but a chocolate cake, is only a German chocolate cake when German's chocolate is used. German Chocolate is a brand name. it is melted and added to the cake batter as is typical with most formulas. Chocolate cake can be made with cocoa, or other sweetened chocolates of ANY brand name. typically German chocolate cakes have that ewwie gooey caramel/coconut/pecan filling and or frosting ,in this part of the country. so a German chocolate cake, is a chocolate cake.. but a chocolate cake, is only a German chocolate cake when German's chocolate is used.