German Chocolate Cupcakes

The sweet chocolate smell fills my kitchen the moment these cupcakes come out of the oven. The first bite is soft, rich, and oh so gooey with that coconut-pecan topping. I made them last weekend, and everyone grabbed one right away.

I love how the chocolate cake tastes warm and deep, then the topping adds a sweet little crunch. It feels fancy but still easy to make at home. My family kept saying they tasted like a bakery treat.

So, if you want cupcakes that feel rich, sweet, and full of classic flavor, these are perfect. They’re simple to make. And I’ll show you how to do it now.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and Rich: These cupcakes are incredibly moist, with a perfect balance of chocolate flavor and just the right amount of sweetness.
• Coconut Pecan Frosting: The coconut pecan topping adds the perfect texture and flavor—smooth, creamy, and with a bit of crunch.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or casual get-together, these cupcakes are a hit.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The frosting can be made ahead of time, and the cupcakes freeze beautifully for later enjoyment.
• Delightful Presentation: These cupcakes are not only delicious but also look fantastic when decorated with extra coconut and pecans.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you get started, gather these kitchen essentials to ensure smooth cupcake-making:

• Cupcake Pan: A standard 12-cup muffin pan works perfectly for this recipe.
• Muffin Liners: Use paper liners to make the cupcakes easy to remove and serve.
• Electric Mixer or Hand Mixer: For mixing the cupcake batter and frosting.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a few for the different components of the recipe.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key for baking, so make sure you have your measuring tools ready.
• Whisk: For dry ingredients and a smooth frosting.
• Spoon or Ice Cream Scoop: To portion out the batter into cupcake liners evenly.
• Cooling Rack: To let your cupcakes cool properly before frosting.

Ingredients

The key to perfect German Chocolate Cupcakes lies in the combination of high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for both the cupcakes and frosting:

Cupcake Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder (either natural or Dutched)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 ounces milk chocolate (chopped)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 large egg yolks (room temperature)
• 9 tablespoons vegetable oil (or about 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup full-fat sour cream
• 1/2 cup room temperature water

Coconut Pecan Frosting Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup evaporated milk
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 large egg (thoroughly beaten)
• 1/2 cup desiccated coconut (sweetened or unsweetened; extra for decorating)
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans (plus extra for decorating)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Buttercream Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 2 cups powdered sugar (adjust for desired stiffness)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Chocolate syrup (for decorating cupcakes)

Variations for German Chocolate Cupcakes

• Coconut Flake Add-ins: While the frosting already has coconut, you can sprinkle additional shredded coconut on top of the cupcakes for extra texture.
• Use Dark Chocolate: If you prefer a richer flavor, use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a deeper, more intense chocolate taste.
• Try Caramel Drizzle: For an extra special touch, drizzle caramel sauce over the cupcakes before serving.
• Nut-Free Version: If you’re looking to make these cupcakes nut-free, simply omit the pecans in the frosting, and you’ll still have a delightful dessert.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cupcake Batter

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners or grease the pan well.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking soda, and cocoa powder. Set this dry mixture aside.
3. Melt the Milk Chocolate: Place the chopped milk chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and melt it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Once fully melted and smooth, set aside to cool slightly.
4. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add Eggs and Egg Yolks: Beat in the eggs and egg yolks one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix.
6. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Mix in the melted milk chocolate and vegetable oil until the batter is smooth.
7. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Wet Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients and sour cream, alternating between the two, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until combined.
8. Add Water: Gradually add the room temperature water to the batter and mix until smooth and well combined. The batter will be slightly thinner than typical cupcake batters.

Step 2: Bake the Cupcakes

1. Scoop the Batter: Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to fill the cupcake liners about 2/3 full with batter.
2. Bake: Place the cupcake tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Cool the Cupcakes: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 3: Make the Coconut Pecan Frosting

1. Cook the Frosting Base: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and the beaten egg. Stir the mixture constantly until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add Coconut and Pecans: Once the frosting has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the desiccated coconut, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract. Let the frosting cool completely before spreading it onto the cupcakes.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Buttercream

1. Beat the Butter: Using an electric mixer, beat the unsalted butter until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
2. Add Cocoa Powder: Add the cocoa powder and mix until fully combined.
3. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
4. Add Vanilla and Salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Add chocolate syrup to taste for extra richness and to adjust the consistency as needed.

Step 5: Decorate the Cupcakes

1. Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, pipe or spread the chocolate buttercream onto each cupcake.
2. Add the Coconut Pecan Frosting: Carefully spoon the coconut pecan frosting on top of each cupcake, ensuring it’s piled high for a rich and satisfying topping.
3. Garnish: For an extra touch, decorate with additional shredded coconut and chopped pecans on top of the frosting.

How to Serve German Chocolate Cupcakes

These German Chocolate Cupcakes are perfect for a variety of occasions:

• Birthday Parties: They’re the perfect size for serving at birthday celebrations.
• Potlucks: The rich, decadent flavor makes them an excellent choice for potluck gatherings.
• Holiday Desserts: Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving, these cupcakes are a crowd-pleaser.
• Tea Time: Pair these cupcakes with a cup of tea for an elegant dessert.

Storing German Chocolate Cupcakes

• Unfrosted Cupcakes: Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cupcakes before frosting them. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.
• Frosted Cupcakes: If the cupcakes are frosted, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Nutrition Information

German Chocolate Cupcakes
Estimated per 1 cupcake serving

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	310
Total Fat	16g
Saturated Fat	9g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	55mg
Sodium	210mg
Total Carbohydrates	38g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	27g
Protein	4g
Calcium	45mg
Iron	2mg
Potassium	165mg

Conclusion

These German Chocolate Cupcakes with coconut pecan frosting are the perfect combination of rich chocolate, sweet coconut, and crunchy pecans. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply for yourself, they’re sure to become a beloved treat. The moist cupcakes paired with the creamy, decadent frosting are truly irresistible!