Decadent German Chocolate Coconut Pecan Roll Cake

This Decadent German Chocolate Coconut Pecan Roll Cake is a showstopper dessert that will impress everyone at your next gathering. Imagine rich, chocolatey cake wrapped around a creamy coconut-pecan filling that’s sweet, nutty, and irresistible. It’s like a German chocolate cake, but with a twist! The combination of moist cake, creamy filling, and the slight crunch from the pecans makes this roll cake a true indulgence. It’s the kind of dessert that’ll have people asking for seconds, so be prepared to share the recipe!

Why You’ll Love Decadent German Chocolate Coconut Pecan Roll Cake

• Showstopper Dessert: This cake is perfect for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or when you just want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.
• Rich Flavor: The decadent chocolate cake and the creamy, coconut-pecan filling are a match made in dessert heaven.
• Impressive Presentation: Rolling the cake gives it a beautiful, elegant look that will surely wow your guests.
• Customizable: Add extra pecans on top for some added crunch, or drizzle more chocolate ganache for a double-chocolate experience.
• Crowd-Pleasing: With a combination of flavors that everyone loves, it’s a dessert that’s bound to please both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this decadent dessert:

For the Cake

• All-purpose flour: The base of the cake, giving it structure and a light texture.
• Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder adds the rich chocolate flavor.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise, ensuring it’s fluffy and light.
• Baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder for a perfect texture.
• Salt: A pinch of salt balances out the sweetness of the cake.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the cake.
• Eggs: These provide structure and moisture to the cake.
• Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and helps keep the cake soft and tender.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the cake’s overall flavor.
• Buttermilk: Makes the cake moist and gives it a slight tang.
• Hot water: Adds moisture to the batter, helping to create a smooth consistency.

For the Coconut Pecan Filling

• Sweetened shredded coconut: The star ingredient, adding sweetness and chewiness.
• Pecans: Chopped pecans provide a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
• Egg yolks: The egg yolks help thicken the filling and create a custard-like texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the filling.
• Butter: Rich butter enhances the filling’s creaminess and richness.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle flavor to the filling.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s walk through the steps to make this Decadent German Chocolate Coconut Pecan Roll Cake:

Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 15×10-inch jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the cake.

Prepare the Cake Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Pour in the hot water and stir until the batter is smooth.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool the Cake

Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
While the cake is cooling, prepare the filling.

Make the Coconut Pecan Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened shredded coconut, chopped pecans, egg yolks, sugar, butter, and vanilla extract.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes a custard-like consistency, about 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Roll the Cake

Once the cake is cool enough to handle, turn it out onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar.
Carefully peel off the parchment paper.
Spread the coconut-pecan filling evenly over the surface of the cake.
Gently roll the cake up from the short end, using the towel to help with the rolling process.
Place the roll seam-side down on a serving platter.

Finish the Cake

Allow the cake to cool completely. Once cool, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with additional melted chocolate for a more decadent finish.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12-16 slices
Calories per serving: 340 kcal

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Decadent German Chocolate Coconut Pecan Roll Cake

This Decadent German Chocolate Coconut Pecan Roll Cake is an absolute crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion. Here are a few ideas to elevate the experience:

• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Serve a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgent dessert.
• As a Celebration Cake: This roll cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special event.
• Garnished with Fresh Berries: Add a pop of color and freshness by topping each slice with fresh raspberries or strawberries.

Additional Tips

• Make it Ahead of Time: You can make the cake the day before and keep it in the fridge. The flavors will deepen, and it’ll be even more delicious.
• Storage: Keep the roll cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 1 month.
• Decorate: For an extra special touch, garnish with whipped cream, chopped pecans, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?

A1: Yes, walnuts or almonds would work great as substitutes for pecans.

Q2: Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of unsweetened?

A2: It’s best to use unsweetened cocoa powder for the recipe, as it provides the best chocolate flavor without added sweetness.

Q3: How do I store leftover cake?

A3: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Q4: Can I make this cake without the coconut?

A4: You can make the cake without the coconut, but it will lose the signature texture and flavor of a traditional German chocolate cake. Consider using chopped pecans and chocolate ganache as a filling instead.

Q5: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A5: Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Q6: Can I freeze this cake?

A6: Yes, the cake freezes well! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Q7: How can I prevent the cake from cracking when rolling?

A7: Make sure the cake is slightly cooled but still soft when rolling, and use a clean kitchen towel to help with the rolling process. Be gentle and roll slowly to prevent cracks.

Q8: Can I add extra chocolate to the filling?

A8: Yes! You can melt some chocolate and stir it into the coconut-pecan filling for an even richer flavor.

Q9: How long does it take for the filling to cool down?

A9: The coconut-pecan filling usually takes about 15-20 minutes to cool to room temperature, depending on the room temperature.

Q10: Can I serve this cake warm?

A10: It’s best to serve this cake after it has cooled completely to allow the filling to set and the cake to maintain its shape. However, a warm slice with ice cream is also a delicious treat!

Conclusion

The Decadent German Chocolate Coconut Pecan Roll Cake is everything you want in a dessert: rich, indulgent, and impossible to resist. With its beautiful layers, creamy coconut-pecan filling, and moist chocolate cake, it’s perfect for any special occasion or when you want to spoil yourself. Try this showstopper for your next celebration and watch it disappear in no time!

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