Air-Fried German Chocolate Cake: A Quick, Tasty Treat

German chocolate cake is a delicious dessert with a mild chocolate flavour and a coconut pecan frosting. While it is not a German dessert, it is a popular choice for birthdays and special occasions. In this article, we will discuss how to make a German chocolate cake in an air fryer, a convenient alternative to oven baking. We will cover the ingredients, step-by-step process, and important tips to help you create a moist and perfectly cooked cake.

Prepare the batter

To prepare the batter for a German chocolate cake in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Egg
• Buttermilk
• Oil
• Vanilla extract
• Sugar
• Boiling water

First, take two large mixing bowls. In one bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, and set aside. In the other bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Add the sugar to this mixture and whisk until it becomes frothy, which should take around 1 minute.

Next, add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and whisk until just combined. Now, gradually add the boiling water while continuing to whisk. Be careful not to burn yourself, as the batter will be thin.

Your batter is now ready to be poured into your prepared cake pan!

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is the first step to making a delicious German chocolate cake. Here is a detailed guide to help you master this important step:

Firstly, ensure your air fryer is clean and ready for use. Most air fryers have a preheat function, so locate this on the machine or refer to the manual for specific instructions. Set the temperature to 320°F (160°C to 165°C). This is the ideal temperature for baking cakes in the air fryer.

While the air fryer preheats, prepare your cake pan. It is important to use the correct size pan for your air fryer. A 6-inch or 7-inch cake pan is suitable for most air fryers, but you may need to adjust depending on your model. Wrap a strip of foil around the pan with a damp paper towel or cheesecloth inside. This helps create a moist environment for your cake to bake evenly. Also, line the inside of the pan with parchment paper, cutting it to fit the bottom and strips for the sides.

Once your air fryer has preheated to the correct temperature, you are ready to proceed to the next steps of making your German chocolate cake!

Bake the cake

Now for the fun part: baking the cake!

First, preheat your air fryer to 320°F-330°F (160°C-165°C). While that's heating up, grab a 6-inch, 7-inch, or 8-inch cake pan and wrap it with a foil strip with a damp paper towel or cheesecloth inside. You can also use a ring tin to shorten the cooking time. Then, line the inside of the pan with parchment paper. For the bottom, cut out a circle, and for the sides, cut strips.

In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside. In another large mixing bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: egg, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla. You can also add in some cake batter extract here. Then, add the sugar and whisk until frothy, for about 1 minute.

Now, add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and whisk until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough and dry cake. Gradually add in the hot water as you continue whisking. The batter will be thin.

Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and cover it with aluminum foil. Pierce a few holes in the foil to allow the steam to escape while baking. Then, place the pan in the air fryer basket and slide it into the air fryer. Set the timer for 40-45 minutes.

Once the timer rings, use a toothpick inserted into the centre of the cake to check if it is done. If the toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. If it comes out clean, the cake may be overcooked. If the cake is not done, set the timer for another 5 minutes. Keep a close eye on the cake, as you don't want a burnt top.

When the cake is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the frosting

The German chocolate cake is typically layered with coconut pecan frosting and chocolate frosting. Here's a step-by-step guide to making both:

German Chocolate Frosting:

• Combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, egg yolks, and evaporated milk in a saucepan.
• Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches a low boil.
• Continue stirring until the mixture thickens.
• Remove from the heat and add vanilla, chopped pecans, and shredded sweetened coconut.
• Allow the frosting to cool completely before spreading it onto the cake layers.

Chocolate Frosting:

• Melt some butter and stir in cocoa powder.
• Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating the mixture to a spreadable consistency.
• If needed, add a small amount of additional milk or powder to adjust the consistency to your liking.
• Stir in vanilla extract.

Once your cake layers have cooled, you can begin assembling the cake. Place one cake round on your serving plate or stand. Smooth a thin layer of chocolate frosting over it and then spread half of the coconut frosting on top.

Now, carefully stack the second cake round on top. Smooth chocolate frosting over the entire cake and finish it off by spooning the remaining coconut frosting on top.

Your German chocolate cake is now ready to be served!

Assemble the cake

Now for the fun part: assembling the cake! Place one of the cake rounds on your serving stand or plate. Smooth a thin layer of chocolate frosting over the cake layer, spreading it evenly. Then, spoon half of the coconut frosting on top, again spreading it into a smooth layer. Be sure to leave about half an inch between the filling and the edge of the cake.

Next, carefully stack the second cake round on top. Smooth chocolate frosting over the entire cake. Finally, spoon the remaining coconut frosting on top of the cake.

If you're feeling creative, you can decorate the cake with a piping bag and your choice of toppings. Some popular toppings include fresh berries, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and chocolate ganache.

If you're not serving the cake immediately, it can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, you can wrap the cake in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to three months.

Frequently asked questions