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Gluten Free German Chocolate Cake

Gluten-Free German Chocolate Cake Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 475

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup (120g) gluten-free 1:1 flour blend, containing xanthan gum
  • 3/4 cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) buttermilk
  • 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1 can (12oz / 354ml) evaporated milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (120g) sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup (110g) chopped pecans
  • 4 oz (113g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp whole milk

Method
 

  1. Whisk together the gluten-free flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  2. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in the eggs and vanilla. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing just until combined.
  3. Divide the batter between two greased and parchment-lined 8-inch pans. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-28 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely.
  4. In a saucepan, whisk the brown sugar, butter, egg yolks, and evaporated milk over medium heat. Simmer 10-12 minutes until thickened, then stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans. Cool until spreadable.
  5. Melt the chocolate and butter together, then whisk in the milk to make a pourable glaze.
  6. Spread half the cooled filling over one cake layer, top with the second layer, and cover the top with the rest of the filling. Spread the glaze around the sides, leaving the coconut-pecan top exposed.

Notes

The filling needs at least 30 minutes to cool and thicken before you can spread it, so plan for that additional time. The cake layers must be fully cool before assembling or the filling will slide off. Store any leftovers covered in the fridge and let slices come to room temperature before serving.