Snowy Bavarian Bliss Cake

Introduction

When I first made this Snowy Bavarian Bliss Cake, it quickly became a family favorite. The moist layers of cake, combined with the rich coconut-pecan frosting, create a perfect balance of flavors that is truly indulgent. The cake has a soft, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth, while the frosting adds a sweet, nutty crunch. Every time I serve this cake, it receives compliments, and there are never any leftovers! It’s an ideal dessert for holidays, birthdays, or any special occasion. The combination of buttermilk and egg whites in the cake mix gives it an incredibly light and airy texture, while the homemade frosting is the real star of the show.

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 1 package white cake mix
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large egg whites
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. Prepare the cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg whites, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture on medium speed until well combined and smooth.
3. Bake the cake layers: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake the cakes for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Make the frosting: While the cakes are cooling, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the granulated sugar, evaporated milk, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, for 10-12 minutes until it thickens and turns a golden-brown color.
5. Add the coconut and pecans: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans. Allow the frosting to cool slightly before spreading it over the cooled cake layers.
6. Assemble the cake: Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of the coconut-pecan frosting between the layers, then spread more frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
7. Serve and enjoy: Slice the cake into 12 servings and enjoy this rich and indulgent White German Chocolate Cake!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Servings: 12
• Calories per serving: 520 kcal
• Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 47 g
• Protein: 4 g

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes

How to Serve

• For a special occasion: Serve the cake on a beautiful cake stand to highlight its impressive layers.
• Garnish: Add extra chopped pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top for a beautiful finish.
• Pairing suggestion: Pair with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for the perfect dessert experience.
• For a festive touch: Decorate with small edible flowers or sprigs of mint on top of the frosting for an elegant look.

Additional Tips

1. Egg whites: Make sure to beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks to achieve a light and fluffy cake.
2. Make ahead: The cake layers can be baked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
3. Butter substitution: If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute the butter in the frosting with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil.
4. Cake mix variations: If you want to experiment, you can use different cake mixes like a yellow cake or coconut cake mix for a variation on the classic flavor.
5. Frosting consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a little more evaporated milk to reach your desired consistency.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Cake: Use a chocolate cake mix instead of a white cake mix for a chocolate variation of this German chocolate cake.
• Almonds or Walnuts: Swap the pecans for chopped almonds or walnuts to give the frosting a different texture and flavor.
• Coconut-Free: For a coconut-free version, simply omit the shredded coconut and add extra chopped pecans for the crunch.
• Caramel Twist: Add a few tablespoons of caramel sauce into the frosting for a caramel-pecan variation.

Serving Suggestions

• As a dessert after dinner: This rich cake is perfect after a hearty meal. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• For tea time: Serve it with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat.
• For birthdays: Decorate the cake with colorful sprinkles or a personalized cake topper for a birthday celebration.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing the cake: To freeze the cake, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Allow the cake to thaw at room temperature before frosting.
• Storing leftovers: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have frosting left over, store it separately in the fridge and use within a few days.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this cake without buttermilk? Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk and a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the tangy flavor.
2. Can I use store-bought frosting instead? While homemade frosting is ideal for the best flavor, store-bought frosting can be used as a substitute in a pinch.
3. Is there a way to make the cake less sweet? You can reduce the amount of sugar in the frosting or opt for unsweetened shredded coconut.
4. Can I use frozen coconut? Yes, frozen coconut works just as well as fresh coconut. Be sure to thaw it before using.
5. Can I use egg substitutes? You can use egg substitutes like flaxseed meal or commercial egg replacers, though the texture of the cake may vary slightly.
6. What can I do if my frosting is too runny? If your frosting is too thin, cook it for a little longer to thicken it up, or add more shredded coconut for texture.
7. Can I add fruit to the cake? While this recipe is traditionally made with coconut and pecans, adding fruit like sliced strawberries or cherries can be a fun twist.
8. How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pans? Grease and flour the pans generously, or use parchment paper to line the bottoms of the pans for easy removal.
9. Can I double the recipe to make a larger cake? Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in larger pans or a larger baking sheet to make a larger cake.
10. How can I make the cake gluten-free? Use a gluten-free cake mix to make this cake gluten-free. Just ensure that the other ingredients (like the frosting) are also gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Snowy Bavarian Bliss Cake is the perfect treat for any occasion, offering a delicious combination of moist cake and indulgent frosting. With its rich coconut and pecan flavor, it’s a dessert that never fails to impress. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, holiday, or just because, this cake will surely become a favorite in your household as it has in mine. Give it a try and enjoy a slice of bliss!

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