German Chocolate Cupcakes
German Chocolate Cupcakes are rich and moist chocolate cupcakes, topped with a signature coconut and pecan icing. Unlike regular chocolate cupcakes, these cupcakes have a deep cocoa flavor combined with a sweet and nutty coating that makes them extra special. These cupcakes are like little pieces of cake heaven, perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just when you’re craving a sweet treat.

Try German Chocolate Cupcakes
If you love chocolate and want to impress your family or friends with something elegant and easy to make, you should definitely try German Chocolate Cupcakes. They’re not only delicious, but they’re also fun to bake. Kids can help stir them, pour batter into cupcake cases, and even spread frosting on top. Plus, because they’re made in cupcake form rather than a large cake, they’re easier to serve and eat. Whether it’s for a school event, a family dinner, or a weekend baking project, these mini cupcakes are always a hit.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for German Chocolate Cupcakes
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this German Chocolate Cupcakes
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup hot water
For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
How to Make German Chocolate Cupcakes
Step One
The first step: Prepare the cupcake batter: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a muffin tray with cupcake cases. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine the oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry mixture. Gently stir until combined, then pour in the hot water and mix until smooth.
Step Two
The second step: Bake the cupcakes: Fill each cupcake case about two-thirds full with batter. Place the muffin tray in the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove the tray from the oven and let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

Step Three
Now: Make the frosting: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the evaporated milk, sugar, and egg yolks, whisking continuously. Cook until the batter thickens and becomes lightly bubbly, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and add vanilla, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Let the icing cool before spreading it on the cupcakes.

Step Four
Finally, assemble the cupcakes. After the cupcakes have cooled, spread a tablespoon of icing on the top of each cupcake. For extra icing, you can add a sprinkle of melted chocolate or pecan halves.
Kitchen Equipment Needed :
Before starting, make sure you have the following items:
- Muffin tin
- Cupcake liners
- Mixing bowls large and medium
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Saucepan
- Electric mixer optional, but helpful
- Cooling rack
Tips for Making German Chocolate Cupcakes
Don’t overmix the batter; stir just until combined.
Buttermilk makes the cupcakes soft and moist don’t skip it!
If you don’t have buttermilk, make your own by adding 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to 1/2 cup milk.
Toast the pecans before adding them to the frosting for extra crunch and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
I like to serve these cupcakes with hot tea or cocoa milk for breakfast, and during the day I like to serve them with fruit juice or a refreshing drink.

Frequently Asked Questions
Are German Chocolate Cupcakes really from Germany ?
No, the name comes from Samuel German, who created a type of chocolate. It has nothing to do with Germany.
What makes German Chocolate Cupcakes different from regular chocolate cupcakes ?
They’re topped with a special coconut-pecan frosting, which gives them a unique sweet and nutty flavor.
How do I make the frosting thicker ?
Cook the frosting a little longer until it bubbles and thickens, then let it cool before spreading.
Can I freeze the frosting ?
Yes, you can freeze the frosting in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.
German Chocolate Cupcakes
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy to Moderate12
servings20
minutes20
minutes350
kcalGerman Chocolate Cupcakes are rich, moist chocolate cupcakes topped with a sweet coconut-pecan frosting. They’re the perfect bite-sized version of the classic cake, making them easy to serve and fun to eat at any party or family gathering.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup hot water
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
Directions
- The first step: Prepare the cupcake batter: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a muffin tray with cupcake cases. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine the oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry mixture. Gently stir until combined, then pour in the hot water and mix until smooth.
- The second step: Bake the cupcakes: Fill each cupcake case about two-thirds full with batter. Place the muffin tray in the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove the tray from the oven and let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
- Now: Make the frosting: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the evaporated milk, sugar, and egg yolks, whisking continuously. Cook until the batter thickens and becomes lightly bubbly, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and add vanilla, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Let the icing cool before spreading it on the cupcakes.
- Finally, assemble the cupcakes. After the cupcakes have cooled, spread a tablespoon of icing on the top of each cupcake. For extra icing, you can add a sprinkle of melted chocolate or pecan halves.
Notes
- Measure flour correctly spoon it into the cup and level it off to avoid dense cupcakes.
- Don’t skip the buttermilk it keeps the cupcakes soft and moist.
- Don’t overmix the batter stir just until combined to avoid tough cupcakes.
- Cool the cupcakes completely before frosting, or the topping will slide off.
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