Instructions

• Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate
  Begin by melting the BAKER'S GERMAN'S Sweet Chocolate with the water in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
• Step 2: Separate the Eggs
  While the chocolate cools, separate the egg yolks from the whites. Place the whites in a clean, dry bowl and the yolks in another mixing bowl.
• Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
  In the bowl with the egg yolks, add the softened butter and sugar. Use an electric mixer to cream them together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a light texture.
• Step 4: Add Chocolate and Vanilla
  Stir in the melted chocolate and vanilla into the butter mixture until combined.
• Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients
  In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the chocolate mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
• Step 6: Whip Egg Whites
  In the bowl with the egg whites, use an electric mixer to whip them until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the chocolate batter. This step will ensure your cake is light and airy.
• Step 7: Bake the Cake
  Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Step 8: Cool the Cakes
  Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
• Step 9: Prepare the Frosting
  While the cake cools, prepare the frosting by combining the coconut, pecans, egg yolks, sugar, and evaporated milk in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until thickened. Stir in butter and vanilla, and let it cool before frosting the cake.
• Step 10: Assemble the Cake
  Once the cake layers are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top, then place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.