Preheat the oven to 350º F and line 2-3 spherical, 8-9-inch cake pans (relying on how thick you need your cake layers) with wax paper.
Grease and flour your lined cake pans and put aside.
Arrange a double-boiler with a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water and soften chocolate till easy.
In a big bowl or mixer, cream collectively butter and sugar till fluffy and lightened in coloration. 3-4 minutes.
Separately, beat in egg yolks (ready till every is included earlier than including the subsequent), then add melted chocolate and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, sift collectively flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt.
Alternate between including the flour combination and buttermilk and low to the batter, starting and ending with the dry components.
Beat egg whites in a small bowl till stiff peaks type. Fold 1/4 egg whites into batter, then fold in remaining egg whites, solely till simply mixed.
Pour batter equally into prepped cake pans and place in oven. Bake for 25-28 minutes, rotating within the center, or till toothpick inserted in middle comes out clear.
Take away from oven and let cool 10 minutes, then switch to wire racks to complete cooling.
For the frosting: mix sugar, evaporated milk, egg yolks, butter and salt in a medium saucepan over low warmth and prepare dinner, whisking repeatedly, till combination is thick and golden.
Take away combination from warmth and fold in pecans, coconut and vanilla extract.
Let cool till you’ll be able to unfold it thickly on the cake. Frost cake (depart sides naked), stack in layers and serve at room temperature. Get pleasure from!