German Chocolate Sheet Cake

Ingredients

Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 stick of butter
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 4 oz. German baking chocolate
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Frosting:

• 12 oz can evaporated milk
• 3 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup grated coconut
• 1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Cake Preparation:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a sheet pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and cocoa powder.
3. In a small saucepan, combine the water, butter, shortening, and German chocolate. Heat over medium until the mixture reaches a boil.
4. Pour the boiling mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk until the batter is smooth and well-blended.
5. Add the eggs, baking soda, buttermilk, salt, and vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and bake for 20 to 22 minutes. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.

Frosting Preparation:

1. In a medium-sized pot, combine the evaporated milk, egg yolks, butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Heat the mixture and bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
2. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the mixture thickens.
3. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, pecans, and coconut.
4. Allow the frosting to cool slightly before spreading it over the cooled cake.
5. Let the cake chill for 1 to 2 hours before serving.

Enjoy this classic and beloved family dessert!