Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar (400 g)
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (210 g)
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (75 g)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder (6 g)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda (7.5 g)
- 1 teaspoon salt (5 g)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk (240 ml)
- 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil (120 ml)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (10 ml)
- 1 cup boiling water (240 ml)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (100 g)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 g)
- 1/2 cup butter (115 g)
- 3 large egg yolks
- 3/4 cup evaporated milk (180 ml)
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract (15 ml)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (120 g)
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut (80 g)
- 1/2 cup butter (115 g)
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (65 g)
- 3 cups powdered sugar (360 g)
- 1/3 cup evaporated milk (80 ml)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare two 8 or 9-inch round baking pans with grease and parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla; beat until smooth. Stir in boiling water slowly.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, melt brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, and evaporated milk in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until smooth.
- Beat egg yolks in a bowl; slowly stir in the hot mixture to warm them, then return to the pan and cook until thickened.
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, pecans, and coconut; let cool to room temperature.
- For chocolate buttercream, beat butter until smooth, then add cocoa and mix.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and evaporated milk until spreadable; stir in vanilla.
- Assemble the cake by leveling cake layers if needed, spreading coconut-pecan filling between layers, frosting the top and sides with buttercream.
- Decorate with additional chopped pecans or coconut if desired.
Notes
Serve at room temperature for best flavor. Pair with ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian