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1
Make the cake Preheat the oven to 350.
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2
Butter two 9-inch baking pans and line them with parchment paper.
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3
Make the cake Set a heatproof bowl over (but not in) a saucepan of simmering water.
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4
Add the chopped chocolate and melt, stirring occasionally.
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5
Alternatively, melt the chocolate in a microwave.
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6
Let cool slightly.
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7
Make the cake In a medium bowl, whisk the flour with the cocoa powder, baking soda and salt.
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8
In a large bowl, beat the 1 1/2 sticks of butter with the sugar until light and fluffy, 3 minutes.
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9
Beat in the eggs and egg yolk, one at a time, then beat in the vanilla.
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10
At low speed, beat in the buttermilk and the flour mixture in 3 alternating batches, ending with the flour mixture.
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11
Fold in the melted chocolate until incorporated.
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12
Make the cake Scrape the batter into the prepared pans.
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13
Bake for about 30 minutes, until a cake tester inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean.
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14
Transfer the cakes to a rack and let cool completely.
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15
Turn the cakes out of the pans and peel off the parchment paper.
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16
Meanwhile, make the frosting Toast the pecans on a rimmed baking sheet until golden, 8 to 10 minutes.
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17
Let cool slightly, then coarsely chop.
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18
In a large saucepan, combine the butter, condensed milk and brown sugar and cook over moderately low heat, whisking frequently, until smooth.
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19
Add the egg yolks and cook over moderately low heat, whisking frequently, until thickened, 8 to 10 minutes.
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20
Transfer the frosting to a large bowl and stir in 3 cups of the pecans and the coconut, vanilla and salt; let cool.
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21
Meanwhile, make the frosting Using a spoon or offset spatula, spread half of the frosting evenly over one cake.
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22
Top with the second cake layer and spread the remaining frosting on top.
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23
Garnish with the remaining pecans.