Ingredients for Slow Cooker German Chocolate Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing dessert:
- 1 16.25-ounce box German chocolate cake mix (the shortcut to making a delicious cake base)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted (adds richness and moisture)
- 1 cup buttermilk (for a tangy kick and tender crumb)
- 1/2 cup chocolate syrup (enhances the chocolate flavor)
- 2 eggs (helps bind the ingredients together)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for that classic cake flavor)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (because more chocolate is always a good idea!)
- 2 15-ounce cans coconut-pecan frosting (the signature topping of a German chocolate cake)
- 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes (adds texture and flavor to the topping)
Directions to Make Slow Cooker German Chocolate Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker
Start by greasing the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with butter or cooking spray. This will ensure your cake doesn’t stick and makes cleanup much easier. Set the slow cooker aside.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the German chocolate cake mix, melted butter, buttermilk, chocolate syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer to beat everything together on high until the batter is smooth, and no lumps remain.
Step 3: Add Chocolate Chips
Once the batter is well combined, gently fold in the chocolate chips. The chocolate chips will melt into the cake as it cooks, adding delicious little pockets of melted chocolate throughout. Now, pour the batter evenly into the prepared slow cooker.
Step 4: Add the Frosting
Take one can of coconut-pecan frosting and spread it evenly over the cake batter, leaving about an inch of space around the edges of the slow cooker to prevent the frosting from overcooking. The frosting will melt into the cake as it cooks, creating a creamy, gooey layer.
Step 5: Add Coconut Flakes
Sprinkle sweetened coconut flakes over the frosting. This will give your cake that signature texture and flavor that makes German Chocolate Cake so irresistible.
Step 6: Cover and Cook
To prevent condensation from dripping onto your cake and ruining the texture, place a layer of paper towels across the top of the slow cooker. Then, cover it tightly with the lid. This step helps to absorb any excess moisture and keeps the cake moist without being soggy.
Set the slow cooker to high heat and cook for about 3 hours. Check the cake for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If it’s still a little wet, continue cooking for another 15-30 minutes.
Step 7: Add the Final Layer of Frosting
Once the cake is done, take it out of the slow cooker and spread the second can of coconut-pecan frosting on top. This layer adds a final rich and creamy touch to your cake, making it even more indulgent.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Spoon the cake into large serving bowls or onto plates, and for an extra special treat, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The combination of the warm cake, rich frosting, and cold ice cream is a match made in dessert heaven!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker German Chocolate Cake
- Easy to Make: You don’t need to be an expert baker to pull this off. The slow cooker does most of the work, and the ingredients are simple and easy to find.
- Perfectly Moist: The slow cooker traps the moisture inside, making sure the cake stays tender and soft—no more dry cake!
- Rich, Decadent Flavor: With layers of chocolate, coconut, and pecans, this cake is the ultimate comfort dessert.
- Minimal Cleanup: No mixing bowls full of ingredients or multiple pans to wash. The slow cooker makes cleanup a breeze.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving dessert, this cake is sure to impress.
Fun Fact About German Chocolate Cake
Did you know that German Chocolate Cake is not actually from Germany? It was named after an American baker, Samuel German, who created a type of dark baking chocolate for the Baker’s Chocolate Company back in 1852. The cake became popular after a recipe using this chocolate was published in a Texas newspaper in 1957, and it quickly became a favorite.
Quick Recap:
- Ingredients: German chocolate cake mix, butter, buttermilk, chocolate syrup, eggs, vanilla, chocolate chips, coconut-pecan frosting, and coconut flakes.
- Cooking Time: 3 hours on high heat in the slow cooker.
- Storage: This cake will keep for about 3 days at room temperature, or up to a week in the fridge.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
If you’ve been looking for an easy way to make a delicious German Chocolate Cake, this slow cooker recipe is your answer. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering or as a special dessert for any day of the week.