German chocolate cake is not German but was created by a Dallas, Texas, housewife in the 1950s. It is named for the brand of chocolate used to make it. It is a layered chocolate cake, with a coconut and pecan frosting. Maraschino cherries are sometimes used to decorate the cake. Due to the popularity of the cake, you can make it from scratch or if pressed for time, purchase a German chocolate cake mix.