have ever baked with a house full of kids and guests on very little sleep, you will relate to this story. If you haven’t, you will probably leave thinking that my mom and I are both completely nuts.
This post is a deviation from what you’ll usually find on my site. Instead of posed pictures and perfected instructions, you’ll find a candid look into my crazy everyday life. That pretty cake stand? It’s not mine. If I had been at my house, the cake most likely would have been served on a dinner plate!
Here we go! This cake starts with 2 cake mixes. What could be easier than that, right? Wrong!
Here’s what happened on the baking front while kids ran in and out of the kitchen, my sister peppered my mom and me with questions about an event she was planning, and our sleepy brains tried to double recipes while our hands dirtied almost every dish in the kitchen:
Heidi
- 3-4 squares of Baker’s German Sweet Chocolate
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°.
Prepare cake according to box directions, combining both mixes. Melt chocolate and allow it to cool slightly before adding it to the mix.
Prepare three 8″ or 9″ round pans by lining them with waxed paper.
Pour batter evenly into the three pans.
Coconut-Pecan Filling and Frosting
Ingredients
Directions
Enjoy!
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