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German Chocolate Cake Roll: Decadent Coconut and Pecan Filled Dessert Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 56 reviews

This German Chocolate Cake Roll recipe combines a light, cocoa-flavored sponge cake rolled with a rich, creamy coconut-pecan filling, then topped with a silky chocolate ganache. Perfectly balanced between fluffy cake and decadent fillings, this dessert is an impressive and delicious treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour (90 g)
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder (25 g)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 4 large eggs (room temp)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar (150 g)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp milk

For the Coconut-Pecan Filling:

  • 1 cup evaporated milk (240 ml)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar (150 g)
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (115 g), cubed
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • ¾ cup chopped pecans

For the Chocolate Ganache and Garnish:

  • 120 g (4 oz) semisweet chocolate, chopped
  • ½ cup heavy cream (120 ml)
  • 1 tbsp butter (optional, for shine)
  • Extra shredded coconut (for garnish)
  • Whole or halved pecans (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 10×15-inch (25×38 cm) jelly roll pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy removal of the delicate cake.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined to ensure a light and even sponge.
  3. Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the room-temperature eggs with granulated sugar until thick, pale, and volume has tripled, about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for the cake’s airy texture.
  4. Add Vanilla and Milk: Gently fold vanilla extract and milk into the beaten egg mixture, then sift the dry ingredients over it and carefully fold in until just combined, maintaining the airiness of the batter.
  5. Spread Batter and Bake: Evenly spread the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the cake is springy to the touch, indicating it is cooked but still soft and pliable.
  6. Roll the Warm Cake: While still warm, carefully invert the cake onto a clean kitchen towel lightly dusted with powdered sugar. Peel off the parchment and roll the cake up gently with the towel, rolling from short end to short end. This helps set the shape and prevents cracking later.
  7. Cool the Cake: Allow the rolled cake to cool completely in this rolled shape to maintain flexibility for filling.
  8. Prepare the Coconut-Pecan Filling: In a saucepan, whisk together the evaporated milk, granulated sugar, and egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 8–10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the butter, vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Let cool until spreadable.
  9. Assemble the Cake Roll: Gently unroll the cooled cake and spread the coconut-pecan filling evenly over the surface. Carefully roll the cake back up tightly and place it seam-side down on a serving platter to keep the roll intact.
  10. Make the Chocolate Ganache: Heat the heavy cream until just simmering. Pour it over the chopped semisweet chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes to melt. Stir until smooth and glossy. Stir in the optional butter to add shine if desired.
  11. Finish and Garnish: Pour the ganache evenly over the cake roll, smoothing it out with a spatula. Garnish with extra shredded coconut and whole or halved pecans for added texture and presentation.

Notes

  • Ensure the eggs are at room temperature for better volume when beaten.
  • Do not overmix the batter once dry ingredients are added to keep the cake light.
  • Rolling the cake while warm prevents cracks and makes it easier to shape.
  • Cool the filling completely before spreading to avoid melting the cake.
  • This cake is best served the same day but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Keywords: German chocolate cake roll, coconut pecan filling, chocolate ganache, rolled cake, jelly roll, dessert recipe

Find it online: https://islawhite.com/german-chocolate-cake-roll-decadent-coconut-and-pecan-filled-dessert-recipe/