Dreamy German Chocolate Coconut Pecan Roll Cake Recipe

Chocolate lovers swoon over this German chocolate coconut pecan roll cake that combines rich, decadent flavors in every single slice.

Layers of tender cake mingle with silky smooth filling, creating a dessert that sings with tropical nutty notes.

Pecans and coconut dance across the surface, promising an irresistible texture in each bite.

The rolled design adds elegance to this classic German-inspired treat, making it a showstopper at any gathering.

Delicate swirls of chocolate cream peek out from between soft cake layers, tempting even the most discerning sweet tooth.

Crafted with precision and love, this cake transforms an ordinary dessert moment into a celebration of flavor.

Prepare to indulge in a culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Save and Plan for German Chocolate Coconut Roll Cake

• Freshness Preservation Strategies: Wrap the cake roll tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out in the refrigerator.
• Smart Storage Spot: Keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, ensuring maximum flavor and texture retention.
• Temperature Management: Allow the cake to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the filling and enhance its creamy texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cake roll up to 2 days in advance, storing it carefully in the refrigerator to save time during event preparation or gatherings.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 305 kcal

Servings: 12

Must-Haves for German Chocolate Roll Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides delicate structure for light, airy sponge cake texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich, deep chocolate flavor and dark color.
• Baking Powder: Helps cake rise and creates soft, tender crumb.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Egg Yolks: Creates rich, smooth consistency and adds luxurious golden color.
• Egg Whites: Provides airiness and helps cake achieve delicate, fluffy texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create stable cake structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to chocolate flavor.

• Evaporated Milk: Creates creamy, smooth base for traditional German chocolate filling.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps binding filling ingredients.
• Shredded Coconut: Introduces tropical texture and sweet, nutty flavor.
• Pecans: Provides delightful crunch and classic Southern-style nuttiness.
• Heavy Cream: Creates silky, glossy chocolate glaze.
• Chocolate Chips: Delivers intense chocolate coating with smooth melting properties.
• Powdered Sugar: Used for dusting and creating decorative finish.

Kitchen Gear for German Chocolate Coconut Roll Cake

• Electric Mixer: Essential for whipping egg whites and beating egg yolks to achieve the perfect cake texture.
• Jelly Roll Pan (10×15-inch): Crucial for creating the thin, even sponge cake base.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps easy cake removal from the pan.
• Kitchen Towel: Helps roll the warm cake without cracking.
• Medium Saucepan: Needed for preparing the coconut pecan filling.
• Sifter: Ensures smooth, lump-free dry ingredients.
• Spatula: Helps fold ingredients gently and spread batter evenly.
• Mixing Bowls: Used for separating and mixing cake ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements are key to successful baking.

Bake German Chocolate Roll Cake Like a Baker

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F and get a jelly roll pan ready with parchment paper. This sets the stage for your delicious adventure.

• Create Cake Magic

Whip egg yolks and sugar into a dreamy, pale mixture. Gently fold in fluffy egg whites and dry ingredients until everything looks smooth and gorgeous. Spread the batter evenly across the pan.

• Bake and Roll

Slide the pan into the oven for 12-14 minutes. Once baked, immediately transfer the cake onto a sugar-dusted towel and roll it up while warm. Let it cool completely in its cozy towel wrap.

• Craft Decadent Filling

In a saucepan, simmer evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter until thick and creamy. Stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans. Allow the filling to cool down to room temperature.

• Assemble With Love

Unroll the cooled cake and slather on the luxurious coconut pecan filling. Roll the cake back up tightly, creating a stunning spiral of deliciousness.

• Optional Chocolate Finish

Melt chocolate with heated cream until silky smooth. Drizzle this liquid gold over your cake for extra indulgence.

• Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for an hour, then slice and enjoy your masterpiece. Sprinkle extra coconut or pecans on top for a beautiful presentation.

Tweaks and Ideas for German Chocolate Coconut Roll Cake

• Baking Precision Tricks: Use room temperature eggs for better volume and smoother cake batter integration.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the roll cake up to 2 days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator for convenient serving.
• Gluten-Free Transformation: Swap regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to accommodate wheat-sensitive guests.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Replace pecans with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for those with nut allergies, maintaining similar crunch and texture.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute evaporated milk with coconut milk and use dairy-free butter alternative to create a completely plant-based version of the dessert.

Serve Up German Chocolate Roll Cake Right

• Decadent Dessert Pairing: Serve this rich German chocolate roll cake alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful temperature and flavor contrast.
• Elegant Coffee Companion: Pair the cake with a hot espresso or cappuccino to complement the deep chocolate and nutty pecan notes, creating a sophisticated dessert experience.
• Festive Presentation Trick: Dust the cake with powdered sugar and garnish with whole pecans and toasted coconut flakes to elevate its visual appeal and add extra texture to each slice.
• Celebration Serving Style: Slice the cake at a slight angle to showcase the beautiful swirl of coconut pecan filling, making it a stunning centerpiece for special occasions or family gatherings.

Luscious German Chocolate Coconut Pecan Roll Cake Delight Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

German chocolate coconut pecan roll cake delivers a luxurious dessert experience from Germany’s rich baking traditions. Chocolate swirls and nutty pecans combine with silky coconut cream to create an irresistible sweet adventure you’ll savor with pure pleasure.

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Ingredients

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• 4 large eggs (separated)
• 0.75 cup (180 ml) granulated sugar
• 0.75 cup (90 g) all-purpose flour
• 0.25 cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) evaporated milk
• 0.5 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 0.25 cup (57 g) unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.75 cup (70 g) sweetened shredded coconut
• 0.5 cup (60 g) chopped pecans
• 0.5 cup (85 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 0.25 cup (60 ml) heavy cream
• 0.25 cup (30 g) powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Batter: Whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale and creamy, infusing with vanilla for rich flavor complexity. In a separate bowl, whip egg whites to stiff, glossy peaks, creating an ethereal foundation for the cake’s delicate texture.
2. Combine Ingredients: Delicately fold whipped egg whites into the yolk mixture, preserving essential air bubbles. Sift dry ingredients – flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt – ensuring a seamless, velvety batter without lumps.
3. Bake Cake Base: Spread the silky mixture evenly across a parchment-lined jelly roll pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until the surface springs back when touched, approximately 12-14 minutes.
4. Shape Cake: Immediately transfer the warm cake onto a sugar-dusted kitchen towel, removing parchment paper. Tightly roll the cake within the towel, allowing complete cooling to prevent structural cracks.
5. Create Filling: Simmer evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter until the mixture transforms into a decadent, caramel-like consistency. Incorporate vanilla, then fold in shredded coconut and toasted pecans, generating a rich, textured filling.
6. Assemble Roll: Unroll the cooled cake and generously spread the coconut-pecan filling, ensuring comprehensive and uniform coverage. Carefully re-roll the cake without the towel, crafting a mesmerizing chocolate and nutty spiral.
7. Finish and Serve: Optional chocolate glaze can be created by pouring heated cream over chocolate chips until smooth. Drizzle or coat the roll cake, then refrigerate for one hour to set. Slice and serve, garnishing with additional coconut or chopped pecans if desired.

Notes

• Egg Separation Technique: Ensure egg whites are completely free from yolk traces to achieve optimal volume and stability during whipping.
• Folding Method: Use a gentle, figure-eight motion when incorporating egg whites to maintain maximum air incorporation and prevent deflating the delicate batter.
• Baking Surface Preparation: Line the jelly roll pan precisely with parchment paper, smoothing out any wrinkles to create an even cake surface.
• Cooling Strategy: Roll the cake while warm to prevent cracking and create a memory for easier final rolling after filling, using a sugar-dusted towel to prevent sticking.
• Temperature Control: Monitor oven heat carefully, as over-baking can lead to a dry, tough cake texture that compromises the roll’s delicate structure.
• Filling Consistency: Cook the coconut-pecan filling until it reaches a thick, spreadable consistency that won’t leak when rolling the cake.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the roll cake a day in advance, as the flavors meld and the texture improves with slight refrigeration.
• Dietary Adaptation: Substitute gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version, ensuring to maintain the same light mixing technique.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg