Preppy Kitchen’s German Chocolate Cake

Directions

For the Cake:

• 1)

  Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter and flour three (8-inch) round cake pans or lightly grease with baking spray. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.

• 2)

  In a large bowl, combine the chocolate and hot water. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and combined. Or melt in a double boiler over hot water, stirring until combined. Set aside.

• 3)

  In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

• 4)

  In a large mixing bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and 1 3/4 cups of sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

• 5)

  Add the eggs yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, beat in the vanilla extract. Add the melted chocolate mixture and beat until incorporated.

• 6)

  With the mixer on low speed, add a third of the flour mixture followed by half of the buttermilk. Repeat with another third of the flour, the rest of the buttermilk, and the final third of flour. Beat only until the ingredients are mixed together, and stop occasionally to scrape down the bowl.

• 7)

  In a separate bowl with clean beaters, beat the egg whites on high speed until thick and frothy. Slowly sprinkle in the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar. Beat until stiff peaks form, then gently fold the egg whites into the batter.

• 8)

  Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and smooth the tops.

• 9)

  Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops spring back when lightly pressed. Let the cakes cool in the pans on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully invert the layers onto the wire racks, remove the parchment paper, and cool completely.

For the Frosting:

• 1)

  In a medium saucepan, combine the sugars, milk, and egg yolks. Whisk to combine. Add the butter and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a spatula, until the butter melts and the mixture begins to boil and thicken, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in the chopped pecans, 4 cups of coconut, and vanilla extract. Add more coconut for a firmer, thicker frosting if desired. (I used 6 cups.) Let cool until spreadable, about 30 minutes.

For the Assembly:

• 1)

  Place on cooled cake layer on a cake stand and top with a third of the frosting. Spread the frosting just the the edge of the cake. Place another cake layer on top and repeat with another third of the frosting. Finish with the last cake layer and remaining frosting. Chill the cake for about 1 hour before serving, to allow the frosting to fully set. Cover and keep any leftovers refrigerated for up to 1 week.