German Chocolate Cake Slice

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German Chocolate Cake Slice: A Slice of Heaven

 

A German Chocolate Cake Slice is a rich, indulgent dessert that’s a perfect combination of sweet chocolate cake and a luscious coconut-pecan frosting. Each bite is an experience—a blend of moist, fluffy cake layers and creamy, nutty topping. Despite its name, this cake is an American classic, loved for its decadent flavors and comforting texture.

History of German Chocolate Cake

German Chocolate Cake is not actually German! Its name comes from Sam German, an American baker who developed a type of dark baking chocolate for Baker’s Chocolate Company in 1852. The original recipe for “German’s Chocolate Cake” was first published in a Dallas, Texas newspaper in 1957 by a homemaker. It became an instant hit and has since become a quintessential dessert in American baking culture.

 

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water

For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting

  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Optional Decorations

  • Chocolate ganache (made from ½ cup heavy cream and 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips)
  • Extra pecans or coconut flakes

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth.
  4. Stir in boiling water gradually. The batter will be thin—this is normal.

Step 2: Bake the Cakes

  1. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
  2. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  3. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Coconut-Pecan Frosting

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 10 minutes).
  2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, coconut, and pecans. Let cool until it reaches a spreadable consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of the coconut-pecan frosting on top.
  2. Add the second cake layer and spread frosting over the top and sides.
  3. Optional: Drizzle with chocolate ganache and decorate with pecans or coconut flakes.

 

Methods and Techniques

  1. Sifting Dry Ingredients: Ensures a lump-free batter for a smooth cake texture.
  2. Boiling Water Addition: Enhances the chocolate flavor and creates a moist crumb.
  3. Constant Stirring for Frosting: Prevents curdling while cooking the egg yolk-based frosting.
  4. Layer Alignment: Trim cake layers for even stacking if needed.

Benefits of German Chocolate Cake Slice

  1. Mood Booster: The chocolate contains serotonin-enhancing compounds, promoting happiness.
  2. Energy Source: Rich in carbohydrates and fats, providing a quick energy boost.
  3. Nutritive Additions: Pecans offer healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants, while coconut adds iron and manganese.
  4. Perfect for Celebrations: Its festive look and flavor make it a hit for birthdays and holidays.
  5. Homemade Goodness: Free of preservatives and artificial flavors found in store-bought cakes

  6. Boosts Mood and Reduces Stress

    • Chocolate Power: The chocolate in the cake contains compounds like theobromine and phenylethylamine, which can boost mood and promote feelings of happiness.
    • Comfort Food: A sweet treat can be a source of comfort and a temporary stress reliever.

  7. Source of Quick Energy

    • Carbs and Fats: The cake is rich in carbohydrates and fats, making it a quick energy source when you need a pick-me-up.

  8. Nutritional Benefits from Pecans

    • Pecans in the frosting provide healthy monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and fiber, which can support heart health and improve digestion.
    • They also supply magnesium, a mineral essential for muscle and nerve function.

  9. Coconut for Essential Nutrients

    • The coconut in the frosting adds dietary fiber and essential minerals like manganese and copper, supporting metabolic and bone health.

  10. Encourages Social Connection

    • Desserts like German Chocolate Cake are often enjoyed during celebrations or shared with loved ones, fostering relationships and creating happy memories.

  11. Promotes Creativity and Joy in Baking

    • Baking the cake from scratch can be a therapeutic and rewarding experience. The process allows you to engage your creativity and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something delicious.

  12. A Treat That Can Fit Balanced Diets

    • When eaten in moderation, a slice can be part of a balanced diet, especially when paired with nutrient-dense meals.

  13. Supports Local Ingredients

    • Making the cake at home gives you the opportunity to choose high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, supporting sustainable practices.

  14. Tradition and Nostalgia

    • For many, German Chocolate Cake evokes feelings of nostalgia, tying them to traditions, holidays, or family recipes.

  15. Rich in Iron and Magnesium

    • Cocoa contains small amounts of iron and magnesium, which help with oxygen transport in the blood and muscle relaxation.

While not an everyday food, the occasional indulgence in a slice of German Chocolate Cake brings both joy and some subtle health benefits, proving that dessert can nourish more than just the appetite!

 

Nutritional Information (Per Slice)

(Recipe makes 12 slices)

  • Calories: 470
  • Protein: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
    • Fiber: 3g
    • Sugars: 38g
  • Total Fat: 25g
    • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Calcium: 80mg
  • Iron: 2mg
  • Calories: 470
  • Protein: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
    • Fiber: 3g
    • Sugars: 38g
  • Total Fat: 25g
    • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Potassium: 230mg
  • Calcium: 80mg (8% Daily Value)
  • Iron: 2mg (10% Daily Value)
  • Vitamin A: 200 IU (4% Daily Value)
  • Vitamin C: 1mg (1% Daily Value)

Key Nutritional Highlights

  1. Caloric Content:
    • At 470 calories per slice, this is an indulgent dessert best suited for special occasions or as an occasional treat.
  2. Protein and Fats:
    • The 6g of protein comes from the eggs, milk, and pecans, while the fat content (25g) is a mix of healthy fats from the pecans and coconut, as well as saturated fats from butter and chocolate.
  3. Rich in Carbohydrates:
    • The sugars and carbohydrates provide quick energy but should be balanced with other nutrient-dense foods.
  4. Minerals:
    • Contains iron from the cocoa and pecans, which supports blood health, and calcium from the milk and butter, which aids in bone health.
  5. Moderate Sodium:
    • Sodium is relatively low for a dessert, making it a better option compared to processed cakes.

Balancing the Nutrition

  • Pair a slice with fresh fruit or a cup of green tea to complement the dessert with additional antioxidants and fiber.
  • Consider reducing sugar slightly in the recipe or using dark chocolate to enhance nutritional value.

This German Chocolate Cake Slice is a flavorful treat that satisfies sweet cravings while offering modest nutritional benefits when savored mindfully.

 

Lovers of German Chocolate Cake Slice

  • Chocoholics: With its rich chocolate base, it’s a dream come true.
  • Coconut Fans: The frosting is a coconut lover’s delight.
  • Home Bakers: The recipe offers a fun, rewarding challenge.
  • Special Occasion Hosts: Perfect for impressing guests with its decadent layers.

Conclusion

The German Chocolate Cake Slice is a masterpiece of American baking. Its rich layers, creamy frosting, and timeless flavors make it a dessert that transcends generations. Whether you’re baking it for a celebration or indulging in a quiet treat, this cake delivers warmth, joy, and deliciousness with every bite. Share it with your loved ones or savor it solo—it’s a slice of happiness that never goes out of style!

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