German chocolate sheet cake: 7 reasons to love this treat

Name: German chocolate sheet cake: 7 reasons to love this treat
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup shredded coconut; 1 cup chopped pecans; 1 cup sweetened condensed milk

octobre 15, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh, let me tell you about the delightful origins of German chocolate sheet cake! Despite its name, it doesn’t actually come from Germany but rather from a man named Sam German who created a dark-baking chocolate for Baker’s Chocolate Company back in the 1850s. This cake is a true celebration of rich, moist chocolate goodness, topped with a heavenly coconut pecan frosting that’s just to die for! I mean, who can resist that sweet, nutty crunch paired with a soft, chocolaty base? It’s a dessert that brings everyone together, from birthdays to casual weeknight treats. Trust me, once you try this German chocolate sheet cake, you’ll be hooked for life!

Ingredients for German Chocolate Sheet Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this luscious German chocolate sheet cake. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty straightforward!

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
1 cup shredded coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup sweetened condensed milk

Make sure to gather everything before you start, and trust me, using fresh ingredients will make all the difference in the flavor. Let’s get baking!

How to Prepare German Chocolate Sheet Cake

Alright, let’s get this delicious German chocolate sheet cake baking! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering dessert in no time. Ready? Let’s dive in!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab your sheet pan and grease and flour it. This will help your cake slide right out later!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good whisk to ensure everything is well blended.
Now, add in the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat this mixture on medium speed for about 2 minutes until it’s smooth and creamy. You’re looking for that luscious batter texture!
Next, carefully stir in the boiling water. This will make your batter super thin, but don’t worry! It’s supposed to be that way—just mix until it’s nice and smooth.
Pour the batter into your prepared sheet pan. It should spread out evenly. Pop that beautiful cake in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
While the cake is baking, let’s get that frosting ready! In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir this mixture as it thickens up, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
Once the frosting has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly while your cake finishes baking.
When the cake is baked to perfection, take it out of the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. This usually takes about 1 hour. Once cool, spread that divine coconut pecan frosting generously over the top.

And there you have it! A gorgeous German chocolate sheet cake ready to impress your friends and family. Enjoy every slice and the smiles it brings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This German chocolate sheet cake is not just any dessert; it’s a delightful experience that will have you coming back for seconds! Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore making (and eating) this cake:

Quick preparation time: You can whip this up in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute celebrations or just a sweet craving!
Delicious taste: The combination of rich chocolate flavor with the sweet, nutty coconut pecan frosting is simply irresistible.
Unique texture: The moistness of the cake paired with the crunchy, chewy frosting creates a delightful contrast you won’t forget.
Generous servings: This recipe yields 12 slices, so there’s plenty to share—or keep all to yourself (no judgment here!).
Simple ingredients: Most of the items are pantry staples, meaning you likely won’t have to make a special trip to the store.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, potluck, or a cozy night in, this cake fits right in!

Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this German chocolate sheet cake is a beloved classic. It’s hard to resist a slice (or two) of this decadent treat!

Tips for Success with German Chocolate Sheet Cake

Alright, friends, let’s make sure your German chocolate sheet cake turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips for success that’ll help you avoid any common pitfalls and ensure a delicious outcome:

Measure Carefully: Baking is a science, so make sure you’re measuring your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale if you have one—trust me, it makes a huge difference!
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want it light and fluffy!
Check Your Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary quite a bit, so it’s wise to use an oven thermometer. If your cake seems to be cooking too quickly or slowly, adjust the time accordingly.
Let It Cool Completely: Patience, my friend! Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting. If it’s even a little warm, the frosting might melt right off!
Frosting Consistency: When making the coconut pecan frosting, let it cool just slightly so it thickens up nicely. If it’s too hot, it won’t stick to the cake well, and if it’s too cool, it’ll be hard to spread.
Storage Matters: If you have leftovers (if you can resist), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep the cake moist and delicious for days!
Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative! A drizzle of chocolate ganache or a sprinkle of extra pecans on top can take this cake to the next level.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to baking the most scrumptious German chocolate sheet cake anyone’s ever tasted. Have fun and enjoy the process!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve got this mouthwatering German chocolate sheet cake ready to go, it’s time to think about how to serve it! Here are some delightful pairing ideas that’ll elevate your dessert experience:

Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top adds a light, airy contrast to the rich cake and frosting.
Ice Cream: Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream. The creaminess complements the chocolate beautifully!
Coffee: A cup of strong, dark coffee or a creamy latte pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cake, balancing out the flavors.
Milk: You can’t go wrong with a classic glass of cold milk! It’s the perfect match for any chocolate dessert.
Fruit Salad: A side of fresh fruit salad adds a refreshing touch and helps cut through the richness of the cake.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle some chocolate sauce over the top for an extra indulgent treat—because why not add more chocolate?

Feel free to mix and match these suggestions to suit your taste! Enjoying your German chocolate sheet cake with any of these delightful accompaniments is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, so you’ve got some leftover German chocolate sheet cake (if that’s even possible!). Here’s how to store it so it stays just as delicious as the first slice:

Storage: Place any leftover cake in an airtight container. This is key to keeping it moist and flavorful! You can also cover the cake directly with plastic wrap if you don’t have a container handy.
Room Temperature: The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Refrigeration: If you want to keep it longer, feel free to pop it in the fridge. It’ll last up to a week there. Just know that the frosting might firm up a bit, but it’ll still taste amazing!

Now, if you’re ready to enjoy a slice again, here’s how to reheat it without losing that lovely texture:

Microwave: Pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will warm it up nicely without drying it out—just keep an eye on it!
Oven: For a more even reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the slice on a baking sheet, and warm it for about 5-10 minutes. This method will keep the cake moist and revive that fresh-baked flavor.

And just like that, you can enjoy your German chocolate sheet cake days after you’ve baked it! Trust me, it’s still just as scrumptious the next day (or even the day after that!).

Nutritional Information for German Chocolate Sheet Cake

Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this scrumptious German chocolate sheet cake! Remember, these values are estimates based on typical ingredients, so they can vary a bit depending on what brands you use or if you make any substitutions. But here’s a rough breakdown per slice (assuming the cake yields 12 slices):

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 200mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 30g
Protein: 4g

So, while this cake is definitely a treat, it’s also packed with that rich chocolate flavor you crave. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share the love (and maybe a slice or two) with friends and family!

FAQ about German Chocolate Sheet Cake

Got questions about this delicious German chocolate sheet cake? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common inquiries and my answers to help you along the way:

Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of unsweetened cocoa powder, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa instead. It’ll give the cake a slightly different flavor, but still delicious!

What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries! You can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and voilà—you’ve got buttermilk!

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Definitely! This cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just make sure to store it properly in an airtight container.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just ensure it has a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best texture.

Can I add other toppings?
Of course! Feel free to get creative. Chopped chocolate, caramel drizzle, or even fresh berries can add a fun twist to your cake.

How do I store the leftovers?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for about a week. Just be sure it’s well covered to keep it moist!

Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.

What’s the best way to serve it?
I love serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top! It balances the richness of the cake perfectly.

Hopefully, these answers will help you as you embark on your baking adventure! Enjoy every moment of creating this delightful German chocolate sheet cake, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any more questions!

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Sur moi

Bonjour, je m'appelle Julia, je suis le cœur de Vihaad Recettes et une passionnée de bonne cuisine. Mon amour pour la cuisine a commencé dans mon enfance, inspirée par les délicieux repas de ma grand-mère. Aujourd'hui, je partage des recettes savoureuses qui rassemblent les gens à travers le plaisir de manger ensemble.