German Chocolate Cupcakes | Sweet And Moist

German Chocolate Cupcakes are a delightful treat that brings together the rich flavors of chocolate and the creamy texture of coconut-pecan frosting.

These cupcakes are a perfect balance of moist chocolate cake topped with a sweet, crunchy coconut-pecan frosting.

Despite the name “German,” this cake doesn’t originate from Germany but rather from an American baker’s creation.

The secret to their irresistible taste lies in the rich cocoa and sour cream-infused batter that is complemented by a decadent coconut-pecan frosting.

This dessert is ideal for special occasions or as a sweet indulgence any time of year. These cupcakes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a luscious combination of flavors and textures that melt in your mouth

What Are German Chocolate Cupcakes?

Cupcakes are a delightful twist on the classic German Chocolate Cake, featuring a rich chocolate cake base topped with a creamy coconut-pecan frosting.

Despite the name, they are not from Germany but are inspired by a type of chocolate created by an American chocolatier named Samuel German.

These cupcakes combine the richness of chocolate with the sweet, nutty flavors of coconut and pecans, offering a perfect balance of textures and tastes in every bite.

They’re a delicious and portable version of the beloved cake, making them ideal for parties, gatherings, or a special treat.

How To Prepare German Chocolate Cupcakes?

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 25 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: Approximately 350 per cupcake

Yield: 12 cupcakes

Kitchen Utensils

• Muffin tin
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Electric mixer or hand mixer
• Cooling rack
• Spatula
• Saucepan

Recipe Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cupcakes:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup boiling water

For the Coconut Pecan Frosting:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans

For the Chocolate Frosting:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1/4 cup dark cocoa powder
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup evaporated milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream (room temperature)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Cupcake Tin:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners.

2. Prepare the Chocolate Cupcake Batter:

In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Add the eggs, buttermilk, sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth. Gradually add the boiling water, mixing until combined (the batter will be thin).

3. Bake the Cupcakes:

Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with batter. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.

4. Prepare the Coconut Pecan Frosting:

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and sugar over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for 4-5 minutes. Stir in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans. Let it cool before frosting.

5. Prepare the Chocolate Frosting:

In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and cocoa powder together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, evaporated milk, vanilla, salt, and heavy cream. Mix until a smooth frosting forms.

6. Assemble the Cupcakes:

Once the cupcakes are cooled, spread a layer of chocolate frosting on top. Then, carefully spoon the coconut-pecan frosting over the chocolate layer.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve these indulgent German Chocolate Cupcakes immediately or store them in an airtight container for later enjoyment.

Special Note

German Chocolate Cupcakes are rich in flavor, and their frosting can sometimes be the star of the show. If you’re looking for a slightly lighter version, feel free to reduce the amount of sugar in the frosting or substitute coconut milk for the evaporated milk.

However, if you want to keep the frosting as close to the traditional German chocolate cake style, I wouldn’t recommend changing the proportions too much!

Also, for an extra indulgence, you can drizzle some chocolate ganache over the top of the frosting, making it even more decadent.

How To Serve

German Chocolate Cupcakes, place them on a decorative platter or cake stand for a beautiful presentation. You can enjoy them as is or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

These cupcakes are best served at room temperature, allowing the flavors of the chocolate cake and coconut-pecan frosting to shine. They are perfect for special occasions or as a sweet snack with a cup of coffee or tea.

Concise tips

1. For the best texture, ensure your eggs, buttermilk, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing.

2. Mix just until combined to prevent dense cupcakes. Overmixing can lead to a heavy texture.

3. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cupcakes. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs to ensure they’re fully baked.

4. Allow the coconut-pecan frosting to cool before spreading it over the cupcakes. This prevents it from melting the chocolate frosting.

5. You can bake the cupcakes and make the frosting ahead of time. Keep cupcakes in an airtight container and refrigerate the frosting until you’re ready to assemble.

Storage & Make Ahead

German Chocolate Cupcakes, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store them for longer, refrigerate the cupcakes and frosting separately.

The cupcakes will stay fresh for up to a week in the fridge. For make-ahead preparation, you can bake the cupcakes and refrigerate them, while the frosting can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.

Just allow the frosting to come to room temperature before applying it to the cupcakes. For optimal freshness, assemble the cupcakes the day you plan to serve them.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

These German Chocolate Cupcakes combine two beloved flavors into one irresistible dessert. From the rich chocolatey cake to the creamy coconut-pecan frosting, every bite is a perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, and richness.

These cupcakes are an ideal treat for celebrations or just as a well-deserved indulgence. With their perfect mix of moist cake and flavorful topping, they’re sure to become a new favorite!