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Home › Recipes
40 Comments

Mamaw’s Famous German Chocolate Cake & Frosting

Stacey Pirtle

by Stacey Updated: Apr 14, 2023

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This post may contain affiliate links.

This uncommonly moist and indulgent German Chocolate Cake recipe uses my mamaw’s old fashioned, homemade coconut pecan frosting to create hands down, THE BEST German Chocolate Cake ever!  This classic chocolate cake is the perfect special occasion dessert and the star of every holiday!

Mamaw's German Chocolate Cake recipe focuses on a homemade caramel pecan frosting and a semi-homemade cake.

Growing up, German Chocolate Cake with its perfect marriage of sweet chocolate, chewy coconut and buttery pecans was always my mamaw’s favorite.  As a result, she made it her business to perfect the very best version to call her own. 

RELATED RECIPES: Hello Dolly Magic Cookie Bars, Chocolate Dipped Thumbprint Coconut Macaroons

She was dead serious about being unrivaled in the kitchen and could bake up a cake and have that thing frosted with deft precision in no time flat.  And just like all her recipes, her German Chocolate Cake really was the best around.

Why You’ll Love This German Chocolate Cake Recipe

Mamaw’s foolproof instructions take all the guess work out of her famous frosting and make it a snap to put together!  With a semi-homemade cake using a doctored cake mix, this is a no-fail dessert that your family and friends will ask for again and again!

This recipe is versatile too! You can use this frosting to top chocolate cupcakes or brownies or even a chocolate sheet cake!

German Chocolate Cake is a coconut pecan frosting with a thick, buttery caramel custard

What Is German Chocolate Cake Frosting Made Of?

Basically, German Chocolate Cake Frosting is a rich caramel custard ladened with sweet, chewy coconut and the crunch of buttery pecans. It’s an easy recipe made with evaporated milk, egg yolks, butter, sugar, shredded sweetened coconut and chopped pecans.

And if we’re honest, the frosting is what this chocolate cake is all about! Mamaw knew that. That’s why she spent her time perfecting the flavor and texture of her gooey sweet coconut pecan frosting and opted for a semi-homemade cake. She knew where to best spend her time!

And her frosting really was the secret to her German Chocolate Cake success! More a filling than a frosting, it is thick, rich and heavy with perfected goodness. “There’s no such thing as too many nuts (or coconut),” she would say any time she threw in an extra half cup or relished a forkful of her own creation. 

Slice of a layered German Chocolate Cake with coconut, pecans and caramel custard frosting

Is German Chocolate Cake from Germany?

Surprise, surprise! German Chocolate Cake isn’t a German dessert! It is an American-made treat, not named for a country but named for the chocolate used in the recipe.

In 1852, Samuel German, an American chocolate maker, created a dark baking chocolate for the Baker’s Chocolate Complany. The chocolate was named Baker’s German’s Sweet Chocolate in his honor.

105 five years later, German’s Chocolate Cake recipe using the baking chocolate was submitted by Mrs. George Clay to The Dallas Morning News and became a hit! Over time, the name has been shortened from German’s Chocolate Cake to just German Chocolate Cake.

ingredients for Homemade German Chocolate Cake Frosting with coconut, buttery caramel and pecans

What You Need To Make Mamaw’s German Chocolate Cake & Frosting

  • German Chocolate Cake Mix
  • instant chocolate pudding mix
  • sour cream
  • canola oil
  • eggs 
  • sugar
  • butter
  • evaporated milk
  • shredded or flaked sweet coconut 
  • chopped pecans
  • vanilla
How to make the custard for German Chocolate Cake Frosting
How to make & frost German Chocolate cake

How To Make The Best German Chocolate Cake

Bake the Cakes. Add sour cream, chocolate pudding, 8 eggs, water and canola oil to 2 boxes of German Chocolate Cake mix. Mix all the ingredients just until blended, then on medium for 2 minutes. Pour batter equally into 3 generously greased 9 inch round cake pans. Bake for 30 minutes and let cool.

Make the Frosting. While your cakes are baking, whisk together evaporated milk and 6 egg yolks. Add sugar, milk & eggs + butter to a large sauce pan on the stove top over low heat. Stirring constantly, melt butter and bring to a low boil. Cook while stirring for 12 minutes. Remove from the stove top and mix in vanilla extract, shredded coconut and chopped pecans.

Assemble the Cake. Place first round cake on cake stand or turntable. Generously spoon out â…“ of the frosting on to the cake. Carefully spread to the edges. Repeat with the rest of the cakes. Fill any gaps between the layers with any extra frosting. Leftover frosting can be added to the top.

tip for making the best german chocolate cake frosting
German Chocolate Cake with homemade frosting and a cake mix cake.

Why Isn’t My German Chocolate Frosting Thick Enough?

The caramel pecan frosting really is the star of this chocolate cake show, so it’s important to get it right! If your frosting isn’t thickening up, it is usually one of three reasons.

  1. The caramel custard wasn’t cooked long enough. It really does take TWELVE MINUTES of cooking and stirring over medium-low heat to get this filling to the right thickness. No shortcuts. The custard should be like a thick pudding before the coconut and pecans are added.
  2. The frosting also continues to thicken as it cools. So make sure the filling has cooled for at least 20 minutes before trying to assemble the cake.
  3. Did you follow Mamaw’s rule and add a few extra pecans and coconut?
Mamaw's Best Everr Chocolate Cake Recipe with coconut pecan frosting

Storing or Freezing German Chocolate Cake

I won’t lie, this is a BIG cake. 3 gorgeous layers, loads of decadent filling. It is perfect for birthdays, holidays, parties, potlucks, any time you need to feed a crowd. If you have leftovers, simply store them in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

German Chocolate Cake and its frosting also freezes really well with little to no change to its texture. I like to cut the leftover cake into individual slices, store them in air tight containers for up to 4 months. Not only does this make the cake easier to store, this also lets me pull out a slice or two of cake to thaw in the fridge whenever I need them.

Other Delicious Cake Recipes You’ll Love

  • Chocolate Buttermilk Texas Sheet Cake
  • Old Fashioned Coconut Ice Box Cake
  • Chocolate Devil’s Food Cake with White Chocolate Buttercream
  • Southern Salted Caramel Cake
  • Triple Layer Lemon Cake with Lemon Curd Buttercream
  • Orange Creamsicle Poke Cake

IF YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE, BE SURE TO LET ME KNOW!

RATE IT, LEAVE A COMMENT OR SNAP A PHOTO.

Tag me on Instagram at #southerndiscourse
Mamaw's Best Everr Chocolate Cake Recipe with coconut pecan frosting

Mamaw’s German Chocolate Cake

This deliciously moist, traditional semi-homemade cake uses my Mamaw's old fashioned frosting recipe to create the best German Chocolate frosting/filling loaded with coconut and pecans.
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes minutes
Servings: 12
Author: Stacey | SouthernDiscourse.com

Equipment

  • (3) 9 inch round cake pans

Ingredients

Cake

  • 2 boxes German Chocolate Cake mix
  • 2 3.4 oz boxes instant chocolate pudding
  • 16 ounces sour cream
  • 8 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups water
  • â…” cup canola oil

Frosting/Filling

  • 2 cups evaporated milk
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 6 large egg yolks
  • 1 cup butter
  • 2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 4 cups shredded or flaked sweetened coconut
  • 3 ½ cups chopped pecans

Instructions

Cake

  • Preheat oven to temperature specified on cake mix. Generously grease cake pans.
  • Add all ingredients for cake in a large mixing bowl and mix on low with stand or hand mixer just until blended, then on medium for 2 minutes.
  • Pour batter equally into the three cake pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes. Then, turn cakes out on cooling rack to cool completely.

Frosting/Filling

  • Whisk together eggs and evaporated milk in a large saucepan. Add butter and sugar and place on stovetop over medium low heat. Stirring constantly, melt butter and bring to a low boil. Cook while stirring for 12 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and add vanilla, ½ of coconut and ½ of pecans. Stir while cooling. Frosting will become thicker as it cools. Add rest of coconut and pecans. Mix well.

Assembly

  • Place first round cake on cake stand or turntable. Generously spoon out â…“ of the frosting on to the cake. Carefully spread outward to the edges. Repeat with the rest of the cakes. Use a spatula to smooth the sides of the frosting between the layers. Fill any gaps between the layers with any extra frosting. Left over frosting can be added to the top.
  • Cover and store any leftover cake at room temperature for 1 day or cover and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Video

Mamaw's Best Everr Chocolate Cake Recipe with coconut pecan frosting
Did you make my Mamaw’s German Chocolate Cake?Show me how it went! Share on Instagram, tag @southerndiscourse, and use the hashtag #SouthernDiscourse!
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This uncommonly moist and indulgent German Chocolate Cake recipe uses my mamaw's old fashioned, homemade coconut pecan frosting to create hands down, THE BEST German Chocolate Cake ever!  This classic chocolate cake is the perfect special occasion dessert and the star of every holiday!

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Filed Under: Desserts, Holidays, Recipes Tagged With: Christmas, holidays, party, Thanksgiving

Meet Stacey

Southern Discourse is a place where you can find southern family dishes, along with special recipes & table settings. Bringing connection & friendship back to the table by wrapping everything in the faith & grace from which true hospitality springs! Read More

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Trina MCPHERSON

    December 22, 2019 at 8:23 pm

    What size of cake pans do you use?

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      December 23, 2019 at 10:59 am

      Hi, Trina! I use 9 in round cake pans.

      Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      August 10, 2020 at 8:59 pm

      Hi, Christina! I am so glad the frosting tasted great and you loved the cakes! It really is a delicious recipe. I’ve never encountered the issue you describe. I do hope you make it again and let me know how it goes!

      Reply
  2. Gmaw

    January 28, 2020 at 1:16 pm

    I made this for my daughter-n-laws bosses birthday ( Doctor) yesterday and I am waiting for results! Looked good, it must have weighted 4 lbs. 3 layer 9in pans.

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      January 29, 2020 at 9:35 am

      Oh! I can’t wait to hear! Yes, it is quite a cake- all that filling and those layers. WOW!

      Reply
  3. Desiree

    May 5, 2020 at 12:50 pm

    Making this now! Do you allow the frosting to cool a bit before frosting?

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      May 6, 2020 at 11:54 am

      Hi, Desiree! Yes, I do. It should thicken as it cools too. I can’t wait to hear how your cake turned out!

      Reply
    • Nancy

      October 8, 2022 at 9:27 pm

      I’ve made this twice! I halved the cake recipe because I didn’t do the layers. I used a little bit larger than a 9 x 13. To stretch the cake I added cho chips. And I did not half the icing! So there was lots of yummy icing. And not too much! This was so good and a huge success!! Perfect icing in every way. Cake was wonderfully moist!!

      Reply
      • Stacey Pirtlestacey

        October 13, 2022 at 11:13 am

        Hi, Nancy! This is wonderful!! I am thrilled to hear that you used ALL of the icing… because after all, it IS the best part, right?! Love that you made it a 9×13 cake (and made it twice!). Perfect for so many occasions. Thank you for making and loving this cake!

        Reply
  4. KRISTIN

    June 20, 2020 at 9:18 am

    If the cake mx I found comes with pudding mix inside- would you still add more instant pudding mix?

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      June 20, 2020 at 12:33 pm

      Hi, Kristin! I probably wouldn’t since you don’t know how much is already included in the mix. You wouldn’t want to over do it! But that’s also a good reason to use the boxed cake mix without the pudding- that way you can control how much pudding or other ingredients you add for maximum tender moistness!

      Reply
  5. Lesa

    June 21, 2020 at 9:55 pm

    This cake is amazing! Very moist, not too sweet. I made it for my husband and father for Father’s Day and it was a hit.

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      July 1, 2020 at 11:53 am

      Hi, Lesa! That’s awesome! You’ve made my whole week! I am so glad they loved the cake. It is definitely The Engineer’s absolute favorite and for exactly the reasons you list!

      Reply
  6. Sherry Sanders

    February 17, 2021 at 12:16 pm

    Thank you for sharing this recipe! I usually don’t make a very good German Chocolate cake, but I was hopeful for this recipe! I have also never made a three layer cake. I want to say that this was the best cake I’ve ever made! It was moist and delicious! The frosting was also delicious! My family loved this! Wow!!! I used Godiva pudding mixes.

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      February 20, 2021 at 1:46 pm

      Hi, Sherry! You really made my day! This is just awesome! My mamaw was an excellent baker and maker of all kinds of extravagant desserts. I am so honored to share her recipes, tips, and tricks so others can share delicious desserts too!

      Reply
  7. Sherry Sanders

    April 21, 2021 at 3:55 pm

    Thank you for sharing this wonderful cake recipe! My family said this was the best chocolate cake they’ve ever eaten! I’ve made it for one son’s birthday, and now my daughter wants this cake for her birthday as well. Thank you so much!

    Sincerely,
    Loving This In Clinton, Utah.

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      April 22, 2021 at 1:52 pm

      Oh, Sherry! That makes me so happy to hear! It’s a birthday favorite at our house too. I am just tickled that everyone enjoyed it. My Mamaw would be too!

      Reply
  8. Katie

    May 8, 2021 at 10:06 am

    HI! I only have 8 inch cake pans. Would this work? and how long would I cook then?

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      May 22, 2021 at 12:45 pm

      Hi, Katie! Yes, this recipe would work with 8 inch pans. Just fill your pans as you normally would. You will have cake batter left over. You could make yummy cupcakes with it! Then bake your 8 inch cakes as directed using the toothpick test starting about 5-10 minutes before the end time. Remove your cakes from the oven when the toothpicks come out clean.

      Reply
  9. Sharonricheson

    August 2, 2021 at 1:54 pm

    Very moist. Wonderful

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      August 4, 2021 at 4:35 pm

      Hi, Sharon! I am so glad you loved this recipe and cake. It would make my mamaw smile, for sure!

      Reply
  10. Jackie

    October 21, 2021 at 3:34 pm

    Hi Stacey!

    Is it 2 cups of evaporated milk or 2 cans? I am going to make this for my uncle’s birthday this weekend and he loves German chocolate cake!

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      October 22, 2021 at 12:53 pm

      Hi, Jackie! It is 2 cups of evaporated milk. Happy birthday to your uncle! Send us a photo of your cake if you get a chance!

      Reply
  11. Krystal

    March 6, 2022 at 6:16 pm

    Moist and delicious cake! It was a hit!! I did use one box of pudding because the mix already had pudding in it. Highly recommend

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      March 7, 2022 at 3:25 pm

      Hi, Krystal! Fantastic! I am just tickled your cake was a hit. My mamaw would be super proud that people are still enjoying this recipe. Thank you so very much!

      Reply
  12. Rhonda

    June 28, 2022 at 11:11 am

    First you get a 5 star rating for many reasons! When I was little my grandma used to make me a German chocolate cake and homemade German chocolate frosting for my birthday. When she died we didn’t have the exact amount for the ingredients. I knew she make the cake from a box and doctored it up. So finding this recipe has helped fill a void of not being able to recreate my grandma’s special cake for me. My mom and I made this for my birthday this week. Perfect and it tastes exactly like my grandma’s…Except this one has an extra layer of Spectacular! Go BIG or Go Home!
    The cake is moist and delicious, the frosting is fantastic. I add some orange flavoring to the frosting. We love orange, coconut and caramel!

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      July 19, 2022 at 11:44 pm

      Rhonda, You have truly made my day. I. LOVE. EVERYTHING. about your comment. I am so honored to be a small part of your birthday and humbled that my Mamaw’s recipe helped you reconnect with your beloved recipe and memory with your grandma! For me, this is truly what good food is all about and why I share recipes. Happy birthday, sweet girl! You are awesome!

      Reply
  13. Kerry

    July 25, 2022 at 6:27 pm

    Can this be made in a sheet pan ?

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      July 26, 2022 at 11:57 am

      Hi, Kerry! It sure can! But because the recipe is written for a 3 layer caker, you will probably have batter and icing left over.

      Reply
  14. Carrie Knight

    August 20, 2022 at 10:38 am

    Very delicious and moist cake. I kept it simple by halving the recipe and baking in a 9×13 sheet pan. I only had 2 egg yolks for the frosting but no issues and used bourbon instead of vanilla (for an adult bday!) and it was really great. Will make again for sure.

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      August 22, 2022 at 7:35 pm

      Hi, Carrie! Love this!! Love a good 9×13 cake. So happy you had a great birthday celebration with this special recipe!

      Reply
  15. Josie Westbrook

    September 19, 2022 at 8:28 pm

    Hello can you use butter instead of canola oil

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      September 28, 2022 at 12:18 pm

      Hi, Josie! I have never used butter for this recipe before. In general, butter is a good substitute for vegetable and canola oil if melted and allowed to cool before using. The measurement amounts are the same whether you used oil or butter. If you try it, let me know! WOuld love to hear about it!

      Reply
  16. Aubrey

    November 22, 2022 at 2:02 pm

    My mom made the best German chocolate cake for my birthday’s when I was growing up. This recipe is better! Awesome is the word!! I made this for our fall festival cake walk at church. There were probably 100 cakes on the table. Mine was snagged up immediately and paid for. A donation to our childrens’ ministry. The raves about how good it was kept coming. I’m about to make another one for Thanksgiving! Thanks for the memories.

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      November 23, 2022 at 3:54 pm

      Aubrey, you have truly made my day! This is so awesome and absolutely what it’s all about! Couldn’t think of a better thing to do with this cake than bless others the way you have. Happiest of Thanksgivings to you and your family!

      Reply
    • Mary frieden

      January 25, 2023 at 11:33 am

      made the cake today…I cut the cake recipe in half but made the whole icing recipe. very pleased with the outcome! thanks for sharing.

      Reply
  17. Monica Reed

    March 20, 2023 at 7:04 pm

    I have made this twice now and it has become the family favorite. Will always be my go to recipe for GC cake

    Reply
    • Stacey Pirtlestacey

      March 23, 2023 at 11:17 pm

      Hi, Monica! I am so tickled to hear this, and I know my mamaw would be so pleased too! Thank you so very much.

      Reply
  18. Amy

    August 20, 2023 at 2:27 pm

    Easy to make. At first, I was intimated, but once I got started it was an easy recipe to follow.

    Reply
    • Stacey PirtleStacey

      August 20, 2023 at 11:45 pm

      Hi, Amy! Thank you so much! This makes my day!

      Reply

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Meet Stacey

Southern Discourse is a place where you can find southern family dishes, along with special recipes & table settings. Bringing connection & friendship back to the table by wrapping everything in the faith & grace from which true hospitality springs! Read More

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