German Chocolate Cake Ingredients For the Cake 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing the pans 2 1/4 cups whole wheat pastry flour 3 teaspoons baking powder 3/4 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 3/4 teaspoon baking soda 1