10+ Sweet-as-Sugar German Chocolate Recipes (2024)

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Bake a cake that would make mama proud. German chocolate cakes are known for being rich, indulgent cakes, so enjoy a slice with a glass of milk.

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Credit: Iain Bagwell; Prop Stylist: Heather Chadduck; Food Stylist: Ana Kelly

We've transformed a classic Southern cake into an over-the-top breakfast of German Chocolate Pancakes. Layer our homemade German Chocolate Syrup in between rich, chocolatey pancakes for a sweet stack that's sure to please. Garnish with white and dark chocolate shavings for the ultimate in presentation points.

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Credit: Randy Mayor; Styling: Cindy Barr

This creamy dessert is a twist on a family favorite. It's like having German chocolate cake, but in a more decadent, satisfying, and rich form. Reserve some whole pecan halves for a pretty garnish.

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Credit: Annie Campbell

This recipe is a combination of two favorite chocolate desserts: brownies and German chocolate cake. The fudge-y brownies allow the frosting's coconut flavor to shine, and are decadent without overwhelming the palate. We used a 9x13" baking pan, which yielded thinner brownies and a more even distribution of both the brownies and the frosting's flavor. An 8" or 9" square pan will give you thicker brownies and globs of frosting. In that case, you'll need to use a fork.

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Credit: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

Everyone will ask you for the recipe for these bars after just one bite! They're easy to make and everyone will love them at your next gathering or party.

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Credit: Aaron Kirk; Prop Styling: Sarah-Elizabeth Cleveland; Food Styling: Julia Levy

Sam German created the mild, dark baking chocolate called Baker's German's Sweet Chocolate in 1852; in the late 1950s, a Dallas newspaper published a recipe for German's Chocolate Cake. The dessert took the South by storm and has been a staple ever since.

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Enjoy the classic Southern cake in a martini glass with this sweet blend of Godiva Original Liqueur, Captain Morgan Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, and Smirnoff Black Cherry Vodka. Garnish with chocolate shavings for a hint of elegance.

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German Chocolate Bundt Cake is the result of a cross between two classic and delicious cakes. Drizzle generously with glaze and dig in to your new favorite dessert.

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Credit: Alison Miksch; Styling: Kim Phillips

Surprisingly, pecan pie is a relative latecomer to the Southern table. Recipes for milk-custard-based pecan pies can be found as early as 1886, but it wasn't until the 1930s when promotional recipes for a syrup-based pecan pie appeared on the labels of Karo syrup bottles that its popularity soared. Twenty years later, Marion Brown's landmark Southern cookbook proclaimed it "the South's most popular pie." Our latest twist? A stellar riff on the flavors of German chocolate cake, for which the Lone Star State also claims bragging rights.

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Credit: Yunhee Kim; Stylist: Alistair Turnbull/Pat Bates and Associates

Swapping in plain low-fat yogurt, egg whites, and fat-free evaporated milk helps cut the fat and calories in this lightened-up version of a traditional German chocolate cake.

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Credit: Oxmoor House

These one-bowl cookies are quick and easy! Starting with a box of cake mix allows you to spend more time choosing fun add-ins, like chocolate chips.

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Credit: Ryan Liebe

Like many pastry chefs, Ghaya Oliveira loves taking classic desserts, breaking them down into their components and reconfiguring them. This approach inspired Food & Wine Senior Test Kitchen Editor Grace Parisi to transform a traditional recipe for German chocolate cake into an elegant and incredibly delicious ice cream sundae.

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