German Chocolate Sheet Cake

Ingredients

Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups white sugar
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup butter (1 stick)
• ½ cup shortening
• 4 oz German baking chocolate
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Frosting

• 12 oz can evaporated milk
• 3 egg yolks
• ¾ cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 ½ cups shredded coconut
• 1 ½ cups pecans, roughly chopped
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla

Instructions

Cake Preparation

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a sheet pan to ensure the cake does not stick.
2. Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, white sugar, and cocoa powder. Mix well to ensure even distribution.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the water, butter, shortening, and German baking chocolate. Heat over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the hot chocolate mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Whisk until thoroughly combined.
5. Add Remaining Ingredients: Gradually stir in the buttermilk, baking soda, salt, eggs, and vanilla extract, ensuring each ingredient is well incorporated before adding the next.
6. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before applying the frosting.

Frosting Preparation

1. Cook the Frosting: In a medium saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, egg yolks, butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture has thickened.
2. Add Remaining Ingredients: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
3. Cool and Apply Frosting: Allow the frosting to cool slightly. Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
4. Chill and Serve: Chill the frosted cake in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to set the frosting. Slice and serve.

Enjoy your delicious German Chocolate Sheet Cake, perfect for any occasion!