German chocolate cake, also known as German’s chocolate cake, is a delicious and popular dessert that has become a staple in many households. Despite its name, the cake is not actually from Germany. In this article, we will explore the fascinating history behind German chocolate cake and how it got its name.
The creation of German chocolate cake
German chocolate cake was first introduced to the United States in the mid-19th century. The cake was named after Samuel German, an Anglo-American chocolate maker who developed a special type of dark baking chocolate. This chocolate, known as German’s Sweet Chocolate, was used in the original recipe for the cake.
The story of German’s Chocolate Cake begins in 1852 when Samuel German created his unique blend of dark chocolate for the Baker’s Chocolate Company. The chocolate was an instant success and became popular with bakers and pastry chefs. It was known for its smooth texture and rich flavor, making it an ideal ingredient for desserts.
The recipe and ingredients
The traditional German chocolate cake is a layered cake that is filled and topped with a distinctive coconut-pecan icing. The cake itself is made from a combination of flour, sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, butter, and buttermilk. The batter is typically divided into three layers and baked until light and fluffy.
The filling and frosting of the German chocolate cake is what makes it different from other chocolate cakes. The frosting is made by combining egg yolks, evaporated milk, sugar, butter and vanilla extract. Desiccated coconut and chopped pecans are added to this mixture to create a rich and flavorful icing with a delightful texture.
The Dallas Morning News and Mrs. George Clay
The popularity of German chocolate cake in the United States can be traced to a recipe that appeared in The Dallas Morning News on June 3, 1957. The recipe, entitled “German’s Chocolate Cake,” was submitted by Mrs. George Clay, a homemaker from Dallas, Texas.
Mrs. Clay’s recipe quickly gained attention and was widely distributed. General Foods, the company that owned the Baker’s brand at the time, seized the opportunity and distributed the recipe to newspapers across the country. This extensive coverage led to a surge in the popularity of German Chocolate Cake and a significant increase in Baker’s Chocolate sales.
The Misconception of German Origin
Despite the cake’s name, German chocolate cake is not of German origin. The use of the name “German” in the title can be misleading. The recipe itself has no direct connection to Germany or German cuisine.
The misconception about the cake’s origin stems from the possessive form of “German’s” in the original recipe’s title. Over time, the apostrophe was dropped and the cake became known simply as German chocolate cake. This change in name led many to believe that the cake had German roots, when in fact it was entirely American in origin.
The German Influence
While German chocolate cake may not be of German origin, Germany has its own rich tradition of chocolate cake. Traditional German chocolate cakes vary in flavors and ingredients. One such example is the classic chocolate cake with cherries, which dates back to 1909 in the Lake Constance area of Germany. This cake is popular in southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
German Chocolate Cake Variations
Over the years, variations of German chocolate cake have emerged. One popular variation is the Chantilly Cake, which is often found in Hawaii. Chantilly cake is a modified version of German chocolate cake that does not include coconut or nuts in the frosting. Instead, it may be topped with macadamia nuts for added flavor and texture.
Bottom line
German chocolate cake is a popular dessert that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many. Despite its name, the cake has no direct connection to Germany. It was named after Samuel German, the chocolate maker who developed the unique chocolate used in the original recipe.
The popularity of German chocolate cake can be attributed to the widespread distribution of Mrs. George Clay’s recipe by General Foods. Over time, the possessive form of “German’s” was dropped, leading to the misconception of a German origin.
German chocolate cake is a testament to the creativity and innovation of American bakers. It continues to be enjoyed by people around the world, demonstrating the enduring appeal of this delicious dessert.
FAQs
Why is it called German Chocolate Cake?
German Chocolate Cake is named after Samuel German, an English-American chocolate maker who developed a special type of dark baking chocolate called German’s Sweet Chocolate. The cake was originally made with this special chocolate, hence the name “German Chocolate Cake”.
What makes German Chocolate Cake different?
What makes German Chocolate Cake different from other chocolate cakes is its unique coconut pecan icing. Unlike traditional chocolate cake, German chocolate cake has a filling and topping made with a custard-like mixture of egg yolks, evaporated milk, sugar, butter, shredded coconut and chopped pecans. This frosting gives the cake a distinctive flavor and texture.
Did the Germans invent German chocolate cake?
No, German chocolate cake did not originate in Germany. Despite its name, the cake is an American creation. It was named after Samuel German, the chocolate maker who developed the special type of chocolate used in the original recipe. The cake itself was created by Mrs. George Clay, a housewife from Dallas, Texas, and gained popularity in the United States.
What Makes German Chocolate Different?
German chocolate, also known as German sweet chocolate, is a special type of dark baking chocolate. It has a smoother texture and milder flavor than other types of chocolate. German chocolate is traditionally used in German chocolate cake recipes, although nowadays other types of chocolate are often used as well.
Are there variations of German Chocolate Cake?
Yes, there are variations of German chocolate cake. One popular variation is the Chantilly Cake, which is often found in Hawaii. Chantilly cake is a modified version of German chocolate cake that omits coconut and nuts from the frosting. It may be topped with macadamia nuts instead. In addition, there may be regional and personal variations of German chocolate cake recipes that use different ingredients or techniques.