German Chocolate Cake Roll

Rich, moist chocolate cake rolled around a sweet, buttery coconut pecan filling and finished with a silky chocolate ganache. This German Chocolate Cake Roll combines everything you love about classic German chocolate cake in one beautiful homemade dessert. With its soft chocolate sponge, creamy coconut center, and crunchy pecan topping, every slice is a delicious treat perfect for holidays, birthdays, and family gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake

1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour

3/4 cup (65 g) unsweetened cocoa powder

4 large eggs, room temperature

1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar

1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk

1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Coconut Pecan Filling

1 cup (85 g) sweetened shredded coconut

1 cup (110 g) pecans, finely chopped

1/2 cup (120 ml) evaporated milk

1/2 cup (100 g) packed brown sugar

2 large egg yolks

1/4 cup (55 g) unsalted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Ganache

1 cup (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For Garnishing

1/2 cup pecan halves

1/4 cup shredded coconut

Extra melted chocolate, optional

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 10-by-15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Beat the eggs and sugar. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar with an electric mixer for 4–5 minutes until thick, pale, and fluffy.
4. Add the wet ingredients. Gently mix in the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until combined.
5. Make the chocolate batter. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture using a spatula. Mix gently until smooth, being careful not to overmix.
6. Bake the cake. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cake springs back lightly when touched and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Roll the cake while warm. Carefully turn the warm cake onto a clean kitchen towel lightly dusted with cocoa powder. Remove the parchment paper, then gently roll the cake with the towel inside, starting from a short end. Allow it to cool completely.
8. Prepare the coconut pecan filling. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the evaporated milk, brown sugar, and egg yolks. Add the butter and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, for 7–10 minutes until thickened.
9. Add coconut and pecans. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract. Allow the filling to cool completely before using.
10. Fill the chocolate cake. Carefully unroll the cooled chocolate sponge. Spread the coconut pecan filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
11. Roll the cake again. Gently roll the filled cake into a tight spiral without the towel. Place seam-side down on a serving platter. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to help it hold its shape.
12. Prepare the chocolate ganache. Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream until steaming but not boiling, then pour it over the chocolate. Let stand for 2 minutes.
13. Make the ganache smooth. Add the butter and stir until the chocolate becomes completely melted, glossy, and smooth. Allow it to cool slightly until thick enough to drizzle.
14. Decorate the cake roll. Pour or drizzle the chocolate ganache generously over the chilled cake roll, allowing it to flow naturally down the sides.
15. Add the toppings. Arrange the pecan halves along the top and sprinkle with shredded coconut. Drizzle with additional melted chocolate if desired.
16. Chill and serve. Refrigerate the finished cake roll for at least 1 hour, until the ganache has set. Slice carefully with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for beautiful chocolate and coconut spirals.

Closing

This German Chocolate Cake Roll is a wonderful combination of rich chocolate sponge cake, sweet coconut pecan filling, and silky chocolate ganache. The soft cake, buttery filling, and crunchy pecans create a dessert that’s both comforting and impressive.

Serve it chilled or allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying. It’s perfect alongside a warm cup of coffee or as a special homemade dessert for family celebrations.

Would you enjoy this delicious German Chocolate Cake Roll with extra chocolate ganache or more coconut pecan filling?