German Chocolate Sheet Cake

 The Ultimate German Chocolate Sheet Cake Recipe: A Decadent Classic

Few desserts are as rich, indulgent, and crowd-pleasing as a German Chocolate Sheet Cake. This classic treat combines a moist, chocolatey base with a luscious coconut-pecan frosting, creating a dessert that's both comforting and impressive. Whether you're baking for a family gathering, holiday feast, or just a well-deserved indulgence, this easy-to-make sheet cake is a guaranteed showstopper.

In this guide, you'll find everything you need to bake the perfect German Chocolate Sheet Cake, from a carefully balanced ingredient list to pro tips that ensure flawless results every time.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

✔️ Moist & Rich Chocolate Cake – A perfectly tender cake made with real chocolate for deep flavor.

✔️ Irresistible Coconut-Pecan Frosting – Sweet, nutty, and caramelized to perfection.

✔️ Sheet Pan Simplicity – Easy to bake, frost, and serve for any occasion.

✔️ Crowd-Pleasing Favorite – A classic dessert that always gets rave reviews.

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Ingredients & Their Roles

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure for the cake.

2 cups granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture.

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Delivers a deep chocolate flavor.

1 cup unsalted butter – Adds richness and keeps the cake tender.

1 cup water – Helps dissolve the cocoa and contributes to the cake’s moist texture.

2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped – Enhances the chocolate intensity.

1/2 cup vegetable shortening – Ensures a light and fluffy texture.

2 large eggs – Bind the ingredients and create structure.

1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cake rise.

1/2 cup buttermilk – Activates the baking soda and keeps the cake extra moist.

1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth of flavor.

For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter – The base for a creamy, rich frosting.

1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the frosting.

1 cup brown sugar – Adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.

3 large egg yolks – Thicken the frosting and add richness.

1 cup evaporated milk – Provides a smooth, creamy consistency.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Complements the caramel and coconut flavors.

1 1/2 cups shredded sweetened coconut – The signature ingredient of this frosting.

1 cup chopped pecans – Adds crunch and nutty goodness.

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Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat & Prep – Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9x13-inch sheet pan with butter or nonstick spray.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and cocoa powder until well combined.

3. Heat the Wet Ingredients – In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, water, chopped chocolate, and shortening. Stir until everything is melted and smooth, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

4. Combine – Pour the hot chocolate mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth.

5. Add Remaining Ingredients – Beat in the eggs, baking soda, buttermilk, salt, and vanilla, mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

6. Pour & Bake – Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Cool Completely – Let the cake cool in the pan before adding frosting.

Step 3: Make the Coconut-Pecan Frosting

8. Cook the Base – In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, egg yolks, and evaporated milk over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.

9. Simmer & Thicken – Reduce heat and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens into a caramel-like consistency.

10. Add the Good Stuff – Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans.

11. Cool & Frost – Allow the frosting to cool slightly, then spread evenly over the cake.

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Pro Tips for Perfect German Chocolate Sheet Cake

✅ Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensures even mixing and a smoother batter.

✅ Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light, fluffy one.

✅ Watch the Frosting Closely – Stir continuously while cooking to prevent scorching.

✅ Let the Cake Cool Completely – This prevents the frosting from melting into the cake.

✅ Toast the Pecans – Lightly toasting them enhances their nutty flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

This cake is delicious on its own, but you can take it to the next level with these pairings:

A scoop of vanilla ice cream – The creamy contrast makes every bite even better.

Drizzle of chocolate sauce – Adds extra indulgence.

Fresh berries – Raspberries or strawberries balance the richness.

A dollop of whipped cream – Light and airy, a perfect finishing touch.

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Why This Recipe Stands Out

This German Chocolate Sheet Cake is the perfect combination of rich chocolate, gooey caramel-like frosting, and crunchy pecans. It's easy to prepare yet elegant enough for any celebration. Unlike traditional layered cakes, this sheet cake simplifies the process without sacrificing any flavor.

So whether you’re baking for a birthday, potluck, or just because you crave something sweet, this homemade German Chocolate Cake will become a go-to favorite.

Ready to Bake? Try It Today!

Follow this step-by-step recipe, and let t

he irresistible combination of chocolate, coconut, and pecans make your next dessert unforgettable. Let us know how it turns out in the comments below!