Original German Chocolate Cake Food

BAKER'S GERMAN'S SWEET CHOCOLATE CAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F.
• Cover bottoms of 3 (9-inch) round pans with parchment; spray sides with cooking spray. Microwave chocolate and water in large microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1-1/2 to 2 min. or until chocolate is almost melted, stirring after 1 min. Stir until chocolate is completely melted.
• Beat egg whites in small bowl with mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form; set aside. Combine flour, baking soda and salt. Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with mixer until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating well after each. Blend in melted chocolate and vanilla. Add flour mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating until well blended after each addition.
• Add egg whites; stir gently until well blended. Pour into prepared pans.
• Bake 30 min. or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Immediately run small spatula around cakes in pans. Cool cakes in pans 15 min. Remove from pans to wire racks; cool completely.
• Prepare Coconut-Pecan Filling and Frosting http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/coconut-pecan-filling-frosting-51053.aspx ; spread between cake layers and onto top of cake.

GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE III

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour 3 - 9 inch round pans. Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside. In a small saucepan, heat water and 4 ounces chocolate until melted. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
• In a large bowl, cream 1 cup butter and 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in 4 egg yolks one at a time. Blend in the melted chocolate mixture and vanilla. Beat in the flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk, mixing just until incorporated.
• In a large glass or metal mixing bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold 1/3 of the whites into the batter, then quickly fold in remaining whites until no streaks remain.
• Pour into 3 - 9 inch pans Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then turn out onto wire rack.
• To make the Filling: In a saucepan combine 1 cup sugar, evaporated milk, 1/2 cup butter, and 3 egg yolks. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat. Stir in coconut, pecans and vanilla. Cool until thick enough to spread.
• Spread filling between layers and on top of cake. In a small saucepan, melt shortening and 1 ounce of chocolate. Stir until smooth and drizzle down the sides of the cake.

GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE

Steps:

• For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly coat two 9-inch round cake pans with oil and dust with flour. Whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt in a small bowl; set aside.
• Microwave the chocolate in a small microwave-safe bowl on high power for 45 seconds; remove and stir. Microwave again at high power in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until the chocolate has melted completely; set aside.
• Beat the granulated sugar, oil and eggs in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Beat in the melted chocolate. Alternate beating in the flour mixture and the milk, adding the flour in three additions and the milk in two, starting and ending with the flour, until just incorporated. Add half the milk, and mix until just incorporated. Repeat with the remaining flour mixture and milk, making sure not to overmix. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
• Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool in the pans for 10 minutes, run a thin spatula around the edges and then turn the cakes out onto a cooling rack to cool completely. (They will have a sugary "crust" on the top. This is from the melted chocolate and is not a problem. It will soften once the cake is assembled or if the layers are baked the day before.)
• For the filling: While the cakes cool, spread the pecans on a baking sheet and bake, tossing once, until toasted, 8 to 10 minutes. Finely chop. Whisk together the milk and egg yolks in a medium saucepan until smooth. Add the brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, vanilla and salt, and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture has thickened and coats the back of a spoon, 5 to 6 minutes. (It will be similar to the thickness of eggnog.) Pour the mixture into a large bowl. (Don't worry if it seems thin. The coconut and nuts will bind it.) Stir in the coconut and pecans; set aside to cool.
• For the frosting: Put the chocolate in a medium bowl. Heat 1 cup of the cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until steaming but not boiling, and pour over the chocolate. Let stand a few minutes, and then whisk until smooth; let stand at room temperature (or put in the refrigerator if your kitchen is hot) until thick but not set, 20 minutes to 1 hour. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons cream to the chocolate mixture, and beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until lightened in color and fluffy, about 1 minute (do not overbeat, or it will become hard and grainy). The frosting should hold medium peaks and will continue to firm up a bit as it stands. Spoon about 1 cup frosting into a pastry bag fitted with a star tip.
• To assemble: Put one cake layer right-side up on a serving plate, and top with half the filling. Top with the second cake layer and the remaining filling, spreading it to about 1/2 inch from the edge. Frost the sides, and decorate around the top edge of the cake with the frosting in the pastry bag.
• Loosely cover the cake with plastic wrap and leave at room temperature overnight. Unwrap and serve.

BAKER'S ORIGINAL GERMAN SWEET CHOCOLATE CAKE

Steps:

• Coconut-Pecan frosting (recipe follows).
• Oven at 350ºF.
• Melt chocolate in water, cool.
• Cream butter and sugar.
• Beat in egg yolks.
• Stir in vanilla and chocolate.
• Mix flour, soda, and salt.
• Beat in flour mixture, alternately with buttermilk.
• Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; fold into batter.
• Pour batter into three 9-inch layer pans, lined on bottoms with waxed paper.
• Bake for 30 minutes or until cake springs bake when lightly pressed in center.
• Cool 15 minutes; remove and cool on rack.
• Frost cake.
• COCONUT-PECAN FROSTING.
• Combine evaporated milk, sugar, slightly beaten egg yolks, butter or margarine and vanilla in saucepan.
• Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened. Remove from heat.
• Stir in shredded coconut and chopped pecans.
• Cool until thick enough to spread.
• Makes 4-1/4 cups.

GERMAN SWEET CHOCOLATE CAKE I

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line bottom of 9x13 pan with parchment paper.
• Microwave chocolate and water on high for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Stir halfway through. Stir until all is melted and smooth.
• In a medium bowl, mix together flour, soda and salt. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, cream 1 cup butter and 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy. Add 4 egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in chocolate and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Add flour mixture alternately with buttermilk. Beat after each addition until smooth.
• In a separate bowl, beat egg whites on high until soft peaks form. Gently fold into batter. Pour into 9x13 inch pan.
• Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into center of cake comes out clean. Cool completely, then frost with coconut-pecan frosting.
• Combine milk, 1 1/2 cup sugar, 3/4 cup butter, 4 egg yolks and 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla in large saucepan. Cook and stir on medium heat for about 12 minutes, or until thick and golden brown. Remove from heat. Stir in coconut and pecans. Cool to room temperature, and spreading consistency.

ORIGINAL GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE RECIPE

Steps:

• 1. Melt chocolate in boiling water..cool..Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg yolks..one at a time..beat well after each..Add melted chocolate and vanilla..mix well
• 2. Sift together salt, soda, and flour. Add alternately with buttermilk to chocolate mixture..beating well..mix till smooth
• 3. Fold in beaten egg whites..Pour into 3.. 9 inch cake pans that have been greased and floured..Bake in oven 350 for 30 to 40 mnutes..cool..frost tops only
• 4. FROSTING....Combine milk..sugar..egg yolks..and butter..vanilla..Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened..about 12 minutes..Add the coconut and pecans Beat until thick enough to spread

BAKER'S ORIGINAL GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE RECIPE - (3.7/5)

Steps:

• Coconut-Pecan frosting (recipe follows). Preheat the oven to 350° F. Melt chocolate in water, and let cool. Cream together butter and sugar. Beat in egg yolks. Stir in vanilla and chocolate. Mix flour, soda, and salt. Beat in flour mixture alternately with buttermilk. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; fold into batter. Pour batter into three 9-inch layer pans, lined on bottoms with waxed paper. Bake for 30 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly pressed in center. Remove and cool on rack for 15 minutes. Frost cake. COCONUT-PECAN FROSTING: Combine evaporated milk, sugar, slightly beaten egg yolks, butter or margarine and vanilla in saucepan. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened. Remove from heat. Stir in shredded coconut and chopped pecans. Cool until thick enough to spread.

GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE

Steps:

• Crack the eggs into a medium size saucepan and whisk to combine. Slowly pour in the evaporated milk, whisking it into the eggs as you pour. Add the brown sugar and salt and whisk to combine.
• Add the butter and set the pan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Turn the heat down to medium and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the filling is slightly thickened, about 6-8 minutes.
• Pour the filling into a bowl and stir in the vanilla and coconut. Let cool to room temperature then cover and refrigerated until completely cool - at least 2 hours, and up to 3 days.
• Put the chocolate chips into a small bowl. Heat the cream in a saucepan or in the microwave until small bubbles start to appear around the edges. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let stand for 5 minutes. Stir until the chocolate and cream are completely blended. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 3 days.
• Stir the toasted pecans into the filling.
• Place one layer of Devil's Food Cake onto a serving platter or cake plate. Spread the cake with 1/3 of the coconut pecan filling, spreading the filing to within a half inch of the edges of the cake. Top with a second layer of Devil's Food Cake. Spread the second layer with another third of the coconut pecan filling. Top with the third layer of cake and spread the top with the remaining filling.
• Drizzle the milk chocolate ganache over the top of the cake. If you're using frozen cake layers, let the cake sit out at room temperature for 1-3 hours before serving. The assembled cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bring the cake to room temperature before serving.

GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 2 9-inch square pans or 3 8-inch round pans. Line bottom of pans with wax paper.
• Pour boiling water on chocolate, stirring until chocolate is melted; cool. Mix sugar and butter in large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs yolk, one at a time. Beat in chocolate and vanilla on low speed.
• Mix in flour, baking soda and salt alternately with buttermilk, beating after each addition until batter is smooth. Fold in egg whites.
• Divide batter among pans. Bake square pans 40-45 minutes or round pans 35-40 minutes. Check for doneness with toothpick in center. Cool and top with Coconut-Pecan Frosting.
• Coconut Pecan Frosting: Mix sugar, butter, milk, vanilla and egg yolks in saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thick, about 12 minutes. Take off heat. Stir in coconut and pecans. Beat until spreading consistency. Allow to cool & thicken before icing cake.

THE BEST GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE (VIDEO)

Steps:

• Prepare the cake layers first. Preheat oven to 350F/177C. Line three, 8-inch baking pans with parchment paper and spray sides with baking spray. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar for 3 to 4 minutes until light and fluffy. Then add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix again until creamy. Prepare the coffee: dissolve the 3 tablespoons of granules in 1/3 cup water, then add to the batter along with the melted chocolate. Whisk again for a minute until the mixture is smooth. Add the milk but don't mix it in yet.
• In a separate bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, salt and baking powder. Mix together, then sift into the cake batter to get rid of any clumps. Using a hand whisk, mix the flour into the batter just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix the batter! Divide the cake batter between the prepared baking pans. Bake the layers in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 15 minutes, then remove onto a wire rack to cool completely.
• While the cake layers are cooling, prepare the coconut pecan filling. Place all 3 cups of the unsweetened coconut into a large saute pan and toast on high heat for 3 to 4 minutes, until the flakes are golden. This can also be done using a baking sheet; bake under the broiler for several minutes and toss often. Reserve 1/2 cup of the flakes for garnishing the cake.
• Into a medium-sized saucepan, add the butter and melt it over medium heat. To the melted butter, add the evaporated milk, egg yolks and sugars. Whisk for a minute until smooth. Cook the custard over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula, for 10 to 12 minutes, until the custard thickens and holds its shape on the back of a spoon. Do not boil the custard; reduce heat when needed.
• Once the custard has thickened, remove it from the heat and add the vanilla and coconut extracts, toasted coconut and chopped pecans. Mix until well combined, then allow the filling to cool completely. Place into the refrigerator to cool faster.
• For the buttercream: Soften the butter at room temperature. Butter should still hold its shape and not be melted! Place butter into mixing bowl and whisk on high speed for about 5 minutes until light and fluffy. Melt chocolate chips in microwave or over a double boiler until smooth. Allow the chocolate to cool slightly, then add it to the frosting, along with the cocoa powder, vanilla and salt. Continue whisking for a few minutes, scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl. Add the confectioner's sugar. After its incorporated, turn mixer to high speed and whisk for 3 to 4 minutes, or until frosting is light and fluffy.
• To assemble the cake, first trim the layers to make sure they're straight. Transfer several cups of the frosting into a pastry bag; I used Ateco tip #847. Pipe a barrier ring of frosting around the edge of the cake layer, then fill with 1/3 of the coconut pecan filling. Repeat with the next layer, then frost the top and outside of the cake with a crumb coat of the chocolate buttercream. Smooth with an offset spatula, then refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Once the crumb coat has set, add the final layer of buttercream and smooth out. Garnish with toasted coconut on the sides, chocolate ganache and dollops of buttercream along the edge. Add the remaining 1/3 of the filling on top, carefully using a fork.
• For the chocolate ganache: combine the chips and cream in a measuring cup and heat in the microwave for 45 seconds to 1 minute; the cream should be hot. Let the mixture stand for a few minutes, then use a whisk to stir until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted. Reheat if the chocolate isn't melted. If the ganache is too thick, add HOT heavy cream. If too thin, add more chocolate chips. Allow the glaze to cool until at room temperature; do not use hot ganache on the cake! Transfer the glaze into a pastry bag and drizzle down sides first, then fill center.
• Optional: This cake is very moist but if desired, a syrup can be used to soak the layers. Simply combine 1 cup hot water with 1/2 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons coconut extract. Stir the sugar and water until the sugar is completely dissolved. Allow the syrup to cool, then transfer into a dispenser bottle for soaking the cake layers.
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GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350ºF (177ºC).
• Prepare three 8″x2″ cake pans with cake goop or another preferred pan spray.
• Melt your chocolate in a heatproof bowl in 15-second increments until just melted. Do not overheat or you could burn your chocolate.
• Then, add your warm water to the chocolate and whisk to combine. Set aside.
• Next, place the room temperature egg whites in a separate bowl with the whisk attachment and whip until you reach firm but moist peaks. They shouldn't look broken or crumbly. Set aside.
• Combine the room temperature buttermilk and the vegetable oil and then set aside.
• Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt and then set aside.
• Then, in the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the room temperature butter and sugar until it is light and fluffy in color.
• Add in your egg yolks one at a time, letting each mix in fully before adding in the next.
• While mixing on low, add in your melted and cooled chocolate and vanilla and then mix until it's combined.
• Next, while mixing on low, add in 1/3 of the flour mixture, and then 1/3 of the buttermilk mixture. Repeat two more times with the remaining flour and buttermilk.
• Gently fold in your egg whites until they are blended.
• Pour the batter into your prepared pans.
• Bake the cakes immediately at 350ºF (177ºC) for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out from the center clean.
• Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes inside of the pan before flipping them out.
• Flip the cake onto a cooling rack and let it cool completely. I chill my cakes before handling them, or you can wrap them in plastic wrap and freeze them to trap moisture in the cake.
• Thaw the cake on the countertop while it's still wrapped before frosting.
• In a medium-sized saucepan, whisk together the evaporated milk, egg yolks, and vanilla over medium heat until blended.
• Add in your butter and sugar and continue to cook over medium heat until the mixture begins to thicken (this will take about 12 minutes). Whisk continuously or you risk overcooking your eggs. The mixture will be thick and golden brown when it's ready.
• Remove the mixture from the heat and fold in your coconut and pecans.
• Transfer the filling to a heat-proof bowl and cool it completely. You can make this a day ahead and refrigerate it for up to 4 days.
• Bring 2″ of water to a boil in a medium saucepan then reduce the heat until it's just simmering.
• Next, place your metal or glass mixing bowl on top. The bowl should not be touching the water.
• Then, pour the egg whites and sugar in the bowl and whisk occasionally to dissolve the sugar and keep the egg whites from cooking. Once the mixture reaches 110ºF or you can no longer feel any granules of sugar in between your fingers, it's ready.
• Place the bowl on your stand mixer and whip on high speed (setting 4 on my Bosch Mixer, setting 8-10 on a KitchenAid) until you reach VERY stiff peaks. This can take between 10-15 minutes. The tips should stand straight up when you touch them and the meringue should feel very thick and dense.
• Pour your meringue out into a shallow dish and pop it into the fridge for about 10 minutes to cool the meringue. You can also put your entire bowl of meringue into the fridge, but it will take longer to cool. If you don't cool the meringue it will melt your butter. Then you'll have buttercream soup. You can also place a large bag of ice under the bowl as you're mixing to cool the meringue down faster.
• Reduce the speed to low, then slowly add in your butter in small chunks (remove this part about the salt, chocolate and vanilla) followed by your salt, melted and cooled chocolate, and vanilla extract.
• Whip it on high for 8 to 10 minutes until the color is light and fluffy. Give it a taste and if it still tastes buttery, keep whipping.
• Reduce the speed to low again and then drizzle in your cooled chocolate, salt, and vanilla and mix until it's smooth.

GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE - MAKE MY CAKE

Steps:

• In a microwave safe bowl, add the chocolate and water and heat in a microwave or over a double boiler until melted. Stir until smooth and set aside. In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter, vanilla extract, granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add egg yolks 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Blend in the melted chocolate. Add the flour mixture and buttermilk, alternating, until just combined.
• Add the egg whites to a small bowl and beat with an egg beater until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whites into the batter until well incorporated.
• Pour the batter evenly into two 9-inch cake pans or two 12-capacity cupcake tins. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, about 30 minutes for the larger cakes and 15 to 20 for the cupcakes. Remove from the oven to a cooling rack and allow to cool completely before filling and frosting.
• To Assemble the German Chocolate Cake:
• Put a cake layer on top of a serving plate and top with a generous layer of the caramel/pecan filling. Cover the frosting with another cake layer of and spread with the frosting. Top with the final layer and frost.
• Spread dark chocolate frosting (secret recipe), or your favorite chocolate frosting around the outside of the entire cake. Cut into wedges and serve.
• Combine the evaporated milk, slightly beaten egg yolks, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla and butter in a large saucepan or heavy pot over low heat. When the butter melts raise the heat to medium, stirring constantly. The mixture will thicken after 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from the heat. Add the coconut and pecans and cool before frosting the cakes.

ORIGINAL BAKER'S GERMAN SWEET CHOCOLATE CAKE

Steps:

• Melt Baker's German sweet chocolate in the 1/2 cup of boiling water.
• Cool.
• Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add 4 egg yolks, one at a time, beating after each.
• Add vanilla and melted chocolate. Mix until blended.
• Sift together sifted cake flour, baking soda, and salt.
• Add flour mixture to the chocolate mixture alternately with 1 cup of buttermilk.
• Fold in egg whites, stiffly beaten.
• Pour batter into the three 9-inch layer pans, lined on bottoms with paper.
• Bake in 350 (F) (moderate) oven for 30 to 35 minutes.
• While the cake is cooking, start to make the frosting.
• Combine in a saucepan evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, butter or margarine, and vanilla.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened, about 12 minutes.
• Remove from heat.
• Add 1-1/3 cups Angel Flake coconut and 1 cup chopped pecans.
• Beat until cool and of spreading consistency.
• Cool cake, then frost between cake layers and top with the coconut-pecan frosting.

GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE RECIPE

Steps:

• Gather the coconut-pecan filling and frosting ingredients.
• Combine the evaporated milk and egg yolks in a large saucepan (off heat) and whisk until well blended. Add the brown sugar and whisk to blend.
• Add the pieces of butter. Place the pan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly until the butter melts and the mixture thickens, about 12 to 15 minutes,
• Remove the pan from the heat and add the coconut, pecans, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir to blend and set aside to cool for about 1 hour. The filling will thicken as it cools. Meanwhile, make the cake. Make the Cake
• Gather the ingredients for the cake.
• Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat to 350 F. Spray three 8-inch round cake pans and line with parchment paper .
• Sift the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a large mixing bowl .
• In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs with the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
• Add the egg-buttermilk mixture to the flour-cocoa powder mixture, stirring until blended.
• Add the boiling water (and espresso powder if using) and mix until smooth. The batter will be pretty thin.
• Divide the batter evenly among the 3 cake pans. You will have about 16 ounces of batter in each pan.
• Bake the cake layers for 25 to 28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 20 minutes.
• Remove from the pans and place on racks to cool completely. Assemble the Layers
• Place a cake layer on a cake plate or stand and top with about 3/4 to 1 cup of filling. Add another cake layer and top with more filling.
• Finish with the third layer and top with the remaining filling. Leave a little space around the edge if you plan to decorate with piped ganache. Finish With the Optional Ganache
• Gather the ganache ingredients.
• Place the chocolate chips in a heat-safe bowl; set aside.
• Heat the cream in a saucepan over medium heat. It should be hot and steaming, not boiling or bubbling.
• Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let stand for 10 minutes without stirring.
• Whisk the cream and melted chocolate chips with the vanilla extract until smooth. If you see any unmelted chocolate lumps, place the bowl over a pan of simmering water and stir until the ganache is smooth.
• Let the ganache cool for about 1 hour, whisking every 10 minutes. The ganache should be thick enough to hold peaks. Beat the ganache with an electric mixer for about 5 minutes, until it is light and fluffy.
• Frost the side of the cake with the whipped ganache. If desired, pipe the remaining ganache around the edge of the cake.

ORIGINAL RECIPE FOR "GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE"

Steps:

• 1. Approximate Cook Time: 30min
• 2. Melt chocolate in water and cool. Cream butter and Sugar. Beat in egg yolks. Stir in vanilla and chocolate. Mix flour, soda and salt. beat in flour mixture, alternately with buttermilk. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; fold into batter. Pour batter into three 9-inch layer pans, lined on bottoms with waxed paper. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly pressed in center Cool 15 minutes; remove and cool on rack.
• 3. THE FILLING AND TOPPING: Coconut-pecan frosting
• 4. BEAT egg yolks, milk and vanilla in large saucepan with wire whisk until well blended. Add sugar and butter; cook on medium heat 12 min. or until thickened and golden brown, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. ADD coconut and pecans; mix well. Cool to room temperature and of desired spreading consistency.
• 5. Assembly: Divide the filling evenly between the 3 cakes putting the 1st layer down, then spread the filling evenly. Repeat with the other layer(s).
• 6. FOR MINI-CAKES: I did bake the cakes in mini-muffin tins, but I wanted a cutter that would make the cake have straight sides. Find something that works, I used a pastry tip. I frosted the cakes and then added a small cut of Marachino cherry. This makes a wonderful presentation of this popular cake.
• 7. *For the optional chocolate frosting just mix as any other frosting. For Garnish you could place pecan halves around the top edge. You can also add a maraschino cherry half also next to the pecan half.