Decadent German Chocolate Coconut Pecan Roll Cake Recipe

If you’re ready to impress your sweet tooth and your friends, the Decadent German Chocolate Coconut Pecan Roll Cake is the show-stopping dessert you’ve been craving. Imagine a spiral of ultra-soft cocoa sponge wrapped around a rich coconut-pecan filling, all coated with a silky, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate glaze. This cake is the ultimate celebration of classic German chocolate flavors, elegantly modernized in roll form, and guaranteed to make every occasion feel extra special.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Despite its lavish looks and tastes, this recipe is built on wonderfully simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Each one plays an essential role, combining for incredible texture, deep flavor, and the irresistible aroma that only a real homemade cake can deliver.

• Eggs: Essential for giving the cake its light, airy structure and helping the sponge roll beautifully without cracking.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes both the cake and filling, ensuring a tender bite.
• Light brown sugar: Adds caramel notes that deepen the flavor in both the cake and the creamy coconut filling.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the other flavors with its warm, familiar aroma.
• Buttermilk: Gives the sponge a subtle tang and ensures the cake stays moist when rolled.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation for the sponge, providing structure while keeping things soft.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers that deep chocolatey base so characteristic of a great roll cake.
• Baking powder: Gives the cake the lift and fluffiness required for a perfect roll.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and keeps the sweetness in perfect balance.
• Sweetened shredded coconut: Provides chewy, sweet texture that defines the signature coconut-pecan filling.
• Chopped pecans: A nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling and soft sponge.
• Evaporated milk: Gives the filling a lush, silky consistency and old-fashioned richness.
• Egg yolks: Thicken and enrich the coconut-pecan filling for that signature creamy finish.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness to both the filling and frosting, helping everything melt in your mouth.
• German sweet chocolate: The star of the frosting, this gives the roll its signature glaze and deep, classic flavor.
• Heavy cream: Ensures the chocolate glaze is perfectly smooth and spreadable.

How to Make Decadent German Chocolate Coconut Pecan Roll Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), then line a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. This step ensures your cake releases easily and maintains its delicate shape, which is critical for that iconic roll.

Step 2: Sift and Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together your flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Sifting aerates the dry mixture, eliminating lumps for a uniformly tender crumb—absolutely key for a sponge that rolls without fuss.

Step 3: Whip the Egg Yolks and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks with granulated and brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture turns pale and thick, almost doubling in volume. This creates a light, fluffy base for your cake, helping it stay soft and pliant when rolled.

Step 4: Add the Buttermilk

Gently mix the buttermilk into the egg yolk mixture, adding a subtle tang and helping keep the cake moist without making it dense.

Step 5: Whip Egg Whites to Stiff Peaks

In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites until they hold stiff peaks—this magical ingredient adds airiness and ensures the Decadent German Chocolate Coconut Pecan Roll Cake has its signature lift and supple texture. Fold these whipped whites gently into the yolk mixture to avoid deflating that precious volume.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Fold the sifted dry ingredients into your egg mixture just until combined. Take care not to overmix, so your cake keeps its springy, meltaway crumb perfect for rolling.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Spread your batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top for an even bake. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the cake is springy to the touch and pulls slightly from the edges. Timing is crucial—a soft, flexible sponge is the difference between a flawless roll and a crumbly mess!

Step 8: Roll and Cool the Cake

While the cake is still warm, invert it onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Gently peel off the parchment paper and, starting from a short end, roll the cake up with the towel inside. Let it cool completely, rolled up, to train it in shape and avoid future cracking.

Step 9: Make the Coconut Pecan Filling

Combine evaporated milk, brown sugar, egg yolks, butter, and vanilla in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and luscious—about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, then stir in shredded coconut and chopped pecans. Let this cool completely before using, to prevent melting your sponge when assembling.

Step 10: Prepare the German Chocolate Frosting

Melt the German sweet chocolate with heavy cream and butter, using a double boiler or short microwave bursts. Stir gently until completely smooth and glossy—let it cool just slightly so it spreads thick and silky over the cake.

Step 11: Assemble and Chill the Cake

Carefully unroll the cooled cake and spread the decadent coconut-pecan filling evenly to the edges. Reroll the cake (without the towel), set it seam-side down on your serving plate, and lavishly frost the outside with your chocolate glaze. Chill for at least 30 minutes to firm everything up and let the flavors mingle before slicing.

How to Serve Decadent German Chocolate Coconut Pecan Roll Cake

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra shredded coconut and a shower of chopped toasted pecans right on top make this roll cake not only more beautiful, but add a crunch and extra pop of flavor with every bite. For a special touch, a drizzle of melted chocolate or even a few chocolate curls are irresistible.

Side Dishes

This cake stands boldly on its own, but if you want to make dessert even more memorable, pair slices with fresh berries or a dollop of barely sweetened whipped cream. For a special occasion, a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream beside your Decadent German Chocolate Coconut Pecan Roll Cake really elevates the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the roll cake into generous slices and arrange them in a fanned pattern on a serving platter, or serve individual slices on dessert plates with a dusting of cocoa powder. For a party, consider slicing them thinner and offering “roll cake rounds” as elegant finger desserts—it’s a fun way to let everyone enjoy a taste without full commitment to a big slice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Decadent German Chocolate Coconut Pecan Roll Cake fresh, wrap any leftover slices in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay moist and delicious for up to four days, making for the perfect sweet treat whenever cravings strike.

Freezing

This cake freezes surprisingly well! Wrap the uncut roll cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready for a slice, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

While this cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, you can zap an individual slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds if you want a slightly warm, gooey texture—just don’t overdo it or you risk melting the filling and frosting.

FAQs

Can I make parts of the Decadent German Chocolate Coconut Pecan Roll Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! Both the coconut-pecan filling and the chocolate glaze can be made up to a day in advance. Just keep them covered in the fridge, then assemble the cake fresh when ready.

How do I prevent my cake from cracking when rolling?

The key is to roll the cake up while it’s still warm, using a towel dusted with powdered sugar. This gentle rolling “trains” the cake and prevents unsightly cracks, ensuring beautiful slices every time.

Is there a substitute for German sweet chocolate?

If you can’t find German sweet chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate with a teaspoon of sugar added can work in a pinch, though the classic flavor will be slightly different.

Can I use a different nut or omit pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds make a lovely swap if pecans aren’t your favorite, or simply increase the coconut slightly if you need a nut-free version. The texture and richness will still shine through.

How long does it take the Decadent German Chocolate Coconut Pecan Roll Cake to set before slicing?

Giving the finished roll at least 30 minutes in the fridge lets the filling and frosting firm up, ensuring clean, beautiful slices that hold their shape perfectly on the plate.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Decadent German Chocolate Coconut Pecan Roll Cake a try in your own kitchen. It’s the kind of dessert that brings wide smiles and requests for seconds, no matter the crowd. Each step will fill your home with warm, buttery aromas and the finished result—it’s pure chocolate-coconut bliss in every bite. Enjoy!

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