This White German Chocolate Cake with Cheesecake Center is an ultra-decadent dessert featuring moist white chocolate cake layers, a rich creamy cheesecake filling, and a classic coconut pecan frosting. It’s elegant, indulgent, and perfect for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions!
🕒 Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Bake Time: 55–65 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: About 4 hours
- Servings: 12
- Difficulty: Moderate
🛒 Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Center
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
For the White Chocolate Cake
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 ounces white chocolate, melted
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Coconut Pecan Frosting
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- ½ cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Optional Garnish
- White chocolate curls
- Extra pecans
- Toasted coconut
🔪 Equipment Needed
- 2 round cake pans
- Springform pan (for cheesecake)
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Saucepan
- Cooling rack
- Oven
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cheesecake Layer
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Grease a springform pan.
In a bowl beat together:
- Cream cheese
- Sugar
Add:
- Eggs
- Vanilla
- Sour cream
Mix until smooth.
Pour into prepared pan.
Bake for 35–40 minutes until center is mostly set.
Cool completely, then chill for at least 1 hour.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line two round cake pans.
In a bowl whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl beat:
- Butter
- Sugar
Until light and fluffy.
Add:
- Egg whites
- Vanilla
- Melted white chocolate
Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Batter
Alternate adding:
- Dry ingredients
- Buttermilk
Mix until fully combined but do not overmix.
Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers
- Divide batter evenly between pans.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely.
Step 6: Make the Coconut Pecan Frosting
In a saucepan combine:
- Evaporated milk
- Brown sugar
- Egg yolks
- Butter
Cook over medium heat while stirring constantly until thickened, about 10–12 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in:
- Vanilla
- Coconut
- Pecans
Cool slightly.
Step 7: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
- Carefully place cheesecake layer on top.
- Add second cake layer.
Spread coconut pecan frosting over the top.
Step 8: Chill & Serve
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing for clean layers.
Garnish if desired and serve chilled or slightly room temperature.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Coffee
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
💡 Tips for Best Results
Chill the Cheesecake First
A cold cheesecake layer is easier to assemble.
Don’t Overbake
The cake should stay moist and tender.
Use High-Quality White Chocolate
Better chocolate improves flavor dramatically.
Cool Frosting Slightly
Warm frosting spreads more easily.
🔄 Variations
Chocolate Version
Use milk or dark chocolate cake instead.
Nut-Free
Skip pecans and add extra coconut.
Extra Fancy
Add white chocolate ganache drizzle.
🥶 Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store covered for up to 5 days.
Freezer
Freeze slices individually for up to 2 months.
❓ FAQs
Why is it called German chocolate cake?
Traditional German chocolate cake uses a coconut pecan frosting and is named after baker Samuel German.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! It’s even better chilled overnight.
Can I use boxed cake mix?
Absolutely — use white cake mix for a shortcut version.
Does the cheesecake layer need a water bath?
Not necessary for this recipe.
⚖️ Approximate Nutrition (Per Slice)
- Calories: 720
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fat: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 52g
✅ WW Points (Estimated)
- 22–25 Points per slice
🌟 Optional Add-Ons
Try topping with:
- Caramel drizzle
- Chocolate shavings
- Toasted pecans
- Extra coconut
- White chocolate chips
- Fresh raspberries