Slow Cooked German Chocolate Cake

Slow Cooked German Chocolate Cake is a fun upside down version of classic German Chocolate Cake. The coconut pecan icing starts on the top, but magically ends up on the bottom of the cake when finished baking in the crockpot. It’s topped with a rich and fudgy chocolate ganache just before serving. Serve it straight from the slow cooker for a decadent treat any time of year.

Easy Upside Down Slow Cooked German Chocolate Cake Recipe

Oh yes, it’s true, you can make German chocolate cake in a slow cooker. I should include a disclaimer with this recipe, it is a chocoholics dream. This non-traditional upside down German Chocolate Cake recipe is the result of a happy experiment in my kitchen. I set out to develop a simple, and original, slow cooker cake. This resulted in a slow cooked delicacy that is fudgy, rich, and completely over the top.

The coconut pecan icing melts into the cake and ends up magically on the bottom, creating a very tasty surprise. The finishing touch is a chocolate ganache drizzle on top. Serve it with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream straight from the slow cooker.

Key ingredients to make this upside down German Chocolate Cake: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

• Cake – One box German Chocolate Cake mix. Follow the recipe, not the instructions on the box.
• Coconut Pecan Icing – One can German chocolate frosting makes assembling this cake quick and easy.
• Flour – A small amount of all purpose flour expands the volume of the batter.
• Butter – Salted butter or unsalted butter for richness.
• Chocolate Syrup – Chocolate syrup adds extra chocolaty flavor.
• Liquid – Buttermilk for moisture.
• Whole Eggs – Large eggs stabilize the batter.
• Nuts – Chopped pecans for crunch.
• Ganache – Semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream for the fudgy chocolate topping.

How to Make the Best Slow Cooked German Chocolate Cake

• Prepare Slow Cooker – Spritz the crock with cooking spray.
• Make the Cake Batter – Beat together cake mix, flour, butter, buttermilk, chocolate syrup, eggs and vanilla extract.
• Mix-ins – Fold chocolate chips and pecans into the cake batter by hand.
• Transfer to Crockpot – Pour and spread the batter onto the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Coconut Pecan Icing – Using a teaspoon dollop the caramel pecan icing over the top. Use a knife to swirl through batter leaving a 1 inch border along the edge.
• Lock the Lid in Place – Cover the opening of the slow cooker with doubled paper towels first, then place the lid on top. Cook covered per the baking time in the recipe.
• Test Center for Doneness – Test the center with a toothpick. If you see moist crumbs, it’s done. If not, continue to bake.
• Make Chocolate Ganache – Melt chocolate chips and heavy cream in the microwave until smooth. Drizzle on top.
• Serve – Serve warm drizzled with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Crockpot German Chocolate Cake

• 6 quart oval slow cooker (or similar size crockpot).
• Medium bowl.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer.
• Small microwave safe bowl.
• Knife and chopping board or nut chopper.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• The Icing Ends on Bottom – The reason I refer to this cake an “upside down” is the frosting once swirled into the batter ends up on the bottom of the slow cooker after baking. It’s a fabulous surprise!
• Why Use Paper Towels? The paper towels will prevent condensation that forms on the lid from dripping into the cake. Don’t skip it.
• Buttermilk – If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can use whole milk.
• Homemade Buttermilk – To make your own buttermilk, add one tablespoon of white distilled vinegar or lemon juice to each one cup of whole milk. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, then stir and proceed with the recipe.
• How to Cut Slow Cooked Cake for Serving – Slow cooker cakes aren’t the same shape as a conventionally baked cake. This cake does best cut into wedges, more about that in a moment.
• Extra Frosting – If you prefer a more traditional German Chocolate Cake icing, leave off the ganache and top it while warm with an additional can of coconut pecan icing.
• Homemade Coconut Pecan Frosting – You could also use my recipe for homemade icing as seen in this winning recipe for traditional German Chocolate Cake. It’s the BEST.
• Slicing Crockpot Cake – It’s best to cut this cake through the middle, from end to end, then into wedges. However, baking a cake in a slow cooker is meant to be fun, so this cake can also be scooped and served without cutting into perfect pieces.

Storage and Leftovers

• Serving Options – Serve Slow Cooked German Chocolate Cake warm with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream.
• Leftovers – Store any leftovers in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating – Enjoy leftover cake cold or reheat gently in the microwave in single serving portions.
• Freezer – You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently in the microwave just before serving.

More Easy Slow Cooker and Crockpot Dessert Recipes to Make

• Fruit filled Slow Cooker Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake.
• Ooey gooey Slow Cooked Mississippi Mud Pudding Cake.
• The family will flip for this Crockpot Peach Cobbler.
• Sweet and Salty Crockpot Candy is a holiday must make!
• Crockpot Caramel Apple Dump Cake is an easy option for busy oven days.
• If you’re a lemon fan, you may also like to try this recipe for Crock Pot Lemon Poke Cake from Recipes that Crock.

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     Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Slow Cooker
• Kitchen Utensils
• Knives and Chopping Board
• Measuring Set