Best 6 Grandmas German Chocolate Cake Recipes

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Indulge in the delectable flavors of Grandma's German Chocolate Cake, a timeless classic that has captured hearts for generations. This iconic dessert features a moist and tender chocolate cake base, layered with a rich and velvety German chocolate frosting, and topped with a luscious coconut-pecan filling. Each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors, promising an unforgettable taste experience. With our collection of carefully curated recipes, you'll discover variations of this beloved cake, including a gluten-free option for those with dietary restrictions. Whether you prefer a traditional approach or a modern twist, these recipes provide step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to guide you towards baking perfection. Embrace the nostalgia and create a culinary masterpiece that will become a cherished family tradition.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

GRANDMA'S GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE



Grandma's German Chocolate Cake image

This is my grandma's recipe for German Chocolate Cake. This was all of us kid's favorite for birthdays. I made this for my husband on our first date on his birthday, and it's a tradition in our family now. We always use black walnuts, but you can use English walnuts. The hot water sounds weird, but that's the way my family has made it for years.

Provided by Teresa M

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h5m

Yield 8-20 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 cup margarine, softened
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
2 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup cocoa
1 cup boiling water
1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup sugar
3 egg yolks
1/4 lb margarine, softened
1 teaspoon imitation vanilla
1 1/3 cups coconut
1 1/2 cups black walnuts, chopped (you can use English walnuts if you prefer)

Steps:

  • I make this in either a greased and floured 9 x 12 inch pan or 2 9-inch round pans. For the 9 inch pans I also add wax paper cut to the pan size in the bottom of the pan.
  • I start checking for doneness after 40 minutes for a 9 x 12 pan, and 25 minutes for the 2 9-inch pans. When a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean it's done.
  • Cream margarine and sugar.
  • Add eggs, one at a time, and beat well.
  • Add buttermilk and dry ingredients.
  • Add boiling water and beat until mixed.
  • Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 45-55 minutes or until done.
  • For Icing- Combine milk, sugar, egg yolks, margarine and vanilla.
  • Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened, about 15 minutes.
  • Add coconut and nuts.
  • Beat until thick enough to spread.

GRANDMA'S CHOCOLATE CAKE



Grandma's Chocolate Cake image

This recipe has been passed down through the family for many generations. It is the only chocolate cake recipe I use anymore. The cake is nice and moist and has such a bold flavor. This cake is great for a German chocolate icing, but I have used all types of icings, which all complement the cake nicely. This cake always pleases the crowd when I make it. Hope you enjoy it as much as my family has for all these years.

Provided by Brandon McCune

Categories     Chocolate Cake

Time 50m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ¼ teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 ¾ cups white sugar
¾ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon maple extract
1 ⅓ cups brewed coffee

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  • Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
  • Cream sugar and butter together in a large bowl with an electric mixer. Mix in eggs and maple extract. Add flour mixture in 2 batches, alternating with coffee, beating batter until smooth after each addition. Pour batter into the prepared pans.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the centers comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 315.9 calories, Carbohydrate 48.1 g, Cholesterol 61.5 mg, Fat 13.3 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 4.4 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, Sodium 227.5 mg

GRANDMA'S CHOCOLATE CAKE



Grandma's Chocolate Cake image

My grandma made this delicious cake for me throughout the years on my birthday. It's wonderful for chocolate lovers!-Dorothy Eagen, Allentown, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h10m

Yield 12-16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

1/2 cup shortening
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup hot water
CHOCOLATE FUDGE FROSTING:
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1 tablespoon butter
1-1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup water
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 to 2 tablespoons half-and-half cream

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk and hot water, beating well after each addition. , Pour into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack., For frosting, melt chocolate and butter in a saucepan. Add the sugar, water and cream of tartar. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook and stir until a candy thermometer reads 240° (soft-ball stage). Remove from the heat. Cool completely, without stirring, about 1 hour. Add vanilla; beat until thickened. Add cream; beat until smooth. Frost cake.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 297 calories, Fat 9g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 30mg cholesterol, Sodium 210mg sodium, Carbohydrate 52g carbohydrate (37g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

WILLARD FAMILY GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE



Willard Family German Chocolate Cake image

This recipe has been in my family for a very long time. My great-grandma could make this with her eyes closed. My father was born on her birthday so she made this cake for him every year. Even shipped it to him in Korea when he was stationed there in the army.

Provided by K-Dub

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     German

Time 2h20m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 (4 ounce) package sweet baking chocolate (such as Baker's German's Sweet Chocolate®) - broken into pieces
½ cup boiling water
1 cup margarine, softened
2 cups white sugar
4 eggs, separated
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups sifted all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup white sugar
3 egg yolks
¼ cup margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ⅓ cups sweetened flake coconut
1 cup chopped pecans

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour 3 8-inch cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
  • Place the chunks of chocolate into the boiling water and stir until the chocolate has melted; set aside to cool. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup of softened margarine with 2 cups of sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Stir in 4 egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and the chocolate-water mixture until thoroughly blended.
  • Sift the flour, baking soda, and salt into a bowl. Beat the flour mixture into the liquid ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, in 3 or 4 additions. Beat until batter is smooth, about 1 minute.
  • In a metal or glass bowl, beat the reserved egg whites until they hold stiff peaks when the beaters are lifted straight up. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter, keeping as much volume as possible. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pans.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until the cakes have browned lightly and a toothpick inserted into the center of a cake comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Allow the cakes to cool in pans before removing.
  • To make frosting, pour the evaporated milk into a large saucepan, and mix in 1 cup of sugar, 3 egg yolks, 1/4 cup of margarine, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and cook until thickened, stirring constantly, about 12 minutes. Remove from heat, and mix in the coconut and pecans, beating the frosting until cooled and spreadable. Frost and fill the cake with the coconut frosting.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 809.3 calories, Carbohydrate 101.8 g, Cholesterol 144.1 mg, Fat 41.8 g, Fiber 3.7 g, Protein 11.5 g, SaturatedFat 11.4 g, Sodium 617 mg, Sugar 74.4 g

GRANDMA'S CHOCOLATE TEXAS SHEET CAKE



Grandma's Chocolate Texas Sheet Cake image

This is hands-down my all-time favorite cake! I fell in love making it after my grandmother shared the recipe with me. This cake is super quick, easy, and fun to make! Definitely recommend this for first time bakers and anyone else who would love to take a bite out of a delicious chocolate Texas sheet cake.

Provided by Bekah Miller

Categories     Desserts     Cakes     Sheet Cake Recipes

Time 45m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 cup salted butter
1 cup water
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups white sugar
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup unsalted butter
6 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups confectioners' sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 10x15-inch cake pan.
  • Combine butter, water, and cocoa powder for cake in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until butter has melted and mixture comes to a boil. Remove from the heat and cool slightly.
  • Meanwhile, mix flour, sugar, and salt together in a large bowl. Beat buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla extract together in a separate bowl.
  • Add melted butter mixture to the flour mixture, then add buttermilk-egg mixture and beat until thoroughly combined. Pour into the prepared cake pan.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Remove cake from the oven and cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, combine butter, milk, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract for the frosting in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until butter melts, then stir in powdered sugar. Spread frosting over the warm cake.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 258.8 calories, Carbohydrate 36.3 g, Cholesterol 46.5 mg, Fat 12.3 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 2.3 g, SaturatedFat 7.6 g, Sodium 169.6 mg, Sugar 27.4 g

GRANDMA GORMAN'S CHOCOLATE CAKE



Grandma Gorman's Chocolate Cake image

Provided by Florence Fabricant

Categories     dessert

Time 45m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus butter for greasing pan
1 cup all-purpose flour, plus flour for dusting
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
Pinch of salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 large egg
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour an 8- or 9-inch round baking pan.
  • Melt the 4 tablespoons butter and the chocolate together in the top of a double boiler. Stir until smooth. Mix the flour, salt and baking soda together.
  • Beat the egg and sugar together until the mixture is very light and falls in a ribbon when the beater is lifted. Stir in the melted butter and chocolate while they are still hot.
  • Stir in the flour mixture alternately with the milk. Stir in the vanilla.
  • Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake about 35 minutes, until the surface is slightly springy to the touch. Serve warm or cooled.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 227, UnsaturatedFat 4 grams, Carbohydrate 28 grams, Fat 12 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 3 grams, SaturatedFat 7 grams, Sodium 172 milligrams, Sugar 26 grams, TransFat 0 grams

Tips:

  • Mise en place: Before you start baking, make sure you have all of your ingredients and equipment ready to go. This will help you stay organized and avoid any scrambling.
  • Use room temperature ingredients: This will help your cake batter to come together more smoothly and evenly.
  • Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can make your cake tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Bake the cake in a preheated oven: This will help to ensure that the cake bakes evenly.
  • Let the cake cool completely before frosting it: This will help to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • Use a serrated knife to cut the cake: This will help to prevent the cake from crumbling.

Conclusion:

Grandma's German chocolate cake is a classic dessert that is sure to please everyone. With its moist chocolate cake, rich chocolate frosting, and gooey coconut-pecan filling, this cake is perfect for any special occasion. Follow the tips above to make sure your cake turns out perfect every time.

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