Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Chocolate Dessert #111

This is yet another from my book of 365 Chocolate Desserts, which come conveniently numbered. I suppose that in theory one could go through the entire book in a year, numerically, but wouldn't that be an awful lot of calories to consume in one year? In any event, Sue just had eye surgery, and I felt the need to make this and post about it, so she'll have some inspiration for baking this weekend!

Chocolate Dessert #111:

GERMAN STYLE CHOCOLATE CAKE

1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk

2 cups sugar
3/4 cup cocoa powder
1 cup hot water

2 tsp vanilla extract
1-3/4 cups flour
1-1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder

In a mixing bowl, beat together the oil, eggs, buttermilk, sugar and cocoa powder until well combined, about 2 to 3 minutes. Beat in the hot water and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. Stir together the flour, baking soda and baking powder, and stir into the liquid mixture. Beat at high speed for 2 minutes. Pour into 2 layer pans, and bake at 350F for 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

This is the frosting recipe the cookbook gave:

COCONUT PECAN FROSTING

1 cup milk

1 cup cream
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 cups confectioners sugar
2 cups coconut
1-1/2 cups chopped pecan pieces

Cook all but the coconut and pecan pieces until the mixture thickens. Stir in the coconut and pecans. Cool the frosting before use.


Note that I made 1/4 this amount, and used it only as a filling between layers, because my gents are not huge fans of either coconut or nuts - indeed, most scoff at both said items! Foolish guys! Anyway, I used buttercream frosting for the top and sides of the assembled cake, and it was delightful. I actually had a small bit of this, and it was great.

Note that the cookbook points out that this is not the cake recipe found on the German Chocolate box, in case any of you use that brand of baking chocolate.

Note that tomorrow is Red Bandana Day over at the Portuguese Water Blog. Check here tomorrow for Thor sporting red, and over there to see all of Fudge and the pack's friends. Last year, there were 75 participants; I can't wait to see all of their friends decked out in their red finery this year!

11 comments:

Lapdog Creations said...

Oooh... the coconut pecan frosting is calling my name!

SissySees said...

I LIVE for German Chocolate cake, no matter how it is numbered...

gMarie said...

Like others before me - I love German Chocolate cake - and thankfully my menfolk love coconut and pecans. I *might* have to bake something. g

Diane said...

All these choclate recipes that keep popping up do nothing for my scales:( but this just looks delicious. Diane

Pam said...

Will you come to my house and bake me bread and dessert every day? You are the best mom!

Coconut pecan frosting makes me drool.

~~louise~~ said...

Oh my goodness!!! I know for sure that cake was a hit.

It sure has added "spice" to a rainy day in PA.

Thanks for brightening my day Marjie...

Red Bandana Day, I'm giggling already...

The Blonde Duck said...

I still can't believe you make dessert like this every day and have such a great figure.

pam said...

I can't wait to see Thor with his red on!

Really, you probably don't get to eat too much of your own desserts, do you?

Linda said...

I believe that frosting would go on a great many cakes!!

Chef Dennis Littley said...

I have that book...has my favorite chocolate decadence cake recipe!!
looks like you made a great cake!!
cheers Dennis

grace said...

aw, see, i would've doubled, nay, tripled the frosting--that's my favorite part! regardless, you made something special!
and man, i'd be a hippo if i ate even a portion of 365 chocolate desserts in a year. :)