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German Chocolate Cake Roll: Decadent Coconut and Pecan Filled Dessert Recipe

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4.4 from 72 reviews

This German Chocolate Cake Roll is a decadent dessert featuring a light and airy cocoa sponge cake rolled with a rich, creamy coconut and pecan filling, topped with a luscious semisweet chocolate ganache. Perfect for celebrations or a special treat, this recipe balances the flavors of chocolate, coconut, and nuts in an elegant rolled cake format.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour (90 g)
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder (25 g)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 4 large eggs (room temperature)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar (150 g)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp milk

Filling

  • 1 cup evaporated milk (240 ml)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar (150 g)
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (115 g), cubed
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • ¾ cup chopped pecans

Ganache and Garnish

  • 120 g (4 oz) semisweet chocolate, chopped
  • ½ cup heavy cream (120 ml)
  • 1 tbsp butter (optional, for shine)
  • Extra shredded coconut (for garnish)
  • Whole or halved pecans (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 10×15-inch (25×38 cm) jelly roll pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the delicate cake.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined to ensure a light sponge.
  3. Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the room-temperature eggs with granulated sugar until the mixture is thick, pale, and has tripled in volume, about 5 minutes. This step is key for an airy texture.
  4. Add Vanilla and Milk: Gently fold the vanilla extract and milk into the beaten eggs. Then sift the dry ingredients over the mixture and carefully fold them in until just combined, preserving the batter’s airiness.
  5. Spread Batter and Bake: Evenly spread the batter into the prepared jelly roll pan. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the cake feels springy to the touch, indicating it’s cooked but still soft and pliable.
  6. Roll the Warm Cake: While still warm, invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel dusted lightly with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment paper and roll the cake up gently with the towel, starting from a short end. This helps set the shape and prevents cracking later.
  7. Cool the Cake: Allow the rolled cake to cool completely in this rolled shape to maintain its flexibility for easier filling later.
  8. Prepare the Coconut-Pecan Filling: In a saucepan, whisk together evaporated milk, granulated sugar, and egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened, about 8–10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in butter, vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Let the filling cool until spreadable.
  9. Assemble the Cake Roll: Gently unroll the cooled cake and spread the coconut-pecan filling evenly over its surface. Then carefully roll the cake back up tightly and place it seam-side down on a serving platter to keep the roll intact.
  10. Make the Chocolate Ganache: Heat the heavy cream until just simmering. Pour it over the chopped semisweet chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes to melt. Stir the mixture until smooth and glossy. Stir in optional butter to add extra shine.
  11. Finish and Garnish: Pour the ganache evenly over the cake roll, smoothing it with a spatula. Garnish with extra shredded coconut and whole or halved pecans for texture and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs to achieve the best volume when beating.
  • Rolling the cake while warm prevents cracking and makes it easier to handle.
  • The filling must cool to spread easily without melting the cake.
  • Optional butter in the ganache adds a glossy finish but can be omitted for a less rich topping.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for best freshness.

Keywords: German Chocolate Cake Roll, Coconut Pecan Cake Roll, Chocolate Roll Cake, Coconut Pecan Filling, Chocolate Ganache Dessert

Find it online: https://platedbyemma.com/german-chocolate-cake-roll-decadent-coconut-and-pecan-filled-dessert-recipe/