Chocolate Forest Cake with Walnut German Cream Frosting

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 box (18.25 ounces) devil's food cake mix
• 1 box (3 ounces) instant chocolate pudding mix
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup boiling water
• 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

German Chocolate Frosting Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup evaporated milk
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

Preparation Time:

20 minutes

Cooking Time:

35-40 minutes

Difficulty Level:

3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, pudding mix, sour cream, eggs, oil, and boiling water. Stir until well combined.
3. Fold in the chopped walnuts.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

German Chocolate Frosting:

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, and salt.
2. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
3. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 minute, or until thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the brown sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and vanilla extract.
6. Fold in the toasted walnuts.

Assembly:

1. Let the cake cool completely.
2. Spread the German chocolate frosting over the cooled cake.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information:

Serving size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake)

Calories: 400 Fat: 20 grams Carbohydrates: 50 grams Protein: 10 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and decadent chocolate cake with a moist crumb
• Creamy and nutty German chocolate frosting with a hint of cinnamon
• Toasted walnuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor
• Perfect for special occasions or as a dessert to impress guests

User Comments:

• "This cake is simply divine! The combination of the chocolate cake and the German chocolate frosting is out of this world."
• "I've made this cake several times and it's always a hit with my family and friends."
• "The frosting is so smooth and creamy, and it complements the cake perfectly."
• "This is one of the best chocolate cakes I've ever tasted. It's moist, flavorful, and the frosting is to die for."
• "I love the addition of toasted walnuts. They add a nice crunch and nutty flavor to the cake."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
• Make sure the cake is completely cool before frosting it.
• Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to firm up.
• If you don't have toasted walnuts, you can toast them yourself by spreading them on a baking sheet and baking them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 5-10 minutes, or until fragrant.