Gluten Free German Chocolate Cake with Coconut-Pecan Frosting

Total time3 hr

Prep time45 min

Cook time45 min

Gluten Free German Chocolate Cake with Coconut-Pecan Frosting

Melted sweet chocolate and a moist, buttermilk-tender crumb make three gorgeous layers for this classic Southern favorite, with fluffy whipped egg whites folded in for extra lift. The real star is the coconut-pecan filling: evaporated milk, egg yolks, and butter cook down into a caramel-like custard, then get loaded with toasted pecans and sweetened coconut before being piled thick between each layer. True to tradition, the sides stay bare so that glossy, nutty frosting is on full display. It's rich, nostalgic, and built for a special occasion, with a texture that stays soft for days. This one is a great pick for a gluten free celebration cake, no flavor or presentation sacrificed.

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Ingredients

12 servings

For the cake

2 oz (56g) sweet baking chocolate, roughly chopped
½ cup boiling water
2 cups all-purpose flour
King Arthur Baking Company Gluten-Free Measure For Measure Flour Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 Baking Flour Pillsbury Best Gluten Free All Purpose Flour Blend - 24 Oz Bob's Red Mill Baking Flour, 1 to 1, Gluten Free King Arthur Gluten Free Measure for Measure Flour
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Chef's tip
Choose a gluten-free baking blend labeled 1:1 or cup-for-cup and use the same amount. Almond and coconut flour won't work the same way.
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, separated
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk

For the frosting

1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
4 large egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 ⅔ cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 ½ cups pecan halves, toasted and roughly chopped

Instructions

1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 9-inch round cake pans, line the bottoms with parchment paper, and grease the parchment.
2
Place the chopped sweet baking chocolate in a small heatproof bowl and pour the boiling water over it. Stir until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth, then set aside to cool to room temperature.

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