Here’s a show-stopping White German Chocolate Cake with a Cheesecake Center—rich, elegant, and surprisingly simple once you break it down. This recipe gives you moist white German chocolate layers, a creamy vanilla cheesecake center, and traditional coconut-pecan frosting.
🎂 White German Chocolate Cake with a Cheesecake Center
⭐ What Makes It Special?
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White German chocolate is milder and sweeter than dark chocolate.
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Cheesecake center adds a decadent, creamy layer.
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Perfect for celebrations—super impressive when sliced!
🍰 Ingredients
Cheesecake Layer
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16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
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½ cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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½ cup sour cream
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 tbsp all-purpose flour
White German Chocolate Cake
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4 oz white German chocolate (Baker’s brand white chocolate works), chopped
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½ cup boiling water
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 ½ cups granulated sugar
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4 large eggs, room temperature
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2 ½ cups cake flour
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1 tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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1 cup buttermilk
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Coconut-Pecan Frosting
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1 cup evaporated milk
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1 cup granulated sugar
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3 egg yolks
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½ cup butter
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 ⅓ cups sweetened shredded coconut
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1 cup chopped pecans
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cheesecake Layer
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Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
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Line an 8-inch pan with parchment; lightly grease.
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Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
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Add eggs one at a time.
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Mix in sour cream, vanilla, and flour.
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Pour into pan and bake 35–40 minutes, until set.
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Cool completely, then freeze for at least 1 hour so it’s firm.
Step 2: Make the White German Chocolate Cake
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Raise oven temp to 350°F (177°C).
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Pour boiling water over the chopped white German chocolate; let sit until melted, then stir smooth.
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Cream butter and sugar until fluffy (3–4 min).
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Add eggs one at a time.
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In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the batter.
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Mix in melted chocolate and vanilla.
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Divide batter into two 9-inch pans and bake 25–28 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Coconut-Pecan Frosting
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Combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter in a saucepan.
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Cook over medium heat, stirring, until thickened (about 10–12 minutes).
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Remove from heat; stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans.
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Cool completely.
Step 4: Assemble
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Place the first cake layer on a stand.
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Spread a thin layer of frosting.
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Place the frozen cheesecake layer on top.
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Add the second cake layer.
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Frost the top and sides with coconut-pecan frosting.
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Chill at least 1 hour before slicing.
🌟 Tips & Variations
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Add a white chocolate drip for extra drama.
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Swap pecans for macadamia nuts for a tropical twist.
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Add raspberry filling between the cheesecake and cake layer.
If you’d like, I can also format this as a printable recipe card, create a shorter version, or tailor it to dietary needs!