German Chocolate Sheet Cake

A rich, tender chocolate cake baked in a sheet pan and topped with the classic coconut–pecan frosting—perfect for parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.

Ingredients (Serves 12–15)

For the cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the coconut–pecan frosting:

• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 egg yolks
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Detailed Instructions

Make the cake

1. Preheat and prepare the pan
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease a 9×13-inch sheet pan or line with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients
   • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
3. Heat the cocoa mixture
   • In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter with water.
   • Bring just to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
   • Remove from heat and immediately pour over the dry ingredients.
4. Combine the batter
   • Stir until smooth and no dry pockets remain.
   • Add milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
   • Mix well until the batter is glossy and fully blended.
5. Bake
   • Pour batter evenly into the prepared pan.
   • Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

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Make the frosting

6. Cook the base
   • In a medium saucepan, whisk evaporated milk, sugar, and egg yolks.
   • Add butter and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 10–12 minutes).
   • The mixture should coat the back of a spoon.
7. Finish the frosting
   • Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
   • Fold in coconut and chopped pecans.
   • Let frosting cool slightly so it spreads easily.

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Assemble

8. Frost the cake
   • Spread the warm coconut–pecan frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
   • Allow to set for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

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Tips & Variations

• 🍫 Extra moist cake: Do not overbake—check at 28 minutes.
• 🥥 Thicker topping: Chill frosting 10 minutes before spreading.
• 🍰 Party-size: Double the recipe and bake in a larger sheet pan.
• ❄ Storage: Cover and store at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerate up to 4 days.