This rich Paleo German Chocolate Cake has a classic coconut pecan filling between tender grain free chocolate cake layers, and is topped with a dairy-free, refined sugar free chocolate frosting. A showstopper for any gathering, this healthy German Chocolate Cake will become a family favorite!
It’s my birthday!! And, every year either on my birthday or the week of, I post a new cake recipe. So here we go!
This is one I’ve gotten a few requests for and I just had to test it out – a Paleo version of the classic German Chocolate Cake.
A gooey coconut pecan filling that’s as good as the original. Rich chocolate cake layers that you won’t believe are grain free! And yes – I just had to top it off with yet another frosting – a chocolate buttercream.
This cake is as decadent as it gets yet it’s also completely gluten-free, grain free, dairy-free, and refined sugar free. Happy birthday to me!
What Y0u Need to Make Paleo German Chocolate Cake
This cake doesn’t involve any fancy ingredients, although the outcome is definitely a showstopper! Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
The Filling:
- Egg yolks
- Coconut milk
- Maple Sugar or coconut sugar
- Ghee or coconut oil
- Vanilla Extract
- Sea salt
- Unsweetened coconut flakes
- Pecans
The Cake Batter:
- Eggs
- Coconut or Maple Sugar
- Coconut Milk
- Ghee or coconut oil
- Vanilla Extract
- Raw Cacao Powder
- Blanched almond flour
- Tapioca flour
- Baking Soda
- Sea Salt
The Chocolate Frosting:
- Ghee or coconut oil
- Paleo powdered sugar (see below for how to make it – so easy!)
- Cacao powder
- Coconut Milk
- Vanilla extract
- Sea salt
As you can see the ingredients repeat frequently, so the list of what you need isn’t actually so long.
Tips for Making the German Chocolate Cake Filling
The coconut pecan filling may look intimidating, but it is actually super easy to make – and fast too! You are really just cooking everything – except for the vanilla, salt, coconut, and pecans – on the stovetop while whisking vigorously, until the mixture thickens into a custard.
The egg yolks are what will thicken this frosting, but when you cook eggs on the stovetop, you always run the risk of “scrambling” your eggs. I have two ways of dealing with this.
First, and most importantly, you need to vigorously whisk the mixture the entire time it’s over the heat. I use a small wire whisk which works well – too large and it might not get to everything.
Second, if you find yourself in a situation where your eggs scrambled a bit – you can totally save it! Just use a fine mesh strainer before the mixture cools to strain out any larger egg pieces. I do this with my lemon curd and it comes out perfectly.
I didn’t need to for this recipe, but remember you always have that option if your filling gets lumpy. Of course, after stirring in the coconut and pecans here, you’ll barely notice any tiny imperfections.
How to Make Paleo Powdered Sugar
For the buttercream frosting, I used a homemade paleo powdered sugar. It’s crazy easy to make – all you need is coconut sugar or maple sugar – whatever you’re using for the recipe.
Just place it in a blender and blend until you get a powdery consistency, then measure after blending. You can store leftovers for another icing! I use this for frostings and icings in place of powdered sugar and it works perfectly, and gives the frosting additional flavor.
Make-Ahead Instructions for German Chocolate Cake
You have the option to prepare most of this cake ahead of time. The filling, frosting, and cake layers can be prepared the day before.
Simply keep the filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and give it a couple of hours at room temperature before frosting the cake.
The frosting can be kept the same, and it will need about 30 minutes at room temperature to return to a spreadable consistency. Cake layers should be cooled, individually wrapped, and refrigerated. The cake can be frosted right out of the fridge, or at room temperature.
I hope you’re ready for an incredibly delicious, rich chocolate cake that’s perfect for celebrations of all kinds! Gather your ingredients and maybe an apron too (that chocolate!) because it’s time to bake – let’s go!
German Chocolate Cake {Paleo, GF, DF}
German Chocolate Cake {Paleo, GF, DF}
Ingredients
Coconut Pecan Filling:
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 cup coconut milk full fat
- 3/4 cup maple sugar or coconut sugar
- 1/3 cup ghee or coconut oil, soft
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Cake Batter:
- 4 large eggs at room temperature
- 1/2 cup coconut milk or almond milk, at room temperature
- 1 cup coconut sugar or maple sugar
- 2/3 cup ghee or refined coconut oil, melted and cooled
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/3 cups blanched almond flour
- 1/3 cup tapioca flour
- 1/2 cup raw cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
Buttercream Frosting**:
- 1/2 cup palm oil shortening grass fed butter, ghee, or refined coconut oil, soft
- 1/2 cup organic powdered sugar or paleo powdered sugar*
- 1/3 cup raw cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1.5 Tbsp coconut milk
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp sea salt
Instructions
For the Coconut Pecan Filling:
-
Without turning on the heat yet, whisk together the egg yolks, coconut milk, and sugar in a medium saucepan. Turn the heat to medium and add in the ghee or coconut oil, whisking constantly to melt. Cook, whisking to keep the mixture smooth, until it comes to a boil (about 5 minutes) then lower the heat to medium low and continue to cook and whisk another 5 minutes - it should have thickened.
-
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla, salt, coconut flakes, and pecans. Allow to cool completely before frosting the cake. See notes for instructions for how to make this frosting ahead of time.
For the Cake Batter:
-
Preheat your oven to 350° F and line 3 8” cake pans or 2 9” with a circle of parchment paper, just on the bottom, then spray the bottom and sides of the pans with avocado or coconut oil spray.
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In a large bowl using an electric hand mixer, beat together the eggs, milk, sugar, ghee or coconut oil, and vanilla over low/medium speed until completely smooth.
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In a separate bowl, stir together the almond flour, tapioca flour, cacao, baking soda and salt to combine. On low speed, beat the dry mixture into the wet until fully combined and smooth.
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Divide the cake batter between the cake pans evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes if making 3 layers, and 18-20 minutes if making 2 layers. To be sure, insert a toothpick near the center of each layer. When it comes out clean or with a couple of crumbs, it’s done.
-
Cool the cake layers in the pans placed on wire racks for 15 minutes, then carefully remove from the pans and continue to cool on wire racks.
For the Buttercream**:
-
Meanwhile, make the buttercream. In a medium bowl with an electric mixer, beat the shortening, oil, ghee or butter with the powdered sugar until smooth, then beat in the cacao, coconut milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth and creamy.
-
Once the cake layers and filling have completely cooled, it’s time to assemble the cake. Place the first layer top side down on a platter, and spread with filling. Place the second layer top side down and repeat with remaining filling. Top the filling with the third layer, top side up, and frost the top with buttercream. Garnish with extra coconut flakes and chopped pecans if desired. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
*To make paleo powdered sugar, simply blend 1 cup of coconut sugar or maple sugar (my flavor preference is maple!) until it reaches a powdery consistency. Measure out the amount needed after blending.
**The buttercream is optional. This recipe will make enough filling for a 2-3 layer cake. If not using the buttercream, you can use the filling to frost the very top of the cake.
Nutrition
Shop Products and Ingredients:
Want More Paleo Cake and Cupcake Recipes? Try One of These!
Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting
Vanilla Cupcakes with Vanilla Frosting
Spice Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Carrot Cake Cupcakes {Nut Free}
Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
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Hi. Could you use an egg substitute to make this delicious looking cake vegan? Thanks, Mel
This cake looks amazing! Can’t wait to try this recipe soon!
Made this yesterday for my parents 30 year anniversary and EVERYONE LOVED it!!!! Made exactly to the recipe. Thank you so much, it was the best cake I’ve made (I’ve been all of yours!) also can’t wait until your cookbook arrives at the door!
I love chocolate cake. really tnx
Just did a practice run for my son’s birthday. This cake is delicious. YUM!
I love this recipe! It came out great. I made these into cupcakes instead.. baked it for just 15 mins at 350F. The batter was a lot thicker than most cake batters and I was worried it wouldn’t come out right, but it was perfect! Only down side is that I was only able to bake 17 cupcakes with the batter.
Can’t wait to make it again!
This was absolutely delicious!!!! I’m pregnant and have been craving cake, we only make paleo options and this one was by far the best ever!!! Even my non- paleo family members loved it!!
This was rated excellent by people who in the past have eaten the traditional version on the Bakers sweet chocolate package. The recipe makes plenty of icing for three layers.
Made this cake tonight. It wa a big hit. It was easy to make, pretty to look at and my husband who isn’t a big dessert eater had seconds! Really moist, just great.
One of the best cakes I have ever had. Amazing!
I made this cake yesterday and it was to die for! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe! I love that you include the nutrition information in your recipes. Can you clarify if it’s 605 kcal for the entire cake or for a serving? This would be so helpful!
can’t wait to make this for my birthday tomorrow… but I don’t have pecans! I don’t know how I forgot them! Do you think subbing walnuts or almonds would be okay? I could leave them out but would miss the crunch I think. Thanks!
We made 2-9” layers, they were thin layers. The coconut frosting is dry and the cake is a little dry too. I’ll definitely change a few things next time I make this.
My husband made this for my birthday, regardless of his skepticism of no ‘flour’ in a cake. He loved this as much as I did.
That you so much! This cake is amazing! I thought Handsome would have to not get his favorite cake for his birthday this year and you saved the day.
I made this yesterday for my birthday with no changes except to sub walnuts for pecans, and it is sooooooooo delicious! It is extremely rich, just like I wanted. Absolutely everything I had hoped for. I baked it in two 9 inch layers and then cut the layers in half and stacked them to make a four layer half-moon shaped cake.
Delicious cake. Sadly, my three 8-inch layers did not rise to be light and fluffy, instead they turned out more dense and fudge-like (not like the luscious cake from our German bakery when I was young). Is it supposed to be like this? Or what did I do wrong?
I was looking for a healthy version of my favorite cake, and I have found it! I made this recipe into cupcakes yesterday, and it was so delicious. I baked them for about 18 minutes, but I started checking on them at 8 minutes. They came out so tender, I can’t believe they are made with almond flour! I used a can of full fat coconut cream to complete the recipe, with one cup used in the “filling” and the left over 1/2 cup for the cake. I skipped the chocolate butter cream. I will definitely be making this recipe again. Thanks so much for a wonderful recipe!
I absolutely loved this cake . I made it into 4-6 inch layers. I found that I needed to add a tad more coconut milk to the filling to make it easier to spread. It was a fabulous treat!
This cake and filling were delicious! My husband really liked it too and he doesn’t usually like my paleo desserts.
This cake is amazing! I decided to indulge and make this for my birthday and it was truly decadent!! I highly recommend for any special occasion. Thanks Paleo Running Momma for this recipe!!!
Okay. This cake is amazing. I’ve made tons of paleo/GF/vegan/“special diet” cakes and desserts, and this is HANDS DOWN the absolute best one, by far.
I checked the cake starting at 10 minutes. It ended up being done at about 14-15 minutes, so I’m glad I checked early. I used coconut sugar as the sweetener also reduced the amount by a little less than 1/4 cup in both the better and the filling because my husband really doesn’t like sweet things.
It turned out perfectly moist, perfectly balanced between dense and fluffy, and perfectly not-too-sweet.
I’m definitely going to be making this again!!
I made this for my son-in-law’s Birthday. We all (my daughter, grandson & granddaughter, my husband and myself) enjoyed it very much. Thank you so very much.
When you say coconut milk, do you mean the kind in a can or the kind in a box, like almond milk?
Made this for Mother’s Day. Had good flavor. Cake baked for 13 minutes, but was still dry. The filling had great flavor but was stiff and dry-like. Kinda of a let down considering how much time was put into prep, baking and clean up as well as cost of food items.
Could I use two 8 inch pans? (I only have 2) If so, what would the baking time be? Thank you!
I made this today for a friend’s birthday. He is Type 2 Diabetic and watching his carbs. I didn’t add the butter cream -only did the filling in the 9” cakes and then Decorated the top with it. I only baked it for 12 minutes and it was perfect. Every one loves it. Thank you for this recipe. I will be making it again for my husband’s birthday.
My husband made me this cake for my birthday, and oh, man!!! It was moist, decadent, and amazing! We halved the coconut sugar in all three steps, as we don’t eat much sweet stuff these days, and I’m so glad we did, because the final product was almost too sweet. Thank you so much for your recipes, every one that I’ve tried has been amazing!
I made this for my German husband’s family a while back. It was a huge hit! We’re having another get together, and they requested I make it again. Thank you for this fabulous recipe!
These were amazing! I made them for a coworker’s birthday, and they were to die for. I made them into cupcakes, poked a hole in the center to put the filling in, and then topping it with the chocolate buttercream. YUM! Thank you so much for the recipe!
Absolutely amazing! I love all your recipes, but I think this might be my new favorite.
I made the filling only to elevate a plain chocolate cake recipe. It was delicious, easy and decadent. Helped make my wife’s 29 year sobriety birthday even more special. Thank you!
Can I use king Arthur’s flour mix instead of almond flour?
Wow, this is one of the best paleo desserts ever!!! I just made it for my 50th birthday after seeing a German Chocolate Cake on a cruise that was not gluten free. I definitely had a craving for it, and this was beyond delicious! Thank you so much for such a wonderful recipe and such easy to follow tips!
Can you substitute coconut sugar in coconut pecan frosting with honey or maple syrup ?
Hey! I’m wanting to make this recipe, but have a question. I’d like to adapt this to make a cake roll, so I’d bake this as a sheet cake and roll it. Do you think it would work, or is this recipe too delicate and crumbly to hold together?