Gluten Free German Chocolate Cake Recipe

Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’m excited to share a delightful gluten free German chocolate cake recipe that perfectly balances rich chocolate flavors with a sweet coconut-pecan frosting.

This classic dessert, originally hailing from Texas, has been a favorite for generations, and my gluten-free twist ensures everyone can enjoy a slice without worry.

Hosting a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress. With its moist texture and decadent layers, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and create a delicious masterpiece that’s both satisfying and gluten-free!

How To Prepare Gluten Free German Chocolate Cake Recipe?

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: German-inspired

Yield: Serves 10-12

Equipment Needed

  • Two 9-inch round cake pans
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Spatula
  • Saucepan
  • Cooling rack

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 ¾ cups gluten-free flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum)
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute dairy-free milk with 1 tbsp vinegar)
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot water

For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:

  • 1 cup evaporated milk (or dairy-free substitute)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 egg yolks
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure the mixture is smooth and lump-free.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients:

In another bowl, beat the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix on medium speed until well combined.

4. Add Hot Water:

Slowly pour in the hot water, mixing as you go. The batter will be thin, but that’s what gives it its moist texture.

5. Bake the Cakes:

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

6. Make the Frosting:

While the cakes are cooling, prepare the coconut-pecan frosting. In a saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened (about 10-12 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Let the frosting cool before spreading.

7. Assemble the Cake:

Once the cakes have completely cooled, spread the coconut-pecan frosting over the top of one layer. Place the second layer on top and generously frost the top and sides of the cake.

Gluten Free German Chocolate Cake Recipe
Gluten Free German Chocolate Cake Recipe

Special Note

For a successful gluten-free German chocolate cake, using a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum is key.

It ensures the cake holds together and maintains a soft texture. Let the cake cool completely before frosting to avoid crumbling, and enjoy the same rich flavors without gluten!

Nutrition Facts Gluten Free German Chocolate Cake Recipe

Calories: 520

Fat: 28g

Carbohydrates: 63g

Protein: 7g

Fiber: 4g

Sugar: 45g

Serving Suggestions For Gluten Free German Chocolate Cake Recipe

1. Pair with Ice Cream:

For an extra indulgent experience, serve this cake with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream on the side.

2. Drizzle with Chocolate:

If you love chocolate, drizzle a little melted dark chocolate over each slice just before serving. It adds a rich flavor contrast.

Tips and Variations

1. Dairy-Free Option:

To make this cake dairy-free, substitute the buttermilk with your favorite non-dairy milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. For the frosting, use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk and vegan butter in place of regular butter.

2. Add Coffee:

For a deeper chocolate flavor, you can substitute half of the hot water with brewed coffee. The coffee enhances the chocolate without adding a coffee taste.

3. Nut-Free Version:

If you’re allergic to nuts, skip the pecans in the frosting and add more coconut for extra texture.

What Chocolate Is Good For Gluten-Free?

When selecting chocolate for gluten-free recipes, it’s best to choose high-quality dark chocolate, semisweet chocolate, or milk chocolate that is labeled gluten-free.

Brands like Ghirardelli, Scharffen Berger, and Enjoy Life offer certified gluten-free options. Always check the packaging for potential cross-contamination warnings, especially if the chocolate contains added ingredients like cookies or malt, which may contain gluten.

Unsweetened cocoa powder is also a great gluten-free choice for baking, ensuring you can enjoy rich chocolate flavors without worry!

What Is A Substitute For German Chocolate?

If you need a substitute for German chocolate, which is a sweet chocolate with a hint of caramel, you can mix semi-sweet chocolate and a bit of unsweetened cocoa powder.

For every ounce of German chocolate, combine 1 ounce of semi-sweet chocolate with 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder and 1 teaspoon of sugar.

This blend mimics the sweetness and flavor profile of German chocolate, making it a suitable alternative for baking.

Another option is to use dark chocolate with a touch of sugar, adjusting to your desired sweetness level!

Conclusion

This gluten-free German chocolate cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavor and texture that everyone can enjoy.

With its moist, rich chocolate layers and the irresistible coconut-pecan frosting, this cake brings joy to any occasion.

Gluten-sensitive or simply looking for a delicious treat, this recipe is sure to impress friends and family alike.

Whether for a special occasion or a simple treat, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. I encourage you to try this recipe and share it with loved ones—they’ll be amazed at how delicious gluten-free can be!  and enjoy every slice

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