Granny’s German Chocolate Cake

My father in law has a very special spot in his heart for the German Chocolate Cake his mom made him for his birthday growing up. Granny, as we all call her, is a killer cook. All the food from her kitchen is delectable. And if you’re in her house, buckle up, because there will never NOT be food available and she will always be encouraging you to eat. My favorite thing to do is jump in and join her, to try and learn something. Unfortunately, she lives far away from us, so sometimes, I learn her methods by way of my mother in law, who has graciously shared with me the recipe for that famous German Chocolate Cake.

Granny’s German Chocolate Cake

For the cake:

1 box Betty Crocker German Chocolate Cake mix — follow directions on box then add:

2 Tbsp all purpose flour (ONLY if baking at high altitude, may omit otherwise)

1 box Godiva instant chocolate pudding (my addition to original recipe)

1-2 Tbsp mayonnaise (Trust me, you will not taste it and you will never have a dry cake again)

Preheat the oven to 350 and bake in well greased 9 inch round pans for 25 minutes.

For the coconut frosting:

1 can of Borden’s Sweetened condensed milk

3 egg yolks

1/2 cup of butter (one stick)

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup Baker’s sweetened shredded coconut

1 small package of chopped pecans

*Have 1 can of evaporated milk on hand, in case frosting gets too thick

In a medium sized sauce pan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, 3 egg yolks, and stick of butter. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Cook for 5-6 minutes, then add vanilla. If too thick, you can add the evaporated milk. Add 1 cup coconut and small package of chopped pecans. Mix together until well combined. Using a spatula, spread gently onto first layer of cake, then add second layer and spoon frosting in dollops around the top, covering carefully so as not to pull up the cake layer with the frosting. It will be sticky!!

For the decorative chocolate frosting (optional):

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)

2/3 cup cocoa

3 cups powdered sugar

1/3 cup milk

1 tsp vanilla

Melt butter, stir in cocoa. Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, stirring as you go. Adjust milk for consistency, if needed. For decorator frosting, remember you want it to be a touch thicker. Stir in vanilla. Add to a piping bag with your desired tip and get creative!

“Lady the cake was soooo delish! Rave reviews!”