German Chocolate Cake

My mom used to make this cake a lot when we were growing up but she used a cake mix. Now days it is better to make your own cake from scratch due to the high number of trans fats hidden in those mixes. My girlfriend, Angela, is celebrating her birthday tomorrow and I'm in charge of the cake. This happens to be her favorite. Happy Birthday Angela, eat all you want there's not a single trans fat in this baby.

Serves 12

4 oz of semi sweet German chocolate
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup of buttermilk
1/2 cup hot water with 1 teaspoon instant espresso dissolved in it
1 cup softened butter
5 large eggs
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/4 cups cake flour

Coconut Pecan Frosting
1 1/4 cups chopped pecans
1 cup sugar
1 cup evaporated milk
3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
1 stick of butter, cubed
1 1/2 cups sweetened coconut
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Preheat the oven to 350. Spray 3 9 inch round cake pans with baking spray. In a small bowl place the german chocolate and melt in the microwave. Set aside. In a small bowl, stir together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and soda. Set aside. In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar until soft and fluffy about 3-5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time and mix until combined. Add the melted chocolate, vanilla, and the coffee mixture. Turn off the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Continue to mix until well combined. With the mixer running on low, add half of the flour mixture followed by half of the buttermilk. Finish with the flour and buttermilk. Mix until just combined. Divide the cake batter evenly among the 3 pans. Smooth the surface with an off-set spatula. Gently drop the pans on the counter to even out the batter. Place in the oven and bake 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool. Meanwhile prepare frosting

Coconut Pecan Frosting

In a medium saucepan combine the sugar, milk, egg yolks, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, and when the mixture begins to boil and thicken, remove from the heat. Stir in the chopped nuts, vanilla, and coconut. Let cool until spreadable
To assemble, Place one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread on a layer of frosting on the top of the cake layer only.Do not frost the sides. Top with a second cake and spread on another layer of frosting. Finish with the last cake and frost the top with the remaining frosting.