Directions:

• Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate

  Start by melting the BAKER'S GERMAN'S Sweet Chocolate. In a small saucepan, combine the chocolate and 1/2 cup of water. Heat over low, stirring frequently until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
• Step 2: Preheat the Oven

  Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your muffin tin with cupcake liners.
• Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

  In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• Step 4: Beat Butter and Sugar

  In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 2 cups of sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
• Step 5: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla

  Add the 4 egg yolks and 1 teaspoon of vanilla to the butter mixture. Beat until well combined.
• Step 6: Combine Chocolate and Buttermilk

  Stir in the melted chocolate and buttermilk into the butter mixture, mixing until combined.
• Step 7: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

  Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
• Step 8: Whip Egg Whites

  In a separate bowl, beat the 4 egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter, being careful not to deflate them.
• Step 9: Fill Muffin Tin

  Evenly distribute the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
• Step 10: Bake

  Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
• Step 11: Prepare the Coconut-Pecan Frosting

  In a saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, 1 1/2 cups of sugar, 3/4 cup of butter, and 4 egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the coconut flakes and chopped pecans. Allow the frosting to cool before spreading it on the cooled cupcakes.
• Step 12: Frost the Cupcakes

  Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, generously spread the coconut-pecan frosting on top of each cupcake.