German Chocolate Sheet Cake is one of those iconic desserts that never goes out of style. It’s rich, sweet, chocolatey, and topped with the most irresistible coconut-pecan frosting you’ll ever taste. And in many families—like mine—it’s more than a dessert… it’s tradition.
Whether it was Grandma’s signature recipe or your dad’s birthday request every year, this cake brings people together in the most delicious way. And despite the name, German Chocolate Cake isn’t from Germany at all—it’s actually named after Samuel German, the American chocolatier who developed the dark baking chocolate used in the original recipe. But honestly? It doesn’t matter where it came from—we’re just glad it exists.
This sheet cake version is quick, easy to serve, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Let’s dive into this sweet slice of nostalgia.
🎂 Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups white sugar
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup butter (1 stick)
- ½ cup shortening
- 4 oz German baking chocolate
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
- 3 egg yolks
- ¾ cup butter (1½ sticks)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1½ cups shredded sweetened coconut
- 1½ cups pecans, roughly chopped
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
🧁 Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Medium saucepan
- 10×15-inch sheet pan (jelly roll pan)
- Spatula for frosting
- Wire rack for cooling
German Chocolate Sheet Cake
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- medium saucepan
- whisk
- 9×13-inch sheet pan
- spatula
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 4 oz German baking chocolate
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 12 oz can evaporated milk
- 3 egg yolks
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
- 1 cup white sugar (for frosting)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1.5 cups shredded coconut
- 1.5 cups pecans, roughly chopped
- 1.5 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a 9×13-inch sheet pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, and cocoa powder.
- In a saucepan, combine water, butter, shortening, and German chocolate. Bring to a boil and stir until smooth. Pour into dry mixture and whisk to combine.
- Stir in buttermilk, baking soda, salt, eggs, and vanilla — one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 20–22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- To make frosting: In a saucepan, add evaporated milk, egg yolks, butter, white and brown sugars. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring frequently until thickened.
- Remove from heat. Stir in shredded coconut, pecans, and vanilla. Let frosting cool slightly.
- Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Chill for 1–2 hours before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
👩🍳 How to Make German Chocolate Sheet Cake
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
Grease a 10×15-inch sheet pan with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Cocoa powder
Set aside.
Step 3: Melt the Wet Ingredients
In a small saucepan, combine:
- Water
- Butter
- Shortening
- German chocolate
Heat over medium, stirring until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and pour into the dry ingredients. Whisk until well blended.
Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients
Stir in the following one at a time, mixing after each:
- Buttermilk
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
Mix until the batter is smooth and combined.
Step 5: Bake
Pour batter into the prepared sheet pan. Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool completely before frosting.
🍯 How to Make the Coconut-Pecan Frosting
Step 1: Cook the Base
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine:
- Evaporated milk
- Egg yolks
- Butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Stir frequently and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until the mixture thickens into a custard-like consistency.
Step 2: Add the Good Stuff
Remove from heat and stir in:
- Coconut
- Chopped pecans
- Vanilla
Let the frosting cool for a few minutes so it thickens slightly, then spread evenly over the cooled cake.
❄️ Chill & Serve
Place the frosted cake in the fridge for 1–2 hours to set the frosting and make slicing easier. Then serve chilled or at room temp—either way, it’s heavenly.
💡 Tips for the Best German Chocolate Cake
- Use room-temperature eggs and buttermilk for better mixing.
- Let the cake cool completely before adding the frosting, or it will slide off.
- Toast the pecans for an extra layer of nutty flavor.
- Want a shortcut? You can use a boxed German chocolate cake mix and just make the frosting from scratch!
🥄 Serving Ideas
This cake is perfect for:
- Birthday parties
- Potlucks or church gatherings
- Holiday dessert tables
- Or just because you need a sweet pick-me-up!
Serve it with a glass of cold milk, coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
❤️ Final Thoughts
There’s something timeless about a German Chocolate Sheet Cake. It’s rich and indulgent, but not overly sweet. The cake is moist and tender, the frosting is gooey and nutty, and together? They’re absolute perfection.
Whether you’re baking it for a birthday, a family dinner, or just to share a little love—this recipe is a keeper. Straight from Grandma’s recipe box (and maybe with a modern twist), it’s a celebration in every bite.
📌 Save, Share & Bake Again
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
✨ Pin it on Pinterest
📩 Share it with a friend who loves chocolate!
🖨 Print and tuck it into your recipe binder—it belongs there!
More Desserts You’ll Love:
- Classic Earthquake Cake
- Sopapilla Cheesecake
- Italian Love Cake
- Brown Sugar & Bacon Baked Beans (okay, not a dessert, but sweet-savory magic!)
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