Prep Time: 20 minutes | Bake Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Serves: 12 people | Calories: 520 per slice
Imagine all the amazing flavors of German chocolate cake but made with fluffy white cake instead! This gorgeous layer cake is covered in rich coconut-pecan frosting that’s absolutely irresistible. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any time you want to impress your family and friends with something truly special.
What You Need (Ingredients)
For the White Cake:
- 1 package white cake mix
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
How to Make Snowy Bavarian Bliss Cake (Step by Step)
Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pans Ready
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take two 9-inch round cake pans and grease them with butter or cooking spray. Then dust them with flour and tap out the extra. This stops your cake from sticking.
Step 2: Make the White Cake Batter
In a big bowl, mix together the white cake mix, buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg whites, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until everything looks smooth and well mixed.
Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers
Pour the cake batter evenly into your two prepared pans. Try to make them the same height so your cake looks even. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Test if they’re done by sticking a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean or with just a few tiny crumbs.
Step 4: Cool the Cakes
Let the cakes sit in their pans for 10 minutes to cool down a bit. Then carefully turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely. Don’t try to frost warm cake – it will make the frosting melt!
Step 5: Start the Amazing Frosting
Put the butter in a medium saucepan and melt it over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the sugar, evaporated milk, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together.
Step 6: Cook the Frosting Until Perfect
Keep stirring the frosting mixture constantly while it cooks. This takes about 10-12 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it gets thick and turns a beautiful golden-brown color. Don’t stop stirring or it might curdle!
Step 7: Add the Good Stuff
Take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans. Let this amazing frosting cool for about 15 minutes so it’s easier to spread.
Step 8: Build Your Beautiful Cake
Put one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread about half of the coconut-pecan frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top, then spread the rest of the frosting over the top and sides of the whole cake.
Step 9: Slice and Serve
Cut into thick slices and watch everyone’s eyes light up! This cake tastes even better the next day after all the flavors have time to blend together.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cake
- Room temperature ingredients work better: Take your eggs and buttermilk out about 30 minutes before baking for the best texture.
- Don’t overmix: Mix the cake batter just until combined. Too much mixing makes tough cake.
- Stir constantly: The frosting needs constant stirring or the eggs might scramble. Keep that spoon moving!
- Let it cool: Patience pays off – wait for the cake to cool completely before frosting.
Make It Your Own
- Add chocolate: Drizzle melted white chocolate on top for extra sweetness
- Different nuts: Try chopped almonds or walnuts instead of pecans
- Extra coconut: Toast some extra coconut flakes to sprinkle on top
- Mini version: Make cupcakes instead – bake for 18-20 minutes
Storage Tips
This cake stays fresh covered at room temperature for 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. The frosting actually gets better as it sits! You can also freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
Perfect for Special Occasions
This stunning cake is ideal for:
- Birthday celebrations
- Holiday gatherings
- Church potlucks
- Anniversary dinners
- Any time you want to show someone you care
Why This Recipe Is So Special
This cake combines the best of both worlds – light, fluffy white cake with that rich, traditional German chocolate frosting. The coconut and pecans give it amazing texture, while the homemade frosting tastes so much better than store-bought.
Shopping Made Easy
You’ll find everything at any grocery store:
- White cake mix (any brand works)
- Buttermilk (usually near regular milk)
- Evaporated milk (canned milk aisle)
- Sweetened shredded coconut (baking aisle)
- Chopped pecans (baking or snack aisle)
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake cakes ahead: Wrap cooled cake layers in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for 2 days
- Freeze the layers: Wrapped cake layers freeze beautifully for up to 3 months
- Frosting prep: Make the frosting a day ahead and store covered in the fridge – just let it come to room temperature before using
Serving Suggestions
This rich cake pairs wonderfully with:
- Cold milk or hot coffee
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh berries for a lighter touch
- A glass of dessert wine for adults
Try this incredible Snowy Bavarian Bliss Cake and create a dessert that will become your family’s new favorite tradition!
