German Chocolate Cake

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 325℉.

Step 2

Once preheated, spread one cup of pecans on a rimmed baking sheet and roast for eight minutes.

Step 3

Take out the baking sheet and sprinkle one cup of coconut flakes over pecans and return to the oven for two minutes to very lightly toast the coconut. Leave the oven at 325℉.

Step 4

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cream, egg yolks, butter, sweetener, and vanilla on medium, whisking constantly so it doesn't burn. Cook for about five minutes, or until it begins to thicken. It's done when it's reached the thickness of condensed milk. When it's ready, pour into a cool bowl so it stops cooking.

Step 5

Chop roasted pecans and coconut finely. Stir into the thickened mixture. Let it sit at room temperature for 90 minutes.

Step 6

Meanwhile, prepare the cake. Butter the sides and bottom of two small (8- or 9-inch) cake pans, then line the bottom of each pan with parchment paper.

Step 7

Chop the chocolate into small pieces and place it in a small bowl along with the butter. Microwave for 45 seconds, then stir. Everything should be melted. If not, put it back in for 15-20 seconds. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 8

Using a stand mixer or electric mixer, beat the eggs on low for 30 seconds, or until frothy. Then increase speed to high and beat about 5 minutes, or until light in color, and about tripled in volume.

Step 9

Mix all the dry ingredients together in a large bowl, then set aside.

Step 10

Pour the melted chocolate/butter mixture, as well as the vanilla and heavy cream, into the eggs and beat until combined.

Step 11

Fold in the dry ingredients gently. The mixture will lose some air.

Step 12

Pour evenly into the prepared pans and place on the center rack of the oven.

Step 13

Bake at 325℉ for 25-35 minutes, or until they are bouncy to the touch, and a knife comes out of them clean.

Step 14

Let cool completely.

Step 15

Turn cakes out of the pans. Put one on a serving plate and cover with half of the filling. Place the other cake on top and evenly spread on the remaining filling. Decorate with unroasted pecans and coconut and serve.

Step 16

Store any leftover cake in the fridge, but allow it to come to room temperature so that the filling softens before serving.