German Chocolate Cake

Directions

1. 1
   Combine chocolate and water.
2. 2
   Bring to a boil and stir until chocolate melts; cool.
3. 3
   Stir in vanilla and set aside.
4. 4
   Cream butter.
5. 5
   Gradually add sugar beating well at medium speed of an electric mixer.
6. 6
   Add egg yolks one at a time beating well after each addition.
7. 7
   Add chocolate mixture; beat until blended.
8. 8
   Combine flour, soda and salt.
9. 9
   Add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk beginning and ending with flour mixture.
10. 10
    Beat egg whites (at room temperature) until stiff peaks form; fold into batter.
11. 11
    Pour batter into 3 greased and floured (or sprayed with Pam) 9-inch round cake pans.
12. 12
    Bake at 350° for 30 to 35 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.
13. 13
    Cool in pans 10 minutes.
14. 14
    Remove from pans and let cool completely on wire rack.
15. 15
    Spread Coconut-Pecan Frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake.
16. 16
    Yields 1 (3-layer) cake.