10+ Sweet-as-Sugar German Chocolate Recipes
Spoiler alert: German chocolate cake really isn't, well, Germanic at all. The name comes from the English-American creator of Baker's German chocolate: Samual German. German perfected his sweeter-than-semi-sweet chocolate product in the 1850s while working for Baker's Chocolate Company, but it wasn't until the mid-20th century that a Texas homemaker submitted her recipe for "German's Chocolate Cake" to The Dallas Morning News. The name was later changed to German Chocolate Cake--and the rest is history. Explore our collection of recipes for this classic cake, as well as modern twists on this much-loved flavor combo, such as our German Chocolate Brownies, German Chocolate Pancakes, German Chocolate Martini, and more.
Bake a cake that would make mama proud. German chocolate cakes are known for being rich, indulgent cakes, so enjoy a slice with a glass of milk.
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German Chocolate Pancakes
We've transformed a classic Southern cake into an over-the-top breakfast of German Chocolate Pancakes. Layer our homemade German Chocolate Syrup in between rich, chocolatey pancakes for a sweet stack that's sure to please. Garnish with white and dark chocolate shavings for the ultimate in presentation points.
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German Chocolate Mousse
This creamy dessert is a twist on a family favorite. It's like having German chocolate cake, but in a more decadent, satisfying, and rich form. Reserve some whole pecan halves for a pretty garnish.
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German Chocolate Brownies
This recipe is a combination of two favorite chocolate desserts: brownies and German chocolate cake. The fudge-y brownies allow the frosting's coconut flavor to shine, and are decadent without overwhelming the palate. We used a 9x13" baking pan, which yielded thinner brownies and a more even distribution of both the brownies and the frosting's flavor. An 8" or 9" square pan will give you thicker brownies and globs of frosting. In that case, you'll need to use a fork.
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German Chocolate-Pecan Pie Bars
Everyone will ask you for the recipe for these bars after just one bite! They're easy to make and everyone will love them at your next gathering or party.
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German Chocolate Cake
Sam German created the mild, dark baking chocolate called Baker's German's Sweet Chocolate in 1852; in the late 1950s, a Dallas newspaper published a recipe for German's Chocolate Cake. The dessert took the South by storm and has been a staple ever since.
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German Chocolate Martini
Enjoy the classic Southern cake in a martini glass with this sweet blend of Godiva Original Liqueur, Captain Morgan Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, and Smirnoff Black Cherry Vodka. Garnish with chocolate shavings for a hint of elegance.
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German Chocolate Bundt Cake
German Chocolate Bundt Cake is the result of a cross between two classic and delicious cakes. Drizzle generously with glaze and dig in to your new favorite dessert.
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German Chocolate-Pecan Pie
Surprisingly, pecan pie is a relative latecomer to the Southern table. Recipes for milk-custard-based pecan pies can be found as early as 1886, but it wasn't until the 1930s when promotional recipes for a syrup-based pecan pie appeared on the labels of Karo syrup bottles that its popularity soared. Twenty years later, Marion Brown's landmark Southern cookbook proclaimed it "the South's most popular pie." Our latest twist? A stellar riff on the flavors of German chocolate cake, for which the Lone Star State also claims bragging rights.
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Light German Chocolate Cake
Swapping in plain low-fat yogurt, egg whites, and fat-free evaporated milk helps cut the fat and calories in this lightened-up version of a traditional German chocolate cake.
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German Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies
These one-bowl cookies are quick and easy! Starting with a box of cake mix allows you to spend more time choosing fun add-ins, like chocolate chips.
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German Chocolate Cake Sundae
Like many pastry chefs, Ghaya Oliveira loves taking classic desserts, breaking them down into their components and reconfiguring them. This approach inspired Food & Wine Senior Test Kitchen Editor Grace Parisi to transform a traditional recipe for German chocolate cake into an elegant and incredibly delicious ice cream sundae.