National German Chocolate Cake Day
June 11, Wednesday
Origin of the Cake
Despite its name, German chocolate cake is not from Germany. The name actually comes from an American named Samuel German, who developed a type of dark baking chocolate for the Baker’s Chocolate Company in 1852. The cake became popular in the United States after a recipe using "German’s Sweet Chocolate" was published in a Dallas newspaper in 1957.
How People Celebrate
People celebrate National German Chocolate Cake Day in various ways, including:
- Baking a homemade German chocolate cake
- Sharing slices with friends and family
- Visiting a local bakery to enjoy a professionally made version
- Posting photos and recipes on social media using the hashtag #GermanChocolateCakeDay
Fun Facts
- The original recipe that popularized the cake was called “German’s Chocolate Cake,” but over time the apostrophe and “s” were dropped.
- The signature coconut-pecan frosting is what sets this cake apart from other chocolate cakes.
- June is also National Candy Month, making it a sweet time of year for dessert lovers.
National German Chocolate Cake Day is a delightful excuse to indulge in a classic American dessert with a rich history and even richer flavor. Whether you bake it yourself or buy a slice, it’s a great way to celebrate the joy of chocolate and tradition.