Description
Experience a light and airy chocolate sponge paired with the iconic, caramelized crunch of a homemade coconut-pecan filling. This recipe elevates the American classic through traditional techniques like whipped egg whites for a truly refined texture.
Ingredients
- 4 oz German’s Sweet Chocolate
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/3 cups sweetened flaked coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease, flour, and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- Melt the chocolate in boiling water, stir until smooth, and set aside to cool.
- Cream 1 cup butter and 2 cups sugar until fluffy, then beat in 4 egg yolks one at a time.
- Stir in the vanilla and cooled chocolate mixture until uniform.
- Combine flour, baking soda, and salt, then add to the batter alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour.
- In a clean bowl, beat the 4 egg whites until stiff peaks form and gently fold them into the batter using a spatula.
- Divide the batter evenly into pans and bake for 35 to 40 minutes; cool in pans for 10 minutes before moving to wire racks.
- For the frosting, cook evaporated milk, 1 cup sugar, 3 egg yolks, 1/2 cup butter, and vanilla in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until thickened (about 12 minutes).
- Stir in coconut and pecans, let the frosting cool until spreadable, then assemble the cake layers with frosting in between and on top.
Notes
For the best results, ensure your mixing bowl for the egg whites is completely free of any fat residue to achieve maximum volume. If the coconut-pecan filling is too thin after cooking, allow it to cool completely at room temperature; the natural fats will help it reach the perfect spreadable consistency.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American