Here’s a detailed recipe for a White German Chocolate Cake with Cheesecake Center—a decadent dessert with a moist coconut-pecan German chocolate cake layered over a rich cream cheese cheesecake.
White German Chocolate Cake with Cheesecake Center
Servings: 12–16
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cake Layer:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the cheesecake layer:
- Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla; mix until creamy.
- Spread evenly in the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Make the cake batter:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
- Alternately add flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in coconut and pecans.
- Assemble and bake:
- Carefully spread cake batter over the cheesecake layer.
- Bake 50–60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before frosting.
- Make the frosting:
- In a medium saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sugar, butter, and egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (5–7 minutes).
- Remove from heat; stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans.
- Frost the cake:
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Let set for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
✅ Tips:
- For easier slicing, chill the cake for 1–2 hours after frosting.
- Toast the pecans and coconut slightly before adding to the frosting for extra flavor.
- You can make the cheesecake layer ahead of time, bake it separately, and then layer with cake if desired.
I can also give you a layered round cake version with a cheesecake layer in the middle, perfect for a show-stopping birthday or special occasion.
Do you want me to provide that version?
