Upside-Down German Chocolate Cake

Total Time

Prep: 15 min. Bake: 40 min.

Makes

9 servings

Updated: Apr. 04, 2023
This simple recipe yields a delectable German chocolate upside-down cake that folks will "flip over"! The tempting coconut and pecan "frosting" bakes under the batter and ends up on top when you turn the cake out of the pan.
Upside-Down German Chocolate Cake Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter, cubed
  • 2/3 cup pecan halves
  • 2/3 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/4 cup evaporated milk
  • CAKE:
  • 1/3 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 4 ounces German sweet chocolate, melted
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • Whipped topping, optional

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a small saucepan over low heat, cook and stir brown sugar and butter until sugar is dissolved and butter is melted. Spread into a greased 9-in. square baking pan. Sprinkle with pecans and coconut. Drizzle with evaporated milk; set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in chocolate, eggs and vanilla. Combine dry ingredients; gradually add creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition. Pour over topping.
  3. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 40-45 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. If desired, serve with whipped topping.
German Chocolate Upside-Down Cake Tips

Can you use a boxed cake mix instead of making the cake from scratch?

Yes. Some cake mix brands even offer a German chocolate flavor. But an even better choice might be a top-rated brownie mix—a brownie mix’s higher sugar content gives you more of the irresistible texture that upside-down cakes are known for.

What do you serve with German chocolate upside-down cake?

Keep it simple with a tall glass of milk or a mug of fresh-brewed coffee (here are our Test Kitchen’s favorite coffee brands). Of course, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream is never amiss! See what we serve with other German chocolate recipes for more ideas.

How long will leftover German chocolate upside-down cake last?

Sweet upside-down cakes are best served warm on the day they’re made. Any leftovers should be refrigerated, tightly covered, for up to 3 days. Warm up a piece in the microwave to reignite its sweet, melty magic!

—Christine Rukavena, Taste of Home Senior Book Editor

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 506 calories, 26g fat (13g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 406mg sodium, 65g carbohydrate (46g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.