Looks Good: German Chocolate Cupcakes

Photo: David Lebovitz.com

Ingredients
Cupcakes:
2 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup boiling water or coffee
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature, separated
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon cake flour (not self-rising)
1 tablespoon unsweetened natural cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup buttermilk (see note @ link below), room temperature

Frosting:
3/4 cup evaporated milk (whole milk)
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large egg yolks
pinch of salt
2 tablespoons butter, salted or unsalted, at room temperature
2 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 1/2 cups sweetened or unsweetened coconut flakes, lightly toasted
1 cup chopped, toasted pecans
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional toasted coconut for garnish (optional)

Go to David Lebovitz.com for instructions.