German Wedding Cake Recipe

Name: German Wedding Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: Butter, for greasing pan; All-purpose flour, for dusting pan; 1 box German chocolate cake mix; 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut; 1/4 cup chopped pecans; 1/2 cup fresh or frozen and thawed whole cherries, pitted and minced; 1/2 cup brandy; 1/2 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar simmered, then cooled); Pinch ground cinnamon; Pinch ground nutmeg; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon butter; 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips; 2 cups fresh or frozen and thawed whole cherries, pitted; Chopped chocolate

Servings: persons

Butter, for greasing pan
All-purpose flour, for dusting pan
1 box German chocolate cake mix
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup fresh or frozen and thawed whole cherries, pitted and minced
1/2 cup brandy
1/2 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar simmered, then cooled)
Pinch ground cinnamon
Pinch ground nutmeg
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon butter
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips
2 cups fresh or frozen and thawed whole cherries, pitted
Chopped chocolate

1
For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour a 9-by-13-inch baking pan.
2
Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions.
3
In a large bowl, combine the cake batter with the coconut and pecans.
4
Stir until just mixed.
5
In a small saucepan, combine the cherries, brandy and simple syrup.
6
Place the mixture over medium-low heat and simmer until the liquid is reduced to a thick syrup.
7
Remove from the heat and let cool.
8
Pour half the cake batter into the prepared baking pan.
9
Top with the cherry mixture.
10
Pour the remaining cake batter over top and smooth lightly.
11
Bake the cake according to package instructions, about 35 minutes, adding a few minutes.
12
The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clear of batter.
13
Let the cake cool a few minutes before slicing.
14
For the garnish: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream and butter over medium-low heat.
15
When the cream is just up to a simmer, remove from the heat and stir in the chocolate.
16
Stir until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
17
Slice the cake and drizzle the melted chocolate over each slice.
18
Garnish with a few whole cherries and some chopped chocolate.
19
This recipe was created by a contestant during a cooking competition.
20
The Food Network Kitchens have not tested it for home use, therefore, we cannot make any representation as to the results.

724

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 15 ingredients. The key ingredients include: Butter, for greasing pan, All-purpose flour, for dusting pan, 1 box German chocolate cake mix, 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut, and more.

Yes, German Wedding Cake falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

German Wedding Cake

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions