Southern Twist: South Carolina's German Chocolate Roll Cake!

Photo bythe handing dog

When it comes to desserts, South Carolina has a reputation for taking traditional flavors and giving them a touch of Southern comfort. One such delightful treat is the German Chocolate Roll Cake, a dessert that combines rich chocolate, toasted coconut, and crunchy pecans to create a perfect harmony of flavors. This South Carolina version puts a fun spin on the classic cake roll, making it a great option for gatherings, holidays, or simply a sweet treat to enjoy with family.

The German Chocolate Roll Cake isn’t just a dessert; it's a testament to the creativity found in South Carolina kitchens. With each bite, you get a burst of flavors that are both familiar and comforting. The sweetness of the coconut mixed with the crunch of pecans and the rich chocolate cake all comes together in a way that’s sure to have you coming back for more.

South Carolina Style German Chocolate Roll Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup shredded coconut, toasted
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10x15-inch jelly roll pan and line it with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until thick and pale. Slowly add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cake springs back when touched.
6. Remove the cake from the oven and immediately roll it up in the parchment paper, starting from the short end. Let it cool completely.
7. Once cooled, unroll the cake and spread the sweetened condensed milk over the surface. Sprinkle with toasted coconut and chopped pecans.
8. Roll the cake back up and drizzle the melted butter over the top. Garnish with additional toasted coconut and pecans if desired.

This German Chocolate Roll Cake is perfect for those who want to add a bit of Southern flair to their dessert repertoire. With its mix of textures and flavors, it’s a dessert that’s sure to please any crowd. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or as a special treat for yourself, this South Carolina twist on a classic dessert will leave you wanting more.

To craft your South Carolina-style German Chocolate Roll Cake, I found several reliable sources that can guide you through the recipe with helpful tips. One key resource is DelicioUS!, which provides a step-by-step guide for making a chocolate roll cake with fillings of coconut and pecans, much like the traditional German chocolate cake roll​(DelicioUS!). Another great source is TasteAtlas, which offers an authentic version of the German Chocolate Roll recipe, detailing how to create the sponge and filling for a perfectly rolled cake​(TasteAtlas: Travel Global, Eat Local).

These sources include detailed ingredients, preparation methods, and even historical background on the dish to ensure your cake turns out rich and decadent. For more information and variations on this dessert, you can visit their sites directly for full instructions.