Both German chocolate cake and regular chocolate cake are delicious chocolate cakes, but they are made differently and have distinct ingredients that set them apart. Understanding the key differences between the two cakes can help you decide which recipe to use when baking a chocolate cake.
What is German Chocolate Cake?
German chocolate cake was named after Samuel German, who developed a type of sweet baking chocolate in 1852. The cake itself was created years later, in 1957, by a Texas homemaker named Mrs. George Clay. She sent the recipe to a Dallas newspaper, which published it, and the cake became wildly popular.
German chocolate cake consists of layers of chocolate cake interleaved with a coconut pecan filling. The filling is made by mixing egg yolks, evaporated milk, butter, coconut, and pecans together and cooking them on the stove until thickened. This sweet and rich filling pairs perfectly with the dark, dense chocolate cake layers.
Here are some key features of German chocolate cake:
- Chocolate cake layers are made with German sweet chocolate, which provides a deep, rich chocolate flavor.
- The filling contains coconut and pecans, which add texture and flavor.
- Baking powder is used to make the cake layers light and fluffy.
- Butter, eggs, and milk are used to make the cake layers moist and tender.
- The filling and frosting contain coconut and pecans.
What is Regular Chocolate Cake?
Regular chocolate cake typically refers to chocolate cake made without the signature filling and frosting that German chocolate cake has. It focuses solely on the chocolate cake itself rather than a layered filled cake.
There are many different recipes for regular chocolate cake. Some are moist and dense while others are more airy and light. The main aspects regular chocolate cakes have in common are:
- Chocolate or cocoa powder provides the primary chocolate flavor.
- Butter, eggs, and sometimes milk help create a moist, tender crumb.
- Leavening agents like baking powder or baking soda allow the cake to rise when baked.
- Sugar and vanilla provide sweetness.
- Oil or butter keep the cake moist.
- No coconut-pecan filling or frosting.
While the cake layers in German chocolate cake also contain these basic ingredients, regular chocolate cake does not have the signature filling, instead relying just on the chocolate flavor of the cake itself.
Differences in Ingredients
When it comes to ingredients, German chocolate cake and regular chocolate cake differ significantly in a few ways:
Chocolate
German chocolate cake is made with German sweet chocolate, which is a branded type of dark baking chocolate created by Samuel German. It has a deep, mildly sweet chocolate flavor.
Regular chocolate cake can be made with all kinds of chocolate! Unsweetened chocolate, bittersweet chocolate, semisweet chocolate chips, or even cocoa powder can be used in regular chocolate cake. So the type of chocolate flavor can vary far more.
Filling
The signature filling in German chocolate cake contains coconut, pecans, butter, evaporated milk, sugar, and egg yolks. This filling adds a tropical, nutty sweetness to complement the chocolate.
Regular chocolate cake does not contain a filling unless you want to add one. Usually it consists of just cake layers without any filling between them.
Frosting
German chocolate cake is frosted with the same coconut-pecan filling that goes between the layers. A super thick, glossy layer of the filling frosting is spread over the top and sides.
Regular chocolate cake can be frosted with anything you choose! Chocolate buttercream, chocolate ganache, fluffy cream cheese frosting, and more can all be used on regular chocolate cakes.
Leavening Agent
German chocolate cake is leavened with baking powder, which interacts with the other ingredients to produce carbon dioxide bubbles that make the cake light and fluffy.
Regular chocolate cake can be leavened with baking powder but is sometimes made with baking soda instead. Baking soda requires an acidic ingredient like vinegar or buttermilk to activate it and needs a gentler mixing method.
Texture
The texture of German chocolate cake combines moist, dense chocolate cake layers with the ultra soft, creamy coconut pecan filling in between. Some people don’t like the soggy texture that can result from the filling.
Regular chocolate cake will be entirely cake, allowing you to achieve whatever texture you prefer. Choose recipes with more eggs or oil for moist cakes or less for more crumbly cakes. Vary the mixing and leavening methods for fluffier or denser cakes.
Taste and Flavor Profile
When it comes down to taste, German chocolate cake has a very distinctive flavor profile coming from the coconut-pecan filling. This tropical, nutty sweetness balances the deep chocolate flavors.
Regular chocolate cake focuses just on the pure chocolate taste, whether mild or intensely dark depending on the recipe. There are no other flavors besides vanilla and whatever frosting you choose. This allows the chocolate flavor to take center stage.
German chocolate cake has a more nuanced flavor with the coconut, nuts, and chocolate combining for an almost candy-like effect. Regular chocolate cake is richer in pure chocolate flavor but doesn’t offer the exotic component. It’s a matter of preference!
Appearance and Presentation
German chocolate cakes have a distinct layered look with the white coconut pecan filling between the dark chocolate cake layers. The top is also covered in the thick filling rather than classic chocolate frosting or ganache.
Regular chocolate cakes can be frosted with chocolate, presented with fewer or no filling layers, and decorated in many creative ways. There are more presentation options for regular cakes.
Cost Difference
German chocolate cake recipes require some pricier ingredients than regular chocolate cakes. The German sweet chocolate, coconut flakes, and pecans can cost more than the typical ingredients needed for a regular chocolate cake recipe.
Regular chocolate cake is relatively inexpensive to make, especially using cocoa powder or chocolate chips. The lack of specialty fillings and frostings helps keep the cost down compared to German chocolate cakes.
Time and Difficulty to Make
German chocolate cake will take more time and effort to make at home than a regular chocolate cake. You have to make the filling in addition to the cake layers, assemble the filled layers, and frost the entire cake with the sometimes tricky coconut pecan filling.
Regular chocolate cake recipes just involve mixing up the cake batter, baking, and frosting with any simple frosting. There’s no filling required and minimal assembly so it’s much quicker and easier.
Occasions for Serving
Both cakes can work for a variety of occasions, but here are some of the most common:
German Chocolate Cake
- Birthdays
- Mother’s Day or Father’s Day
- Graduations
- Weddings and anniversaries
- Holidays like Christmas and Easter
Regular Chocolate Cake
- Birthdays
- Weeknight family dessert
- Potlucks and other casual gatherings
- Children’s parties
- Bake sales
As you can see, both cakes are great for celebrating birthdays and special occasions. Regular chocolate cake may be better for more casual everyday desserts since it’s simpler.
Nutrition
| Nutrition Facts | German Chocolate Cake (per serving) | Regular Chocolate Cake (per serving) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 510 | 400 |
| Total Fat | 27g | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 14g | 9g |
| Sodium | 310mg | 260mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 59g | 52g |
| Protein | 5g | 5g |
As the table shows, German chocolate cake tends to be higher in calories, fat, and sodium compared to regular chocolate cake. This is mostly due to the coconut pecan filling. However, regular chocolate cake made with lots of frosting can also be high in calories and fat. Bottom line – both are dense, rich desserts to enjoy in moderation.
Conclusion
German chocolate cake and regular chocolate cake are both classic chocolate cakes perfect for special occasions and chocolate lovers. German chocolate cake gets its signature flavor from the coconut-pecan filling, resulting in a more tropical, layered cake. Regular chocolate cake focuses just on the chocolate flavor itself and can be topped with all kinds of frostings. Whichever you choose, you can’t go wrong with either of these delicious cakes!
