Food Hacks
Southern dad shares his “hack” to make German Chocolate Cake mix taste like it’s homemade
Including the cake mix is the only part of the boxed recipe he follows. The rest is pure baked-goods wisdom. 😋
Jessica Adler
09.07.23

There’s a certain magic in the air when a Southern dad decides to share his baking secrets.

Bring to mind a kitchen filled with the rich aroma of German chocolate cake, but with a twist.

Instead of following the traditional boxed recipe, our Southern dad has decided to sprinkle in a bit of his own culinary wisdom.

He turns cake-mix into a dessert that tastes like it’s been passed down through generations.

YouTube - Home Style Southern Cooking in Merida Mexico
Source:
YouTube - Home Style Southern Cooking in Merida Mexico

Cake Ingredients:

  • 2 BOXES GERMAN CHOCOLATE MIX
  • 1 CUP WATER
  • 1 CUP COFFEE
  • 1 CUP OIL
  • 6 EGGS
  • 2 TSP COCO POWDER
  • 1 BOX OF CHOCOLATE PUDDING MIX

The journey begins with two boxes of German chocolate cake mix.

But here’s the catch: the cake mix is the only ingredient from the boxed recipe he’s using.

Into the mixer go the two boxes and, with a swift motion, he attaches the mixing blade, ready to introduce his special ingredients.

YouTube - Home Style Southern Cooking in Merida Mexico
Source:
YouTube - Home Style Southern Cooking in Merida Mexico

A cup of oil, a cup of plain water, and a surprising cup of coffee join the mix.

Coffee, as he mentions, is not just for sipping in the morning; it enhances the rich flavor of the chocolate.

To further elevate the taste, two teaspoons of cocoa and a box of chocolate pudding are added.

And for a touch of richness? Six eggs, added in two batches to ensure even blending.

YouTube - Home Style Southern Cooking in Merida Mexico
Source:
YouTube - Home Style Southern Cooking in Merida Mexico

As the mixer whirls the ingredients into a smooth batter, our chef prepares his cake pans.

Emphasizing the importance of non-stick pans, he lines them with parchment paper and generously sprays them with cooking spray.

This, he assures, guarantees a cake that slides out effortlessly once baked.

YouTube - Home Style Southern Cooking in Merida Mexico
Source:
YouTube - Home Style Southern Cooking in Merida Mexico

Pouring the batter evenly between the two pans, he shares a nifty trick: tapping the pans on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles.

Into the oven they go, baking to perfection at 350℉ for 35 – 40 minutes.

Once out, the cakes are left to cool, setting the stage for the pièce de résistance: the icing.

YouTube - Home Style Southern Cooking in Merida Mexico
Source:
YouTube - Home Style Southern Cooking in Merida Mexico

For the icing:

  • DOUBLE BOILER
  • 2 STICKS OF BUTTER
  • 2 CAN SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK
  • 1 TSP SALT
  • 2 TSP VANILLA
  • 6 EGG YOLKS
  • 2 CUPS CHOPPED PECANS
  • 1 BAG SHREDDED COCONUT

The icing preparation is a masterclass in patience and precision.

In a makeshift double boiler (one pot nestled inside another pot holding a small amount of water), gently melt two sticks of butter.

To this, two cans of sweetened condensed milk are added, followed by vanilla, a touch of salt, and six egg yolks.

The mixture is stirred continuously, transforming into a thick, custard-like consistency.

YouTube - Home Style Southern Cooking in Merida Mexico
Source:
YouTube - Home Style Southern Cooking in Merida Mexico

The true essence of a German chocolate cake lies in its topping.

The chef adds two cups of chopped pecans and a generous bag of flaked coconut to the custard, mixing until the ingredients are well incorporated.

The result? A decadent, rich topping that promises to elevate the cake to new heights.

YouTube - Home Style Southern Cooking in Merida Mexico
Source:
YouTube - Home Style Southern Cooking in Merida Mexico

With the cakes cooled and the topping ready, it’s assembly time.

A generous layer of the coconut-pecan mixture is spread between the two cakes and on top, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

To finish, he artisanally places whole pecans on top, adding a touch of elegance to this homemade masterpiece.

YouTube - Home Style Southern Cooking in Merida Mexico
Source:
YouTube - Home Style Southern Cooking in Merida Mexico

And there you have it, a German chocolate cake that not only looks divine but promises a taste that transports you straight to a Southern kitchen.

It’s delectable proof that sometimes, a little creativity and a touch of love can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

See how a few Southern tricks can turn a boxed cake into a homemade masterpiece below!

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