German Chocolate Layer Cake with Coconut Pecan Frosting

4 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate

½ cup water

2 cups granulated sugar

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

4 large eggs

1 ½ teaspoons vanilla

1 cup 2 % milk

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup brown sugar, packed

2 cups evaporated milk

6 egg yolks

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 ½ cups coconut flakes

2 cups pecans, chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Melt chocolate with the water in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until just melted.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Pour in the melted chocolate and mix together.

Next, mix in the eggs, vanilla and milk until well combined.

Add the flour, baking soda and salt to the mixing bowl and stir or mix into the batter until just combined.

Spray 3 8-inch cake pans with non-stick cooking spray. For extra coverage, line the bottom of the pans with an 8 inch circle of parchment paper.

Pour batter evenly between the three pans and then bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothipick inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean.

Cool and make frosting.

Melt butter and then add in granulated sugar, brown sugar, evaporated milk and vanilla. Whisk until well combined.

Mix in egg yolks.

Cook over medium heat, frequently stirring, until mixture thickens and is bubbly. This should be 10-12 minutes.

Add in coconut and pecans and stir to combine.

Remove from stovetop and cool for at least 30 minutes, stirring now and then.

Makes 12 servings.