Delicious German Chocolate Cake

Instructions:

Chocolate Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round baking pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water last (batter will be thin). Pour evenly into the prepared pans.
4. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Coconut-Pecan Frosting:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and eggs. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 12 minutes.
2. Add Final Ingredients: Remove from heat. Stir in coconut, pecans, and vanilla. Cool until thick enough to spread.

Chocolate Frosting (Optional):

1. Melt Butter: Melt butter. Stir in cocoa. Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating to spreading consistency.
2. Final Touches: Add a small amount of additional milk, if needed. Stir in vanilla.

Assembly:

1. Layer Cakes: Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread with a layer of coconut-pecan frosting. Add the second layer and repeat. Top with the third layer.
2. Frost Cake: If you’re using the chocolate frosting, now frost the sides of the cake with it. You can also spread a thin layer on top before adding the final layer of coconut-pecan frosting for a more decadent finish.
3. Decorate: Use the remaining coconut-pecan frosting to cover the top of the cake. If desired, sprinkle some additional chopped pecans and coconut on top for decoration.

Let the cake sit for a bit before slicing to let the flavors meld together. Enjoy your delicious, homemade German Chocolate Cake!