German Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe

German Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe is a medium American recipe that serves 16. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Preppy Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr 10 min | Cook: 55 min | Total: 2 hrs 25 min

Cost: $21.98 total, $1.37 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 3 tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (18 g, sifted with flour)
  • 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon Salt
  • 84 g Unsalted Butter (room temperature, cut into cubes)
  • 250 g Granulated Sugar
  • 2 large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 80 g Sour Cream (about 1/3 cup, room temperature)
  • 120 ml Whole Milk (about 1/2 cup, room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 56 g German's Sweet Chocolate (half a 2 oz bar, chopped fine)
  • 60 ml Hot Coffee (or hot water if you prefer)
  • 250 g Light Brown Sugar (packed, 1 cup + 2 tbsp)
  • 354 ml Evaporated Milk (12 oz can)
  • 3 Egg Yolks
  • 170 g Unsalted Butter (room temperature, cut into cubes (3/4 cup))
  • 188 g Toasted Pecans, Chopped (1.5 cups, toasted at 350°F 8 min)
  • 300 g Sweetened Shredded Coconut (3.5 cups)
  • 120 ml Heavy Cream (1/2 cup, for ganache)
  • 180 g Semi‑Sweet Chocolate (chopped, for ganache)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it fully preheat.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 350°F

  2. Sift Dry Ingredients

    In a large bowl, sift together 1.5 cups (180 g) all‑purpose flour, 3 Tbsp (18 g) unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp salt.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Prepare Chocolate Mixture

    Chop 2 oz (56 g) German's sweet chocolate into small pieces. Place in a small bowl and add ¼ cup hot coffee (or hot water). Stir until smooth; microwave 30 seconds on half power if needed.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Cream Butter

    Fit the stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Add 84 g unsalted butter and beat on medium speed until creamy.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Add Sugar

    Add 250 g granulated sugar to the butter and beat 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy.

    Time: PT4M

  6. Incorporate Eggs

    Add the two eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Combine Sour Cream & Milk

    In a separate bowl, whisk together 80 g sour cream with 60 ml (½ cup) whole milk.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Add Vanilla and Chocolate

    Stir 1 tsp vanilla extract and the cooled chocolate‑coffee mixture into the butter‑sugar mixture.

    Time: PT2M

  9. Fold in Dry and Wet Ingredients

    Reduce mixer speed to low. Add the sifted flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the sour‑cream/milk mixture (first half of the liquid, then a third of the flour, then the remaining liquid, then the rest of the flour).

    Time: PT5M

  10. Finish Mixing by Hand

    Using a spatula, gently fold the batter in the bowl until no streaks of flour remain.

    Time: PT2M

  11. Portion Batter

    Line the cupcake tin with 16 liners. Using a triggered scoop or spoon, fill each liner about two‑thirds full.

    Time: PT5M

  12. Bake Cupcakes

    Bake at 350°F for 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

    Time: PT18M

    Temperature: 350°F

  13. Toast Pecans

    Spread 1.5 cups (188 g) chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 350°F for 8 minutes, stirring halfway.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: 350°F

  14. Make German Chocolate Frosting

    In a medium saucepan, combine 250 g light brown sugar, 354 ml evaporated milk, 3 egg yolks, 170 g butter, and ¼ tsp salt. Whisk over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture bubbles and thickens.

    Time: PT5M

  15. Finish Frosting

    Remove from heat. Stir in 1 tsp vanilla, 300 g sweetened shredded coconut, and the toasted pecans.

    Time: PT3M

  16. Cool Frosting

    Transfer frosting to a shallow bowl, cover, and refrigerate 45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until spreadable.

    Time: PT45M

  17. Prepare Optional Ganache

    Heat 120 ml heavy cream in a small saucepan until just steaming. Place 180 g chopped semi‑sweet chocolate in a heat‑proof bowl, pour the hot cream over it, let sit 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  18. Core Cupcakes (Optional)

    Using an apple corer or a small knife, cut a shallow hole in the center of each cooled cupcake, keeping the top piece as a “cap.”

    Time: PT5M

  19. Assemble Cupcakes

    Pipe or spoon a generous dollop of the cooled frosting into each cupcake (or into the core if cored). Drizzle ganache over the top and garnish with extra toasted pecan pieces if desired.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
4 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
18 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains gluten, Contains nuts

Allergens: Dairy, Eggs, Tree nuts, Gluten

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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German Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe

Recipe by Preppy Kitchen

Decadent German Chocolate Cupcakes topped with a rich coconut‑pecan frosting and optional silky chocolate ganache. Light, fluffy cupcakes with a classic German's chocolate flavor, perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat.

MediumAmericanServes 16

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
2h 3m
Prep
23m
Cook
18m
Cleanup
2h 44m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$21.98
Total cost
$1.37
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Preheat oven to correct temperature
  • Do not over‑mix the batter after adding flour
  • Bake until a toothpick comes out clean
  • Stir frosting constantly to avoid scorching
  • Cool frosting until spreadable before frosting cupcakes

Safety Warnings

  • Hot sugar mixture can cause severe burns; stir constantly and keep face away.
  • Use oven mitts when handling hot pans and trays.
  • Sharp knife required for chopping chocolate and coring cupcakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of German Chocolate Cupcakes in American cuisine?

A

German Chocolate Cupcakes trace back to the 1950s Texas recipe created by Mrs. George Clay, which used German's sweet chocolate. The cake became a Southern classic, celebrated for its rich coconut‑pecan frosting, and the cupcake version adapts that tradition for modern, bite‑size servings.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of German Chocolate Cupcakes in the United States?

A

In the South, the frosting often includes toasted pecans and sweetened shredded coconut, while some Midwestern versions swap pecans for walnuts or add a hint of bourbon. The core concept—German's chocolate and coconut‑pecan frosting—remains the same.

cultural
Q

How is German Chocolate Cupcakes traditionally served in Southern American gatherings?

A

They are typically served at holiday tables, potlucks, and birthday parties, presented on a platter with the frosting piped in a swirl and a garnish of toasted pecan halves on top.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are German Chocolate Cupcakes traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

German Chocolate Cupcakes are popular for birthdays, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and any celebration that calls for a rich, chocolatey dessert that can be easily portioned and shared.

cultural
Q

What makes German Chocolate Cupcakes special or unique in American dessert cuisine?

A

The combination of German's sweet chocolate in the batter, a buttery coconut‑pecan frosting, and the optional silky ganache creates a layered texture and flavor profile that is both nostalgic and indulgent, setting it apart from ordinary chocolate cupcakes.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for German Chocolate Cupcakes versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include German's sweet chocolate, light brown sugar, evaporated milk, sour cream, and toasted pecans. Acceptable substitutes are semi‑sweet chocolate for German's, whole milk instead of evaporated milk (with extra sugar), and walnuts in place of pecans.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with German Chocolate Cupcakes?

A

Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a cup of cold milk, or a glass of coffee. They also complement a fresh fruit salad with citrus dressing to cut through the richness.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making German Chocolate Cupcakes?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the batter, using cold butter, under‑toasting the pecans, and not cooking the frosting long enough, which can lead to runny frosting or burnt spots.

technical
Q

Why does this German Chocolate Cupcakes recipe use a combination of butter and sour cream instead of just oil?

A

Butter provides flavor and structure, while sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang, resulting in a tender crumb that is lighter than an oil‑based batter.

technical
Q

Can I make German Chocolate Cupcakes ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. Bake the cupcakes up to two days ahead, store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and keep the frosting refrigerated. Assemble just before serving for the best texture.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the German Chocolate Cupcakes are done baking?

A

The tops should be flat and slightly domed with a light golden color. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, and the cupcakes should spring back gently when lightly pressed.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen specializes in approachable, well‑produced home baking tutorials, focusing on classic desserts with modern twists and detailed technique explanations.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen's approach to American dessert cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Preppy Kitchen emphasizes precise measurements, the use of kitchen scales, and clear step‑by‑step visual cues, while also sharing historical context and practical tips that help home cooks achieve bakery‑level results.

channel
Q

What other American dessert recipes is the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen known for?

A

Preppy Kitchen is known for recipes such as Classic Red Velvet Cake, Lemon Blueberry Muffins, and Salted Caramel Brownies, all presented with polished video production and thorough explanations.

channel

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