German Sweet Chocolate Cake

Cool the baked chocolate layers until the crumb is firm enough to handle.

Cook milk, yolks, sugar, butter, vanilla, and salt over medium heat until thickened.

Fold in coconut and toasted pecans, then cool the frosting until it spreads without running.

Fill and top the cake with the coconut-pecan mixture, leaving the sides mostly visible.

Let the cake stand briefly before slicing so the layers hold their shape.