Did Someone Say German Chocolate Cake?

Yes. It was my husband. This is his favorite birthday cake request. I usually get a German Chocolate cake mix (dare I say the word... or words?) and the pre-made pecan coconut frosting. It's not bad... but THIS is TEN TIMES better! I thought this year I would do it up right, and you could definitely tell this was the real deal. I stuck with the "Baker's" recipe. But for the frosting, I was inspired by my friend Emily's German cake and frosting a while back. She was the one who told me this whole process was do-able, and this frosting is REALLY GOOD! Anyway- Happy Birthday to my hubby! Three layers of chocolate-y LOVE for you!

Original Baker's German Chocolate Cake

1 pkg. (4 oz.) BAKER'S GERMAN'S Sweet Chocolate

1/2 cup water

4 eggs, separated

2 cups flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

1 cup butter, softened

2 cups sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

1 cup buttermilk

HEAT oven to 350°F.

COVER bottoms of 3 (9-inch) round pans with waxed paper; spray sides with cooking spray. Microwave chocolate and water in large microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1-1/2 to 2 min. or until chocolate is almost melted, stirring after 1 min. Stir until chocolate is completely melted.

BEAT egg whites in small bowl with mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form; set aside. Mix flour, baking soda and salt. Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with mixer until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating well after each. Blend in melted chocolate and vanilla. Add flour mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating until well blended after each addition.

ADD egg whites; stir gently until well blended. Pour into prepared pans.

BAKE 30 min. or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Immediately run small spatula around cakes in pans. Cool cakes in pans 15 min.; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. Spread Coconut-Pecan Filling and Frosting between cake layers and onto top of cake.

Coconut-Pecan Filling and Frosting
1 cup Evaporated Milk
1 cup Sugar
3 Egg Yolks
1/2 cup Butter
1 teaspoon Vanilla

Combine all ingredients. Mix well. Cook over medium heat on stovetop until thickened, about 12 minutes. Add 1/3 cup Coconut and 1 cup Chopped Nuts. Pour over cake.