Quick German Chocolate Coconut Pecan Roll Cake Recipe: Sweet Swirls!

Decadent layers of rich chocolate and creamy coconut dance together in this german chocolate coconut pecan roll cake recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Soft, delicate sponge cake embraces a luscious filling that melts in your mouth with every bite.

Pecans add a delightful crunch, complementing the sweet coconut and velvety chocolate perfectly.

Each slice reveals a stunning spiral of flavors that tells a story of culinary passion.

The blend of textures creates a dessert that feels both elegant and comforting.

Subtle notes of sweetness and nuttiness intertwine, making this roll cake a showstopper at any gathering.

Dive into this irresistible treat that transforms an ordinary moment into a celebration of taste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Calories: 325 kcal

Servings: 11

What’s Inside German Chocolate Coconut Pecan Roll Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and soft texture to the sponge cake, choose fresh and finely milled flour for best results.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color, opt for high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa for intense taste.
• Baking Powder: Ensures light and airy cake texture, check expiration date for maximum leavening power.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness, use fine-grain table salt.

• Eggs: Creates tender and flexible cake structure, select fresh room-temperature eggs for better mixing.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic flavor, use pure vanilla for best taste.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cake's texture, choose fine granulated sugar.

• Evaporated Milk: Creates creamy, rich base for filling, use full-fat version for maximum flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and smooth texture, select unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
• Shredded Coconut: Brings tropical sweetness and texture, use fresh or high-quality dried coconut.
• Pecans: Adds nutty crunch and depth, choose fresh, whole pecans and chop just before using.
• Powdered Sugar: Used for dusting and prevents sticking, select finely ground sugar.

Baking Tools For German Chocolate Coconut Pecan Roll Cake

• Electric mixer: Essential for whipping egg whites and beating egg yolks to perfect consistency.
• Medium saucepan: Crucial for cooking the coconut pecan filling smoothly.
• Jelly roll pan: Specific pan needed to create the thin, flexible sponge cake base.
• Parchment paper: Helps release cake easily and prevents sticking.
• Clean kitchen towel: Used for rolling and shaping the warm cake without breaking.
• Whisk: Perfect for mixing filling ingredients and preventing lumps.
• Mixing bowls: Needed for separating ingredients and combining cake batter.
• Sifter: Ensures dry ingredients are lump-free and well-distributed.
• Spatula: Helps fold egg whites gently and spread filling evenly.
• Serving platter: Provides a beautiful presentation for the finished roll cake.

How To Make German Chocolate Coconut Pecan Roll Cake

• Oven Preparation

Warm your kitchen with a toasty 180C (350F) oven. Line a baking pan with parchment paper, creating a smooth surface for your delicate cake.

• Cake Batter Creation

Whip egg whites into fluffy clouds, gradually adding sugar until they form beautiful peaks. In another bowl, blend egg yolks until they transform into a pale, creamy mixture. Gently fold dry ingredients into the yolk mixture, creating a silky chocolate batter that whispers of decadence.

• Cake Rolling Technique

Immediately after baking, transfer the warm cake onto a sugar-dusted towel. Roll the cake carefully, allowing it to cool in its snug, curled embrace. This technique ensures a perfect, flexible texture.

• Coconut Pecan Filling

Craft a rich, golden filling by simmering milk, sugar, and egg yolks. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens into a luxurious caramel-like sauce. Fold in coconut and pecans, creating a tropical-inspired cream.

• Cake Assembly

Unroll the cooled cake with tender care. Spread the luscious coconut-pecan mixture across its surface, then roll it back into a beautiful spiral. Place the cake seam-side down on a elegant serving platter.

• Final Touches

Drape the remaining coconut-pecan cream over the cake, creating a rustic, tempting exterior. Sprinkle extra pecans for a delightful crunch.

• Serving

Slice and serve this decadent roll cake at room temperature, inviting everyone to enjoy a slice of sweet paradise.

Sweet Tips For German Chocolate Coconut Pecan Roll Cake

• Baking Brilliance: Expert Tips for Perfect German Chocolate Roll Cake
• Moisture Magic: Use a damp kitchen towel when rolling the warm cake to prevent cracking and ensure a smooth, flexible sponge that wraps beautifully without breaking.
• Temperature Trick: Allow all ingredients to reach room temperature before mixing to guarantee a smoother batter and more consistent cake texture that rises evenly.
• Whipping Wisdom: Beat egg whites in a completely clean, dry bowl to achieve maximum volume and create that light, airy sponge cake texture that melts in your mouth.
• Filling Finesse: Cool the coconut-pecan filling completely before spreading to prevent soggy cake and ensure the filling sets properly, maintaining perfect cake structure.
• Diet-Friendly Twist: For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour. Dairy-free bakers can replace evaporated milk with coconut milk and use dairy-free butter alternatives.

Ways To Serve German Chocolate Coconut Pecan Roll Cake

• Festive Dessert Centerpiece: Showcase this stunning German chocolate roll cake as the star attraction at dinner parties, creating an instant wow factor with its elegant spiral and rich coconut-pecan topping.
• Sweet Celebration Companion: Pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream to enhance the cake's decadent chocolate and nutty flavors.
• Elegant Coffee or Tea Treat: Serve thin slices alongside a steaming espresso or Earl Grey tea, allowing the robust beverage to complement the cake's sweet and nutty profile, perfect for afternoon gatherings or elegant brunches.
• Make-Ahead Dessert Delight: Prepare this roll cake a day in advance, giving the flavors time to meld and intensify, making it an ideal dessert for stress-free entertaining and special occasions.

How To Store German Chocolate Coconut Pecan Roll Cake

• Refrigeration Revival: Store the German Chocolate Roll Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator, keeping it fresh and delicious for 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap the entire cake or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cake stays delectable for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best texture and taste.
• Room Temperature Bliss: Allow refrigerated cake to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This helps soften the filling and enhances the cake's rich, smooth flavors, making each bite more enjoyable.
• Make-Ahead Masterpiece: Prepare the cake roll a day in advance to let flavors meld. The coconut-pecan filling will become more intense, creating a more decadent dessert experience. Keep covered and chilled until ready to serve.

Decadent German Chocolate Coconut Pecan Roll Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Rich german chocolate coconut pecan roll cake delights dessert enthusiasts with complex flavors. Chocolate layers wrap creamy coconut filling, offering delectable nutty comfort for passionate bakers seeking elegant sweet experiences.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 eggs (large)
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (30 g) cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• ¼ cup (30 g) flour (all-purpose)
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120 ml/4 fl oz) evaporated milk
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 3 egg yolks (large)
• ¼ cup (60 g/2 oz) butter (unsalted)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup (75 g) coconut (shredded, sweetened)
• ½ cup (60 g) pecans (chopped)
• ¼ cup (25 g) pecans (chopped)
• Coconut flakes
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate ganache
• Powdered sugar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage and lightly greasing the surface.
2. Cake Batter Creation: Sift dry ingredients thoroughly. Whip egg whites to stiff peaks, gradually adding sugar. Blend egg yolks until pale and voluminous. Gently fold dry ingredients and whipped whites into yolk mixture, preserving air pockets. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan and bake until the surface yields when lightly touched, approximately 12-15 minutes.
3. Initial Cake Shaping: Transfer warm cake immediately onto a sugar-dusted kitchen towel. Carefully remove parchment paper and roll cake tightly with towel, creating a cylindrical shape. Allow to cool completely in rolled position.
4. Coconut-Pecan Filling Development: Combine dairy, sugar, egg yolks, and butter in a saucepan. Stir continuously over medium heat until mixture thickens to a rich, pudding-like consistency. Mix in vanilla, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Cool completely.
5. Cake Assembly: Unroll cooled cake and spread half the coconut-pecan filling across the interior. Tightly re-roll the cake, positioning seam-side down on a serving platter.
6. Final Decoration: Cover the rolled cake’s exterior with remaining coconut-pecan mixture. Optionally garnish with additional pecans or coconut flakes for enhanced visual appeal.
7. Serving and Storage: Present cake at room temperature or slightly chilled. Store refrigerated and consume within three days for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

• Preserve Cake’s Airiness: Carefully fold egg whites and dry ingredients to maintain maximum volume, preventing deflation that could result in a dense, heavy texture.
• Prevent Cracking: Roll the cake while still warm using a sugar-dusted towel to ensure flexibility and minimize potential cracking during the rolling process.
• Filling Temperature Matters: Allow coconut-pecan filling to cool completely before spreading to prevent melting and maintain the cake’s structural integrity.
• Moisture Control: Store the cake in an airtight container to prevent drying out, keeping the texture soft and preventing the filling from becoming too firm or crusty.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 325
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg