Did You Know-German Chocolate Cake
When I hear German Chocolate Cake, I think of a recipe from Germany. However, this is not the case. German Chocolate Cake is an American invention from Texas, named not for the country, but for Samuel German, an American baker who created the sweet baking chocolate used in the recipe for Baker’s Chocolate Company in 1852. The cake gained fame after a recipe using this chocolate, submitted by Dallas homemaker Mrs. George Clay, was published in The Dallas Morning News in 1957, leading to a nationwide craze and skyrocketing sales for German’s chocolate, with the possessive ‘s’ often lost over time, creating the “German” name.
Image: Photo Room
Source: Wikipedia
http://www.InDianesKitchen.com
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Categories: Cakes, Did You Know
A fascinating story with a good photo
Thank you Derrrick!
Thank you Ned!
It’s always interesting to hear the back story on a recipe, invention, some creation or other. Regarding the use of the possession, it calls to mind the phrase from Shakespeare, “A rose by any other name …”
I agree! I have really enjoyed finding things like this to post. Merry Christmas
Thanks for clearing this up, Diane💜 I’ve never understood why this cake was considered German.
You’re welcome!
I never knew this. I’m going to have to share this with my friend who loves this cake!
I have to admit, it surprised me when I read it.
What a difference an apostrophe can make! Fascinating history, Diane.
Thank you Linda!
German chocolate cake was my fathers favorite – when we where kids my sister always make one for our parents anniversary.
I bet they looked forward to that! My mom made it a lot too but I don’t make it because my husband doesn’t like it and I will eat it all! Lol
German chocolate cake in a big favorite at our house – yummy!
My mom always made it but my hubby doesn’t like it so I don’t make it.
You always have such interesting facts! I did not know that. That cake looks delicious
Thank you Susan!
Wow, interesting bit of trivia. And tasty cake, wherever it got its name. 😉
Merry Christmas, Diane!
I thought so too, thank you! Merry Christmas
I’ve never heard of German cake before and would also have assumed it was from Germany!
It’s actually called German Chocolate Cake where I live. My mom used to make it all the time. I always thought it was from Germany and was shocked to find out it wasn’t.
I never knew that story. I think I had it once. My mom tried it and said it was too sweet and never made it again. I’m glad she didn’t feel that way about all chocolate cake. 🙂
It tastes so much different from regular chocolate cake due to the kind of chocolate that is used and the coconut and nuts. Terry doesn’t like coconut so I don’t make it for fear I will eat it all!
See, I never knew that. I remember my mom saying it was so rich and sweet. I do remember the coconut part. Yes, that would be a problem if Terry doesn’t like it. My mom was not a big sweet eater and that burden fell on me … she would have one cookie … really Mom?
Haha If only I had the willpower to eat just one cookie!
That’s difficult for me too. Now cake, pie, a bar … I can stop myself, but cookies not so much.
I love German chocolate cake, so it was very interesting read!! 😋
Thank you!
Great background and I remember having type of cake growing up in NY!
It is so unique you don’t forget it. I bet it was delicious from NY.
Omg looks so delicious!
Thank you!
I have always loved this cake from a teenager. Interesting story.
My mom made it when I was a kid from scratch. I bet there is a box mix by now. Thank you Doreen!
I actually learned this tidbit a few days before your post dropped! A contestant on the Holiday Baking Championship on Food Network mentioned that German Chocolate cake originated in Texas so I had to do some research. Surprise, surprise – she was right!
German Chocolate was my daddy’s favorite cake. I’m not a fan since I don’t like coconut.
Side note: I made your chocolate chip m&m cookies for Christmas. They were delicious!
That is so ironic Linda! Thank you for telling me how you liked the cookies. They are definitely at the top of my favorite list.