Holidays » National Food Holidays » June 11th: National German Chocolate Cake Day

June 11th: National German Chocolate Cake Day

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Contrary to popular belief, the German Chocolate Cake is actually an American Creation that owes its name to its creator, Sam German. This toothsome treat offers layers of rich chocolate cake separated and topped with luscious coconut pecan frosting, is it any wonder it deserves its very own National food holiday?!

june-11th-national-german-chocolate-cake-day

National German Chocolate Cake day dates back to 1852 when Sam German first developed rich dark baking chocolate for the American Bakers Chocolate Company. The first recipe for German’s Chocolate Cake appeared in the Dallas Morning Star and sales of Bakers chocolate skyrocketed by a whopping 73%!

German Chocolate Cake

You’ll Need:
1/2 cup water
6 (1 ounce) squares German sweet chocolate
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups white sugar
4 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
2 1/2 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 egg whites
1 cup white sugar
1 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup butter
3 egg yolks, beaten
1 1/3 cups flaked coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon shortening
1 (1 ounce) square semisweet chocolate

Preheat oven to 350F Grease and flour 3 – 9 inch round pans.

Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a small saucepan, heat water and 6 ounces chocolate until melted. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

In a large bowl, cream 1 cup butter and 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in each of the 4 egg yolks, one at a time. Blend in the melted chocolate mixture and vanilla, mixing well.

Beat in the flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk, mixing just until incorporated, but don’t overmix as this will make your cake tough and chewy.

In a large mixing bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold 1/3 of the whites into the batter, then quickly fold in the remaining whites until no streaks remain.

Pour into 3 – 9 inch pans Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then turn out onto a wire rack.

Filling & Topping:

In a saucepan combine 1 cup sugar, evaporated milk, 1/2 cup butter, and 3 egg yolks. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat. Stir in coconut, pecans, and vanilla. Cool just until it is thick enough to spread.

Spread filling between layers and on top of cake. In a small saucepan, melt shortening and 1 ounce of chocolate. Stir until smooth and drizzle down the sides of the cake.

Happy National German Cake Day!

Photo Credit

Melissa 'Liss' Burnell, Founder of Budget101

👩‍🍳 About the Author

Melissa “Liss” Burnell is the founder of Budget101.com, a trusted frugal living resource online since 2001. With over 25 years of hands-on experience in meal planning, debt reduction, and DIY homemaking, she’s helped millions of families live well for less.

A mother of two, Liss first made waves by cutting her family’s grocery bill to under $200/month—then teaching others how to do the same. She is the author of two bestselling ebooks on feeding a family on a tight budget, available on Amazon.

📚 Learn more on the About page, or connect with Liss on Pinterest, Instagram, or Facebook.

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3 thoughts on “June 11th: National German Chocolate Cake Day”

  1. this has been our family’s favorite cake since the 70’s. It’s a must for birthdays.
    Don’t ever try the “box” version. It must be a scratch cake.

    Reply
  2. omg! this sounds like the recipe my mother used to bake for my dad. i thought i would never see this recipe again.

    i will bake it and let you know.

    Reply

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