Step 1 of 12
Buttermilk German Chocolate Cake
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
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Step 2 of 12
Buttermilk German Chocolate Cake
Spray two 8- or 9-inch round cake pans liberally with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
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Step 3 of 12
Buttermilk German Chocolate Cake
Place the granulated sugar, canola oil, eggs, coffee, buttermilk, sour cream, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Whisk until combined and smooth.
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Step 4 of 12
Buttermilk German Chocolate Cake
Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt into the bowl. Whisk until the ingredients come together in a smooth batter.
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Step 5 of 12
Buttermilk German Chocolate Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
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Step 6 of 12
Buttermilk German Chocolate Cake
Bake the cakes on middle rack of oven until a toothpick inserted in the centers comes out clean, 28-33 minutes.
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Step 7 of 12
Buttermilk German Chocolate Cake
Check to see that cakes are done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.
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Step 8 of 12
Buttermilk German Chocolate Cake
Allow cakes to cool in pans for 15-20 minutes.
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Step 9 of 12
Buttermilk German Chocolate Cake
To release each cake, run a knife between cake and pan. Turn each cake onto a cooling rack. Allow to cool for 1-2 hours before frosting and serving. While the cakes cool, prepare the coconut-pecan frosting.
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Step 10 of 12
Buttermilk German Chocolate Cake
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, half-and-half, and egg yolks, and whisk until the mixture is thoroughly combined. Bring to a low boil. Whisk steadily until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
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Step 11 of 12
Buttermilk German Chocolate Cake
Remove pan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla, salt, cinnamon, coconut, and chopped pecans. Transfer the frosting to a large mixing bowl. Refrigerate the frosting until it is cooled and thickened to a spreadable consistency, 30 minutes to 1 hour.
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Step 12 of 12
Buttermilk German Chocolate Cake
To assemble, spread a thick layer of coconut-pecan frosting over one layer of the cooled cake. Place the second cake layer on top, and spread with another thick layer of frosting. Frost the sides of the cake, if desired, or leave bare. Refrigerate until ready to serve.