White German Chocolate Cake with a Cheesecake Center
Ingredients
Cheesecake Center
- 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup white German chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
White German Chocolate Cake
- 1 cup (4 oz / 115 g) German chocolate, chopped
- ½ cup hot milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups sugar
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup buttermilk
Frosting & Topping
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup shredded coconut
- Extra melted white chocolate for drizzle (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Line a springform pan with parchment paper.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and sour cream.
- Fold in melted white German chocolate.
- Pour into the pan and bake for 35–40 minutes until set.
- Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
2. Make the Cake Layers
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
- Mix chopped German chocolate with hot milk until melted and smooth.
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg yolks and vanilla.
- Mix in the chocolate mixture and buttermilk alternately with the dry ingredients.
- Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold into the batter.
- Divide batter between pans and bake 25–30 minutes.
- Cool completely.
3. Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
- Add the chilled cheesecake layer on top.
- Place the second cake layer over the cheesecake.
- Cover the cake with cream cheese frosting.
- Sprinkle with chopped pecans and coconut.
- Drizzle with melted white chocolate if desired.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy.
- Add powdered sugar gradually.
- Mix in vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
History
German chocolate cake originated in the United States in the 1950s and was named after Samuel German, a baker who developed a sweet baking chocolate for a chocolate company. The traditional cake became famous for its coconut-pecan topping. Modern versions, like this white chocolate cheesecake variation, combine classic flavors with a richer layered dessert style.
Benefits
- Cream cheese provides calcium and protein.
- Eggs add high-quality protein and essential nutrients.
- Pecans contain healthy fats and antioxidants.
- Coconut adds fiber and texture.
- Chocolate contains natural compounds that may support mood and enjoyment when eaten in moderation.
Nutrition (Approximate per slice)
- Calories: 650–750 kcal
- Protein: 8–10 g
- Carbohydrates: 70–80 g
- Fat: 35–45 g
- Sugar: 50–60 g
Tips
- Chill the cheesecake layer well before assembling for clean layers.
- Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
- Do not overmix after adding flour to keep the cake soft.
- Toast pecans before topping for deeper flavor.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Conclusion
White German Chocolate Cake with a Cheesecake Center is a luxurious dessert that combines a moist chocolate cake, creamy cheesecake filling, and rich pecan-coconut topping. It is perfect for celebrations, holidays, or any occasion where you want an impressive homemade cake.