National German Chocolate Cake Day

National German Chocolate Cake Day is celebrated on June 11th, honoring the rich and delectable history of this beloved dessert. Named after Sam German, who created the “Baker’s German’s Sweet Chocolate” in 1852, the cake became famous in 1957 when a recipe appeared in the Dallas Morning News. Its popularity soared, and it remains a favorite among dessert lovers.

Celebrate this delicious day by baking a German chocolate cake from scratch, using the original recipe, or by purchasing one from a bakery. You can also explore creative takes on the classic treat, such as cupcakes or ice cream inspired by its flavors. However you choose to celebrate, make sure it’s a sweet and satisfying experience!

History

German chocolate cake owes its name not to Germany, but to Sam German, an American who created the famous chocolate baking bar for Baker’s Chocolate in 1852. In 1957, a Texas homemaker, Mrs. George Clay, submitted the first known recipe for German chocolate cake to the Dallas Morning News. This sparked a national craze, and sales of Baker’s German’s Sweet Chocolate skyrocketed. Over time, the possessive form “German’s” was dropped, giving rise to the mistaken association with Germany.

Interesting Facts

• Richard Sax, author of Classic Home Desserts, noted that cakes using German’s chocolate were made as early as the 1920s.
• German chocolate already contains sugar, unlike semi-sweet chocolate.
• The cake’s popularity led to a 73% increase in sales of German’s chocolate after the 1957 recipe publication.
• Kraft Foods now owns the Baker’s brand.
• Chantilly cake, popular in Hawai’i, is similar to German chocolate cake.
• A slice of German chocolate cake contains approximately 640 calories and 38 grams of fat.
• Despite the name, the cake has no connection to Germany.

How to Take Part

• Bake a German chocolate cake using the classic recipe or a modern twist.
• Visit a local bakery and treat yourself to a slice of this decadent dessert.
• Share photos of your cake on social media using the hashtag #GermanChocolateCakeDay.
• Explore recipes for variations like cupcakes, brownies, or ice cream inspired by the cake.

When is National German Chocolate Cake Day in 2025?

National German Chocolate Cake Day is observed annually on June 11.

Observations