This German Chocolate Sheet Cake is a rich, moist dessert that combines deep chocolate flavor with a creamy, coconut-pecan topping. Perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or simply satisfying a chocolate craving, this sheet cake is easy to make and sure to impress. Its soft, tender crumb paired with the sweet, nutty topping makes every bite irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Moist & Chocolatey – Soft chocolate cake layers packed with flavor.
Sweet & Nutty Topping – Coconut and pecans add texture and richness.
Simple & Easy – Minimal ingredients with straightforward steps.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for parties, holidays, or casual dessert.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup water
- 4 oz unsweetened chocolate
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan. - Make the Cake Batter
In a saucepan, melt butter with water and chocolate over medium heat. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Whisk in sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Gradually add flour, baking soda, and salt, alternating with buttermilk, mixing until smooth. - Bake the Cake
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cake to cool in the pan. - Prepare the Frosting
In a saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans. - Frost the Cake
Spread the warm frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Allow frosting to set before slicing and serving.

Nutritional Information
Calories: ~420
Protein: 5g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Sugar: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Tips for Success
- Use High-Quality Chocolate – Adds a richer flavor to the cake.
- Frost While Warm – Spread the coconut-pecan frosting while cake is still warm for best absorption.
- Cut Neatly – Chill slightly before slicing to keep pieces intact.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of moist chocolate cake and the sweet, nutty coconut-pecan topping creates a perfect balance of texture and flavor. The rich frosting complements the tender cake, making it a classic dessert that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
This German Chocolate Sheet Cake is a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s easy to make and full of rich, chocolatey flavor. With its moist cake base and decadent coconut-pecan topping, it’s perfect for celebrations or anytime you want a delicious, sweet treat.
German Chocolate Sheet Cake – Moist, Decadent, and Chocolatey
12-16
15
minutes30
minutes420
kcalA moist chocolate sheet cake topped with a creamy coconut-pecan frosting — rich, decadent, and perfect for celebrations or dessert.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup water
4 oz unsweetened chocolate
2 cups sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 large eggs
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk
For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:
1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup sugar
3 large egg yolks
½ cup unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups shredded coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan. - Make the Cake Batter
In a saucepan, melt butter with water and chocolate over medium heat. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Whisk in sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Gradually add flour, baking soda, and salt, alternating with buttermilk, mixing until smooth. - Bake the Cake
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cake to cool in the pan. - Prepare the Frosting
In a saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans. - Frost the Cake
Spread the warm frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Allow frosting to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use High-Quality Chocolate – Adds a richer flavor to the cake.
Frost While Warm – Spread the coconut-pecan frosting while cake is still warm for best absorption.
Cut Neatly – Chill slightly before slicing to keep pieces intact.