Recipe first shared on Spend With Pennies. Surprise! We’re smack dab in the middle of January and I’m here with a luscious German Chocolate Cake recipe 😉 But sometimes I struggle with getting back to routine after the holidays, and cake always helps. Especially if it’s chocolate! I’m sharing tons of tips and tricks to make this your best German Chocolate Cake yet, including tips to make ahead and freeze, so be sure to skim through the post below to ensure success! And if you’re a chocolate fanatic like myself, you might also enjoy my ultra popular The Best Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe, this Crockpot Hot Chocolate, or my Grandma’s Hot Fudge Sundae Cake!
What’s in a German Chocolate Cake?
This German Chocolate Cake is made up of three different components, but sometimes only the first two are used. I like to add the chocolate ganache because it adds a bit more chocolate flavor and the drizzle is fun!
What’s the difference between German Chocolate Cake and Chocolate Cake?
There is just one difference between other types of chocolate and “German” chocolate, and that is that German chocolate is typically a bit sweeter. Interestingly enough, German Chocolate Cake was actually developed by an American named Samuel German, and has nothing to do with Germany. He created the type of German chocolate that was traditionally used in the recipe. Nowadays, most German Chocolate Cake recipes are made with whatever type of chocolate you have on hand. This means it’s easy to enjoy any time of the year! (And no need for fancy imported chocolate 😉 ). This chocolate cake recipe is one I originally adapted from Hershey’s, and it’s one of my favorites! It’s rich and chocolatey without being overly sweet, it’s incredibly moist and it’s the perfect complement to the sweet coconut pecan frosting.
How to store German Chocolate Cake:
German chocolate cake can be left at room temperature for several hours until you serve it, but any leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator for the best results.
How to refrigerate cake:
You can store this German Chocolate Cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 4-5 days.
How to freeze cake:
It can also be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months — I prefer to slice it and freeze the slices in a large airtight container, that way I can pull out a slice or two when the cravings hit!
How to prep this German Chocolate Cake ahead:
If you know me at all, you know I love any recipe that can be made or prepped at least somewhat in advance. Toddlers make life unpredictable, and I’m never guaranteed an hour or two when I really need it. With make ahead recipes, I can choose to make them when I don’t have a child hanging off my leg 😉 I prefer to make my frosting the day I’m assembling, but cake freezes perfectly, so I’ll often bake my cake layers a few weeks before I need them, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and they can be frozen up to 3 months. The best part is you don’t have to thaw frozen cake to assemble! It is actually easier to frost when it’s frozen. You can make the entire cake the day before you need it, and just store in the refrigerator. If you choose to frost the sides, you don’t even need to cover it, and the cake will actually slice more easily when chilled.
More chocolate desserts you’ll love!
Frozen Hot Chocolate: 3 Ways No Bake Chocolate Cheesecake + VIDEO Mocha Chocolate Mug Cake Recipe + VIDEO Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
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