German's Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

For the Frosting:

1 12-ounce can evaporated milk
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 sticks (6 ounces) unsalted butter, cut in bits
4 egg yolks
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 7-ounce package sweetened shredded coconut
2 cups coarsely chopped pecans

For the Cake:

8 ounces German's sweet chocolate, chopped
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 stick(s(8 ounces) butter, softened to room temperature
2 cups sugar
4 egg yolks
1 cup buttermilk

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Lightly coat three 9-inch cake pans with cooking spray; line the bottoms with parchment paper and spray the paper with cooking spray.

For the Frosting:

1. Combine the evaporated milk, sugar, butter, egg yolks and vanilla and cook over medium heat, stirring, until the butter is melted. Cook, stirring occasionally, for another 14 minutes, until the mixture is golden and almost pudding-like (thicker than heavy cream). Remove from the heat and stir in the coconut and pecans. Transfer to a bowl and cool completely for at least 45 minutes. (May be refrigerated).

For the Cake:

1. Place the chocolate in a bowl and pour ½ cup boiling water over it; stir until the chocolate is completely melted; stir in the vanilla and set aside.
2. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt in a bowl; set aside.
3. Beat the butter and sugar with an electric beater until light and fluffy. Add the yolks one at a time, beating between additions; add the chocolate and beat until it is fully incorporated.
4. Alternate adding a little flour and buttermilk, beating between additions, until both are fully incorporated. Divide the batter evenly among the three pans; place in the center of the oven and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes.