Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a smooth, glossy frosting base.
Evaporated Milk: Adds creamy thickness and helps achieve a luxurious frosting texture.
Butter: Delivers rich, velvety flavor and helps stabilize the frosting.
Egg Yolks: Contribute to a silky, custard-like frosting consistency.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
For Topping and Texture:
Flaked Coconut: Adds tropical sweetness and delightful chewy texture.
Chopped Pecans: Provide crunchy contrast and nutty depth to the frosting.
Tools You’ll Use for German Chocolate Bundt Cake
Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining cake ingredients smoothly.
Electric mixer: Perfect for beating batter to creamy consistency.
10-inch bundt pan: Crucial for creating the classic cake shape.
Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness by testing center.
Saucepan: Needed for cooking coconut pecan frosting.
Wire rack: Allows cake to cool evenly after baking.
Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
Spatula: Great for folding chocolate chips and spreading frosting.
Instructions for Baking a German Chocolate Bundt Cake
Oven Magic
Cake Pan Preparation Kitchen surfaces ready for deliciousness with a light coating of grease and flour inside a classic Bundt pan.
Batter Blending Combine chocolate cake mix, pudding powder, creamy sour cream, vegetable oil, water, and eggs into a smooth, luscious mixture. Gently fold in chocolate morsels for extra decadence.
Baking Adventure Transfer cake batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly. Slide into a warm oven and let delicious transformation happen for about 50-55 minutes until a clean toothpick tells you it's perfect.
Frosting Creation In a saucepan, dance sugar, milk, butter, and egg yolks together over gentle heat. Stir constantly until the mixture transforms into a thick, luxurious coating. Remove from heat and welcome vanilla, coconut flakes, and nutty pecan pieces.
Final Flourish Carefully release cake from pan onto cooling rack. Once completely cooled, drape the rich, creamy frosting across the cake's surface like a delectable blanket of sweetness. Slice and savor every incredible bite of this decadent dessert.
Sweet Tips for the Best Bundt Cake Results
Frosting Flavor Boost: Enhance the classic coconut pecan frosting by toasting the pecans and coconut beforehand, bringing out deeper, nuttier flavors that will make your cake extra special.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cake and frosting a day in advance. Store the cake covered at room temperature and refrigerate the frosting separately, then assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh and delicious.
Decorative Drizzle Delight: For an elegant touch, drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the frosted cake. This adds a beautiful visual appeal and introduces an extra layer of rich, decadent flavor that guests will love.
Storage Smart Tips: Keep leftover cake covered at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Pro tip: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent the cake from drying out.
Creative Mix-Ins: Experiment by adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a splash of bourbon to the cake batter for a unique twist on the classic German chocolate flavor profile.
How to Serve German Chocolate Bundt Cake
Dessert Pairing Paradise: Complement the rich German Chocolate Bundt Cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. The cool, creamy texture beautifully balances the cake's decadent chocolate and nutty frosting.
Coffee Companion Corner: Serve alongside a steaming cup of dark roast coffee or a smooth espresso. The robust coffee flavors wonderfully enhance the cake's deep chocolate notes and cut through its sweetness.
Elegant Presentation Perfection: Garnish each slice with a light dusting of cocoa powder or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes. Arrange the cake on a beautiful cake stand for a stunning dessert centerpiece that will impress guests and make the treat look even more tempting.
Weekend Brunch Delight: Transform this cake into a spectacular brunch dessert by pairing it with fresh berries or a citrus fruit salad. The bright, tangy fruits provide a delightful contrast to the cake's rich, indulgent flavors.
German Chocolate Bundt Cake Storage Details
Smart Storage Solutions: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, protecting its moist texture and preventing it from drying out.
Refrigeration Strategy: When topped with coconut pecan frosting, store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
Freezing Technique: For longer-term enjoyment, wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add frosting just before serving to maintain optimal taste and consistency.
Slice and Save Hack: Cut individual slices and place them in separate sealed containers or wrap in plastic wrap. This method allows easy grab-and-go portions while keeping the remaining cake fresh and preventing unnecessary exposure to air.
This classic German chocolate bundt cake delights palates with rich cocoa and coconut-pecan frosting. Chocolate enthusiasts and home bakers can savor this traditional dessert that promises comfort and indulgence in each slice.
Prepare Oven: Position rack centrally and preheat to 350°F. Thoroughly spray a 10-inch Bundt pan with non-stick coating to prevent adherence.
Mix Batter: Combine German chocolate cake mix, chocolate pudding mix, sour cream, vegetable oil, water, and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Blend with electric mixer until achieving a smooth, silky consistency. Delicately fold in semisweet chocolate chips, ensuring even distribution without deflating the batter.
Bake Cake: Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing the surface to eliminate air pockets. Bake for 50-55 minutes, verifying doneness by inserting a toothpick that emerges clean. Rest cake in pan for 10 minutes to stabilize structure.
Create Frosting: In a saucepan, merge sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a thick, creamy blend. Remove from heat, infuse with vanilla extract, then incorporate flaked coconut and chopped pecans. Allow frosting to cool until spreadable.
Finish and Serve: Carefully invert cake onto a wire rack, permitting complete cooling. Generously spread coconut pecan frosting across the cake’s surface, allowing it to cascade down the Bundt cake’s distinctive ridges. Slice and present this decadent German Chocolate Bundt Cake, ready to delight friends and family with its extraordinary flavor and visual elegance.
Notes
Rack Positioning: Center the oven rack to guarantee uniform heat distribution and consistent baking results.
Pan Preparation: Thoroughly spray Bundt pan with non-stick coating to prevent cake from sticking and ensure easy removal.
Mixing Technique: Use electric mixer at medium speed to blend ingredients smoothly, creating a silky batter without overmixing.
Frosting Consistency: Continuously stir frosting while cooking to prevent burning and achieve a perfect creamy texture that coats the cake beautifully.
Dietary Planning, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education, Content Development
Education
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice.
Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating.
Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.
Emily Roberts
Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist
Expertise
Dietary Planning, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education, Content Development
Education
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating.
Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.