Easy German Chocolate Cake from a Cake Mix

Dessert doesn’t get any easier than this recipe for German Chocolate Cake that starts off with a cake mix and homemade coconut pecan icing.

Easy German Chocolate Cake from a Cake Mix Recipe

Do you love chocolate as much as I do? If you answered yes, then you are going to love this recipe for Easy German Chocolate Cake from a Cake Mix with Homemade Pecan Coconut Icing.  The name alone sounds delicious, right?

If you’ve been a follower of my blog for any amount of time, you’ll know that I love a good recipe that starts out with a cake mix.  They’re just so easy!  By adding a few extra ingredients to this box of chocolate cake mix, you get an amazing recipe that really does taste homemade.

What is German Chocolate Cake

So where exactly did German Chocolate Cake originate from?  As a child I always thought Germany because, well, my dad was from Germany and he liked this cake.  But German Chocolate Cake was created in 1957 by a homemaker in Texas.

Yes, Texas!  Apparently the chocolate she used was developed by Samuel German for the American Baker’s Chocolate Company and they named the chocolate after him, Baker’s German’s Sweet Chocolate.

This recipe is right on time because June 11th is National German Chocolate Cake Day.  Fun, right?  So make sure you print out the recipe below.

How to Make German Chocolate Cake

The cake couldn’t be more easier.  You can use any type of cake pan, but I love a bundt cake pan. Makes the cakes look so pretty.  There are many different designs you can purchase too with a bundt cake pan.  Just make sure you coat them really well with non-stick cooking spray.  Trust me on this okay?

Prepare the cake mix according to the directions on the box.

Then add in the coconut and chopped pecans.

Add the cake batter into the bundt cake pan that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.

Bake the cake for around 30 minutes.  But watch closely and test it with a toothpick to make sure it’s cooked all the way through.

A traditional German Chocolate Cake doesn’t have this layer of chocolate frosting on it, but I like the look the additional chocolate gives to the cake.  I love these silicon baking cups for melting.  You can easily handle them when the contents are extremely hot and you can squeeze them to help pour.

Homemade Pecan Coconut Icing

Wait a few minute for the chocolate frosting to cool or harden a bit before pouring the homemade coconut pecan icing on top.

Yes, I drizzled more melted chocolate frosting on top too!  And then added a few more chopped pecans.  It also helps to use a baking rack making clean up easy.

Now, wouldn’t you like a piece?

4.75 from 4 votes

Print

Easy German Chocolate Cake from a Cake Mix

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

30 mins

Total Time

45 mins

 

An easy recipe for German Chocolate Cake that starts off with a cake mix and homemade coconut pecan icing.

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Cake Mix Recipe, Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix; prepared according to directions
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut

For the Icing:

• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut
• 1 container of prepared chocolate frosting

Instructions

For the Cake:

1. Once the cake has been prepared according to the directions on the box, add the 1/2 cup chopped pecans and 1/2 cup shredded coconut into the batter. Stir until combined.
2. Pour the batter into a bundt pan that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
3. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
4. After the cake has cooled for a few minutes, remove from the pan to continue cooling on a baking rack that is on top of a baking sheet. Meanwhile, prepare the icing.

For the Icing:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, butter and vanilla over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes or until it has thickened.
2. Stir in the additional 1/2 cup of chopped pecans and 1/2 cup of shredded coconut.
3. Melt 1/2 cup of the prepared chocolate frosting in the microwave for 10 seconds or so. You want to be able to pour the frosting, but you don't want it completely melted, so be careful.
4. Pour the melted chocolate frosting on top of the cake allowing the frosting to drip down the sides.
5. Allow the frosting to cool and a little before pouring the pecan coconut icing on top. Allowing the pecan coconut icing to drizzle down the sides of the cake as well.
6. Then drizzle more of the melted chocolate frosting on top.
7. Allow the frosted cake to cool before slicing and serving.

Recipe Notes

You won't use all the chocolate frosting and you may have extra of the pecan coconut icing.

Make sure you put the baking rack on top of a baking sheet so you don't have a mess on your hands when you are pouring the icing on top of the cake.

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