At two-Michelin starred Moody Tongue in Chicago, guests can end their experience with the famed 12 Layer German Chocolate Cake, and now, can also recreate the recipe in their own kitchens. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Friendsgiving, New Years or any holiday-themed party, the signature cake from pastry chef Shannon Morrison showcases everyone’s favorite flavors and is sure to be a crowd favorite.

Note: The recipe below makes 6 layers, so to do the 12 layer, just make the recipe twice.

Yields one 10-inch cake

Ingredients

  • 1 cup canola oil, plus more for greasing
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups Dutch-process cocoa powder
  • 4 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot coffee mixed with 1 cup hot water
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 stick unsalted butter
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
  • 1 cup toasted pecans, coarsely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • 4 whole graham crackers, crushed
  • 1/3 cup mini pretzels
  • 1/3 cup chocolate cereal, such as Annie’s Cocoa Bunnies or Cocoa Puffs
  • 1/2 stick unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 pound cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon espresso powder
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 1/2 cup Dutch process cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 6 large egg whites
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 4 sticks unsalted butter, softened and cut into cubes
  • 3/4 cup vegetable shortening
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 pound chopped dark chocolate (2 3/4 cups)

Directions

  1. Make the chocolate cakes: Preheat the oven to 350°. Grease two 10-inch round cake pans, line with parchment and grease the parchment. In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In a large bowl, whisk the buttermilk with the 1 cup of oil, the eggs and vanilla. At low speed, using the paddle, beat the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients. Add the hot coffee and beat until just combined.
  2. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Transfer the cakes to a rack to cool for 15 minutes, then turn them out onto the rack, peel off the parchment and let cool completely. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate.
  3. Make the German chocolate filling: In a medium saucepan, cook the evaporated milk, sugar, butter, egg yolks and salt over moderate heat, stirring, until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the coconut, pecans and vanilla. Scrape the filling into a bowl. Refrigerate until cold.
  4. Make the cheesecakes: Preheat the oven to 350°. Spray two 10-inch round cake pans with cooking spray, line with parchment and spray the parchment. In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers, pretzels and chocolate cereal until fine crumbs form. Add the melted butter and pulse to combine. Press the crumbs evenly over the bottom of one of the cake pans to form a very thin crust. Bake the crust for 5 minutes, until fragrant and browned. Transfer to a rack and let cool completely.
  5. Reduce the oven temperature to 300°. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle, beat the cream cheese with the sugar over moderately high heat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs, espresso powder and vanilla and beat until combined. Divide the batter into the prepared pans (one with the crust, one without) and spread the batter evenly. Bake for about 15 minutes, until the cheesecake is set. Transfer to a rack to cool for 30 minutes, then wrap the pans in plastic and refrigerate until completely cooled.
  6. Make the buttercream: In a medium bowl, whisk the confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder and salt. In a double boiler, whisk the egg whites with the granulated sugar over simmering water until the sugar has dissolved, about 2 minutes. Pour the egg whites into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk and beat at high speed until stiff, glossy and cool, about 5 to 7 minutes. At medium speed, whisk in the cocoa mixture until combined, then add the vanilla. Using the paddle attachment, beat in the butter and shortening, adding a few tablespoons of each at a time, until the buttercream is fluffy and firm, about 5 minutes.
  7. Assemble the cake: Using a serrated knife, trim the domed tops of the chocolate cakes to flatten them; reserve the scraps for another use. Cut each chocolate cake horizontally into 2 even layers.
  8. Place a small spoonful of buttercream in the center of a large, flat plate. Invert the crusted cheesecake onto another plate and remove the parchment, then turn it crust side down and center it on top of the buttercream. Spread 1 1/2 cups of the buttercream on top of the cheesecake and top with 1 layer of chocolate cake. Spread half of the German chocolate filling on top of the chocolate cake and top with the second layer of chocolate cake. Spread 1/2 cup of the buttercream over the chocolate cake (a very thin layer) and top with the crustless cheesecake. Remove the parchment from the cheesecake. Spread 1 1/2 cups of the buttercream over the cheesecake and top with the third layer of chocolate cake. Spread the remaining German chocolate filling over the chocolate cake and cover with the remaining fourth layer of cake. Spread the remaining buttercream all over the cake using an offset spatula, to ensure that the top and side are smooth and even. Freeze the cake for 20 minutes.
  9. Make the ganache: In a small saucepan, bring the cream, corn syrup and butter to a boil. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the chocolate and whisk until it’s melted and the mixture is smooth. The ganache should be warm to the touch but not hot. If the ganache is too cold, microwave in 20 seconds increments.
  10. Set a cooling rack over a rimmed baking sheet. Very carefully transfer the cake from the plate to the rack. Starting at the center and working outward in circles, slowly pour the ganache over the cake until you reach the edge, letting the ganache drip over the side to enrobe the cake. Let set for a few minutes, then very carefully transfer the cake to a platter. Refrigerate until ready to serve, at least 30 minutes. If cold, let the cake come to room temperature before serving.