German Sweet Chocolate Cake

Delicious fluffy moist cake with a caramelly, coconut, nut topping. A hit at my house.

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 4  ounces  German sweet chocolate (I have used good quality semi sweet)
• 1  cup boiling water
• 1  cup butter
• 1 3⁄4 cups sugar
• 4  egg yolks
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1⁄4 cups  sifted all-purpose flour
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1  cup buttermilk
• 4  egg whites, stiffly beaten

• Topping

• 1  cup evaporated milk
• 3  slightly beaten  egg yolks
• 1⁄2 cup butter
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1⁄3 cups flaked coconut
• 1  cup  chopped pecans

Directions

1. Melt chocolate in boiling water. Cool.
2. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
3. Add yolks one at a time beating well after each.
4. Blend in vanilla and chocolate.
5. Sift flour with soda and salt. Add aternately with buttermilk to chocolate mixture beating after each addition until smooth.
6. Fold in beaten egg whites.
7. Pour equal amounts into three 9-inch layer pans that have been buttered and floured.
8. Bake at 350F for 30 - 35 minutes.
9. Cool on wire rack.
10. Topping: Cook all ingredients except coconut and pecans. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened, about 12 minutes.
11. Then stir in flaked coconut and chopped pecans.
12. Makes about 2 1/2 cups.
13. Use to top and fill cooled layers.