Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! When you’re looking for a dessert that’s truly extraordinary, a magnificent blend of beloved classics that offers surprise and delight with every bite, then you’ve found it. Today, I’m bringing you a showstopping recipe: White German Chocolate Cake with a Cheesecake Center. This isn’t just cake; it’s a multi-layered masterpiece that marries the delicate flavors of a white cake with the signature coconut-pecan goodness of German chocolate, all surrounding a rich, tangy, and creamy cheesecake baked right in! It’s pure decadence and guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.
Why I Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about a dessert that perfectly fuses three incredible flavors into one spectacular creation? I’m completely obsessed with White German Chocolate Cake with a Cheesecake Center because it offers an unparalleled symphony of textures and tastes. You get the soft, moist crumb of the cake, the rich, gooey, nutty coconut-pecan frosting, and then that incredible creamy, tangy cheesecake hidden in the middle. It’s a true celebration cake, perfect for special occasions, holidays, or any time you want to seriously impress your guests and treat them to something unique and utterly delicious. While it has a few steps, each one is straightforward, and the final result is a dessert that looks incredibly elaborate but is surprisingly achievable!
The Evolution of German Chocolate Cake & Dessert Fusion
German chocolate cake, a beloved American classic, despite its name, has no direct ties to Germany. Its origins trace back to an American baker named Samuel German, who developed a dark baking chocolate bar for Baker’s Chocolate Company in 1852. The cake gained widespread popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly noted for its distinctive coconut-pecan frosting often made with evaporated milk. “White German Chocolate Cake” is a lighter adaptation, using a white or yellow cake base instead of the traditional dark chocolate.
The concept of “fusion desserts” has driven modern culinary innovation, combining elements from distinct treats to create new, exciting experiences. This recipe ingeniously integrates a cheesecake center into the cake. Cheesecake, with its creamy, tangy profile, provides a wonderful contrast to the sweet, nutty German chocolate flavors and the fluffy cake. This multi-layered approach delivers a complex yet harmonious dessert, offering a delightful surprise in every slice and elevating the classic German chocolate cake to an even more decadent and unique status.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredibly decadent White German Chocolate Cake with a Cheesecake Center:
For the Cheesecake Center:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (full-fat brick style recommended)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the White Cake Layers:
- 1 (15.25 ounce) box white cake mix (plus ingredients called for on box: typically eggs, oil, water/milk)
For the German Chocolate Coconut-Pecan Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted (optional)
Swaps and Notes
- Cream Cheese (Cheesecake): Use full-fat brick-style cream cheese for the best firm texture and rich flavor in the cheesecake. Ensure it’s completely softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling.
- White Cake Mix: A standard white cake mix works perfectly as the base. Follow the box instructions for adding water, oil, and eggs. You can also use a yellow cake mix if preferred.
- German Chocolate Frosting:
- Evaporated Milk: This is key for the traditional consistency and rich flavor of German chocolate frosting. Do not substitute with regular milk.
- Egg Yolks: These contribute to the custard-like richness and thickness of the frosting. Cook carefully to temper them.
- Coconut & Pecans: Sweetened shredded coconut is traditional. Toasting the pecans lightly before adding them enhances their nutty flavor. If you’re not a fan of pecans, walnuts can be used, or you can omit nuts entirely for a plain coconut frosting.
- Vanilla Extract: Use good quality vanilla in all components for the best flavor.
Steps for the Recipe
Let’s bake this magnificent fusion dessert!
Part 1: Bake the Cheesecake Center
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Lightly grease a 6-inch round cake pan (or a similar small, oven-safe dish).
- Make Cheesecake Batter: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Beat in the granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Bake Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared 6-inch pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly.
- Cool & Chill: Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, until thoroughly chilled and firm. Once firm, gently loosen edges with a knife and remove from pan.
Part 2: Bake the White Cake Layers
- Preheat Oven: Increase oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans.
- Prepare Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, prepare the white cake mix according to the package directions (adding eggs, oil, water/milk as specified on the box).
- Bake Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or according to package directions, until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cakes: Remove cakes from oven and let cool in pans on wire racks for 10-15 minutes. Then, invert cakes onto wire racks to cool completely.
Part 3: Make German Chocolate Coconut-Pecan Frosting
- In a medium saucepan, combine the 1 cup melted butter, brown sugar, evaporated milk, and egg yolks. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, for 10-12 minutes, until the mixture thickens to a custard-like consistency and coats the back of a spoon. Do not boil rapidly, as the egg yolks can scramble.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, shredded sweetened coconut, and chopped toasted pecans (if using). Stir well to combine. Let the frosting cool completely to room temperature, stirring occasionally. It will thicken as it cools.
Part 4: Assemble the Cake
- Level Cakes: If your cake layers have domed tops, use a serrated knife to carefully level them so they are flat.
- First Layer: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread about 1/2 cup of the German chocolate frosting evenly over the top.
- Place Cheesecake: Carefully center the chilled cheesecake on top of the first cake layer.
- Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top of the cheesecake.
- Frost Entire Cake: Use the remaining German chocolate frosting to generously frost the top and sides of the entire cake, covering the cheesecake center. You can use an offset spatula to create swirls.
- Chill (Optional): For easier slicing and to allow flavors to meld, refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 1 hour before serving.
Tips for Success
- Temper Eggs Carefully: When making the German chocolate frosting, slowly whisk a small amount of the hot mixture into the egg yolks first to temper them, then slowly add back to the main pot while stirring constantly. This prevents scrambling.
- Cool All Components Completely: This is crucial for successful assembly and to prevent melting. The cheesecake, cake layers, and frosting must all be at room temperature or chilled as specified.
- Don’t Overmix Cheesecake: Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks.
- Properly Cook German Chocolate Frosting: Cook until it thickens and coats a spoon. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Level Cake Layers: This ensures your assembled cake is stable and looks professional.
- Chill Before Slicing: A chilled cake with a cheesecake center will slice much more cleanly and beautifully.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
White German Chocolate Cake with a Cheesecake Center is a magnificent dessert meant to be the star of the show:
- Celebration Cake: Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or any special gathering.
- Simple Presentation: Its impressive layers mean it needs little embellishment. A few fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar could be added.
- Coffee or Liqueur: Serve alongside a rich cup of coffee, espresso, or a sweet dessert liqueur for adult guests.
- Tea Time: A smaller slice can be a delightful indulgence for an afternoon tea.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This cake stores well due to its moist components and generous frosting.
- Refrigerate: Store the cake, covered loosely with plastic wrap or in an airtight cake carrier, in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
- Freezing: The cake (frosted or unfrosted, but with the cheesecake center) freezes well. Once completely chilled, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed creating this decadent and unique dessert, you might also like these other sweet indulgences:
- For another fun and whimsical cake, check out How This Unicorn Poke Cake Became My Favorite Party Trick.
- If you love rich, indulgent chocolate treats, you have to try These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession.
- For the ultimate classic brownie, my recipe for The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made (and I’ve Made a Lot) is a definite winner.
- Looking for a refreshing no-bake option? Don’t miss This Grasshopper Pie Is My Favorite No-Bake Dessert with a Mint Chocolate Twist.
- And for a classic crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for feeding a crowd, check out This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert to Feed a Crowd.
Final Thoughts
White German Chocolate Cake with a Cheesecake Center is a true culinary triumph – it offers rich, complex flavors and textures in a single, showstopping dessert. It’s perfect for celebrations, impressing guests, or simply indulging in pure, decadent bliss. This recipe is a labor of love that promises an unforgettable sweet experience.
I hope you give this amazing recipe a try and enjoy every glorious slice! Let me know in the comments below if this becomes your new favorite celebration cake, or what other creative dessert fusions you love to make. I always love hearing from you! Happy baking!
Leave a Reply