From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...Over time, I've collected many recipes and lots of ideas from Taste of Home magazine. The recipe for this cake, originally called Chocolate Lover's Delight, was developed by Sandra Hackney and it appeared in the magazine about a year ago. It's a wonderful cake and the recipe featured below is the one that was published in the magazine. What I want to talk about, however, is how the processes of making this delicious cake can be simplified. I have never found that German chocolate produces especially flavorful cakes. As a matter of fact, I think cake layers made with this type of chocolate are merely colorful vehicles for highlighting the tastes of other fillings and frosting. I've made this cake several times now, and I can tell you with certainty, that the icing is what sets this cake apart from others you may have tried. The secret to this cake is found in its grace notes, not in its layers. With that in mind, I decided to try the cake using a German chocolate cake mix. I made the cake following directions on the back of the box, save for the fact that I used three, rather than two, 9-inch cake pans to hold the batter. I've found that doing this eliminates the need to split layers once the cake has cooled. This of course alters baking time. Mine take about 20 minutes to bake, but timing is a fickle thing and you'll want to watch your layers carefully. The almond flavor in the finished cake comes from almond extract, so I've also decided to eliminate the ground almonds used to sprinkle on the layers. They add cost, not flavor, to the finished cake and have no texture that might make their use worthwhile. In the interest of transparency, I must tell you that I made extra icing, increasing the recipe by 1/2, to assure discernible layers and complete coverage of the cake for its photograph. I hope that, in its original or simplified form, you'll give this cake a try. It is really delicious. Here's the original recipe.
German Chocolate and Cocoa Cream Cake ...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite courtesy of Sandra Hackney
Ingredients:
Cake Layers
1-1/2 cups sugar, divided
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup canola oil
2 eggs, separated
2 ounces German sweet chocolate, melted
1 3/4 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Frosting and Filling
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1/3 cup baking cocoa
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 cup Creme de Cacao
1/2 cup ground almonds
Directions:
1) Grease and flour two 9-in round cake pans; set aside. In large bowl, beat 1 cup sugar, buttermilk, oil, egg yolks, and melted chocolate till blended. Combine flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and baking soda; gradually beat into sugar mixture till blended.
2) In large bowl with clean beaters, beat egg whites till soft peaks form. Gradually beat in remaining sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high till stiff peaks form. Fold into batter.
3) Transfer to pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-22 minutes or till a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
4) For frosting, beat cream, powdered sugar, cocoa, extract, and remaining salt till stiff peaks form.
5) Cut each cake horizontally into two layers; brush layers with cream de cacao. Place bottom layer on a serving plate; top with 1/2 cup frosting and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons almonds. Repeat layers twice. Top with remaining cake layer. Spread remaining frosting over top and sides of cake; sprinkle remaining almonds over the top. Yield: 10-12 servings.
You might also enjoy these recipes:
German Chocolate Cake - Lisa Is Cooking
German Chocolate Mousse and Valentine's Cookies - Nutritious Eats
German Chocolate Cake Macarons - Wives with Knives
German Chocolate Pie: Grannie's Recipe - Cooking with K
German Chocolate Cupcakes with Coconut Almond Icing - Barbara Bakes
Small German Chocolate Cake - Cookie Madness
Death By German Chocolate Brownie-Cookie - It's A Big Cookie, Dude
German Chocolate Ice Cream Cake - Sugar Plum Blog
What is German's Chocolate? - Baking Bites
German Chocolate Cake Brownies - Baking Bites
104 comments :
I have resolved to eat less sugar starting March 1st. This is not helping that resolve!
We have a family birthday this weekend and I'm trying to narrow down the cake selection - I'll add this to the list!
This is a gorgeous cake!! YUM:)
I promised myself that I will start to bake more and I think you have inspired me to fulfill that promise Mary.. thanks!
all your recipes are soo amazing ! and specially your cakes and the frosting you do on them ! love love them..
I love the layers in your cake Mary, it's gorgeous.
This would make a perfect birthday cake, I know I would be happy to blow out the candles on top of this beautiful cake;-)
Another lovely cake Mary... but who is eating all these cakes that you are making!!
This is beautiful! Makes me feel like chocolate cake :)
That is an AMAAAAAAZING looking cake! It'd even give the bakeries of OZ a run for their money ...
Have a wonderful day!
Looks heavenly! German chocolate is my absolute fave, and my Dad's, and my son's. So, I will definitely be trying this one. Thanks for sharing1
the cake look so lovely and thank you for the tips! im not good at layering cake and would try to avoid it. now, i would like to give it a try and you gave good recommendation about it (:
may i know what's Creme de Cacao? thank you!
I love your post. For some reason, I've been hunting for a good/new chocolate cake for about 2 weeks. This looks PERFECT!!
This looks just so delicious, I should not be reading posts like this first thing in the morning.... I am going to be thinking chocolate cake all day! Take care Diane
This looks very delicious and perfectly done !
That chocolate cake looks delightful.
2nd picture is making me very tempting to finish off the whole cake.. awesome..yummy..
wow, this cake looks so yummy~ :)
How clever to use 3 cake pans instead of 2 to eliminate splitting the cake (to me, it's hard to get an even layer). I'll definitely follow your advise and try to make this cake. It looks perfectly delicous!
I'm hosting the Culinary Smackdown Battle on my blog. This month's theme is COOKIES! (it doesn't have to be a new creation, you can use a previous post on your site too) Would you please join us for the fun? I have some cool prizes waiting too.
Amy
http://utry.it/2011/03/culinary-smackdown-battlecookies.html
You are really awesome......the perfection in the layers is breath-taking...... Loved it
Tht piece of cake does look Awesome Mary !
You know me Mary, I am dying for chocolate! This is ideal for me!
I could eat this for breakfast if only I could reach into the computer with my fork.
Irresistible cake, lovely frosting!
Mary, Mary....This cake is a piece of Heaven...THe cake, the cream, the whole package is just Perfect!!!
Loved it.....
Can you save a piece for me please???
Blessings,
Rita
This looks divine!!! :)
I'm with Ronda; I resolved to eat a bit more healthy starting today... this cake is a big temptation! LOL! Looks delicous and thank you for the "shortcuts". I always like the "improvements" you have. Blessings ~ Tanna
Beautiful cake. It sounds so delicious too!
Who would ever turn down a cake where the icing is the hero? In fact, I know some people who believe that cake is just another vehicle to enjoy ample amounts of icing!
One perfect bite, this site is called. But with that cake, it should be, 87 perfect bites! Because that's about how many I'd take before they tore me away from this cake!
What a beautiful cake. Looks wonderful! Plus, the icing looks really delicious!
Awesome cake! It's "One Perfect Slice" and I wish I had some right now!
Mary - thank you for posting a German chocolate cake that doesn't use flaked/ shredded coconut - I have been looking for such a cake. This looks absolutely lovely.
I may even bend and have a nice thick slice Mary:D
Any German chocolate cake I've been served had coconut in the frosting. Not a huge coconut fan so I always disliked the cake. This is one that I will definitely want to try! Thanks for the tips on making it more simple.
Beautiful German chocolate layered cake and with that almond cocoa cream frosting...gosh you have inspired me to bake this for my next birthday :) Thanks Mary for sharing this delightful cake with us...no wonder it was named Chocolate Lover's Delight :) Lovely cake !
Have a nice day,
Elin
I love the way you look at recipes . . . what really works, what doesn't. What adds cost, but not flavor . . . you are like our own cooking scientist and we all get to benefit from your work. Thanks, Mary.
Fondly,
Glenda
yummy cake and delicious frosting...
I really want to try this fantastic cake...THANKS for recipe...hugs, Flavia
Oooh, I've bookmarked this beautiful cake! I love making layer cakes and this looks absolutely delicious. You are so talented! I really love to see what new gem is on your blog each day. :)
What a fabulous recipe! I've got to start really cooking again! I love the extra icing part! I always try to do that well! You inspired me to make a version of Chicken Picata the other night! I will post my version later! I was so good! Thanks for the idea! Will definitely be making this cake soon as we have 6 birthdays within the next 2 weeks! Have a great day! Carolyn
This cake looks wonderful! Thank you for the tips and info. I would usually have my cake plain, and I have always prefer fresh cream icing than buttercream icing. This icing sounds great, almost similar to my favourite fresh cream icing. Thanks for sharing this. Have a lovely day!
Simply beautiful! I need a good chocolate cake! Thanks!
Nicely done, and its good to taste more of the cake and less of the icing. Just tasting more of the patty and less of the bun in a burger:)
simply gorgeous! you are truly inspirational!
Lacking words to describe! so much drooling now
Wow, this cake look so tempting!
The frosting does look incredible, Mary. I'm intrigued: it seems to have a lot of body and hold itself quite well in the cake, yet it's only whipped cream with sugar and cocoa. Definitely going to try it out!
I think I love the layers the most on this cake. It looks smooth and light, and I bet it tastes just as good.
I love your honesty and I'll be trying the simplified version too. I've spent a lot of time as well making scratch cakes that didn't quite live up to their billing but an incredible frosting or filling did. I'm with ya' on this one.
Mary, chocolate and almonds are such a lovely combination and this cake looks exceptionally delicious! Hope you are having a nice day :o)
I love all of the layers in this cake! The combination of almonds and chocolate also sounds delicious!
Oh my this looks delicious!
Oh, this looks just delicious!!!! I do love Taste Of Home, and have subscribed to it from time to time. I do find that most frosting recipes skimp, and am glad you made the extra frosting. I usually try to make about half more, too. Of course that would have NOTHING to do with my constant licking the bowl and spoon and taste testing!
Looks far too good to eat!!!
Oooo, I'll bet that frosting is so light and creamy. Dangerous. You probably can't guess that it is so rich. ☺ I kept my Taste of Home subscription for 18 years before I finally decided to let it lapse this year. That's a whole lot of magazines with great ideas to sift through!
Oh my goodness I know I am on a sugar high just looking at your photos. Chocolate is my favorite food.
I know I am doomed seeing your blog full of yummy recipes. Now I will have to learn how to cook and not get away with my hit or miss attitude.
Your blog is a good read.
My, my, my. Man, that looks---and sounds---gooood. I'm tryin' to diet, but your blog isn't helpin' much!
Your photos make me want to eat everything you make! I'm starring this recipe in my Reader!
Mary your cake look delicious!
This cake looks so pretty and those layers...Wow!
Oh my Mary, this cake and a cup of good coffee and who could ask for anything more.Blessings, Catherine
Oh how lovely, Mary! The creamy filling looks SO good. I've been dying for a good piece of chocolate cake, and even though I can't eat this one, I am inspired. :-)
Chocolate cake looks delectable and heavenly! I am tempted to have a slice..:-)
Mary, this cake looks delicious, love the idea of almond and chocolate all together...beautifully done ;-)
I actually rashly like german chocolate cake because it's not overpowering in its chocolateness.
Ah Mary - this is indeed one perfect bite of a cake recipe.
I've read so much about this cake but have never actually tried it! Looks gorgeous!
That cake is absolutely stunning, and the flavors sound wonderful together. Very nicely done!
I love german chocolate cake....have never had it without the coconut frosting....this sounds very good..
Do you ever escape the kitchen? I'll bet your husband just loves to come in and see whats in the oven!
Oooo! That is a beauuuutfffiulll cake, Mary! Stunning!
Mary xx
Delightful Bitefuls
How perfectly you have sliced the cake, I always mess up when I try to slice it. Beautiful delicious cake.
I'm usually an icing girl to begin with and this one sounds downright dreamy! I love the changes you've made to this cake. Using the cake mix makes it just a bit easier for us!
oh wow! what a cake! can I have a slice?
Chocolate and almonds are two of my FAVORITE flavors/ingredients and when put together = Heaven!
Interesting (but when I think about it seems so very true) that the crushed almonds wouldn't add much flavor to such a cake. Good advice as they can be $$$! Thanks Mary :)
What a gorgeous cake! I must admit I've never been a German cake fan for the reasons you mentioned -- it never seemed to have quite enough flavor. Your variation may be enough to win me over!
I agree with you about the taste of German chocolate. Your cake looks absolutely divine.
I so appreciste your insight into substitutions and why. I must admit this looks mighty fine and loooks like it would nourish the winter spirit.
chocolate heaven! this looks wonderful!
I left you the stylish blogger award on my blog. I'm sure you have received this many times but you greatly deserve it for your beautiful blog! You can view the award on my blog at http://www.ryanbakes.com/2011/03/stylish-blogger-award.html
This looks delish and I don't see
any coconut! Yea!
Happy Wednesday.
Melinda
Wow! What a delicious looking cake! Thank you for stopping by and leaving the encouraging words, hugs and blessings.
This cake is like two cakes in one~amazing.
I am dying to try that frosting! It sounds divine. What a beautiful cake and ... my confession to you is that I secretly love box cakes! :-)
Great idea to use 3 pans so you don't have to split the layers. It looks fabulous! Thanks for linking to my cake.
Sometimes a frosting highlights and cpomplements a fabulous cake and sometimes the cake does the same for the frosting. But this is one fabulous cake and frosting and it looks and sounds as if both are so delicious and work together as one. Beautiful Mary. x
I love the way you make this chocolate cake! i wish I could have that slice now!
Ben would melt into a puddle of joy if I made this.
What a splendid chocolate cake! The frosting makes the cake really irresistible.
Beautiful job on this. The icing does look like the star of the show. Yummy.
Now I'm craving a big slice of this cake... the almond cocoa cream sounds absolutely divine. And - thank you for your beautiful words of encouragement on my blog. Have a lovely day! x
What I will defintely take away from this recipe is the decadent frosting...especially with the almond factor. I also always did prefer frosting with whipped cream.
My sweet tooth is on its way to your place Mary. LOL
Ciao for now,
Claudia
I really need to start baking more!!!! My husband and children all love sweets, but I've never had much of a "sweet tooth". Your cake looks really good!
Dear Mary look amazing! I really love this type of cake, I want an slice please!! xxgloria
Gorgeous frosting on this cake! And gorgeous layering between the cakes too! *love!
I like the photo of the individual slice of this cake - it's pointing at me and is about to jump into my mouth :) Looks delicious!
Beautifull cake!!!
loved it.
Have a nice day.
kisses
Hélia
Yum. I love the combination of chocolate and almonds.
Wow Mary, this looks fantastic! Chocolate layer cake is one of my favourite things, and what a pretty cake this one is :)
Oh That looks fabulous creation! I so would like to invite you to participate in the cake event I have happening on my blog - Please check out details here
Look forward!
http://priyasnowserving.blogspot.com/2011/02/announcing-second-guest-event.html
Love and dedication just shine from your slice of cake Mary! Thank you for sharing :)
This cake, with its luscious filling and frosting, is quite tempting. I'm wishing for a slice right now. :)
Hi Mary,
Love your blog. Thanks so much for linking back to mine! This cake looks delicious! Thanks for stopping by. :)
Melanie
Fabulous recipe! Next week I have to prepare something for a friend's dinner and as we all are chocolate lovers, it is ideal!
Thank u!
Tiene un corte fantástico y si está tan buena como parece... Tengo que probarla. Besos.
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