White German Chocolate Cake with Cheesecake Center Recipe
This White German Chocolate Cake with Cheesecake Center features moist layers of vanilla cake with a creamy, tangy cheesecake filling. Topped with a luscious coconut-pecan frosting reminiscent of the classic German chocolate cake, it offers a delicious twist on a beloved dessert perfect for celebrations and special occasions.
- Author: Lena
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Cake
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Cheesecake Center
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
Coconut-Pecan Frosting
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans, toasted
- Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans thoroughly to ensure the cake layers release easily after baking.
- Make the cake batter: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 2 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the 4 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture alternately with 1 cup buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined to keep the batter light.
- Bake the cake layers: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the cheesecake center: Beat together 16 oz softened cream cheese and ½ cup granulated sugar until smooth. Add 2 eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and ½ cup sour cream, mixing until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Add cheesecake layer and bake: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the baked cake layers and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheesecake center is set but still slightly jiggly in the middle. Remove from oven and cool completely.
- Make the coconut-pecan frosting: In a saucepan, combine 1 cup evaporated milk, 1 cup granulated sugar, 3 egg yolks, and ½ cup unsalted butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Add coconut and pecans: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut, and 1 ½ cups toasted chopped pecans. Allow the frosting to cool slightly so it thickens but is still spreadable.
- Assemble and serve: Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the coconut-pecan frosting evenly over the top of the cheesecake center. Slice and serve this decadent and unique White German Chocolate Cake.
Notes
- Make sure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for smooth batter and cheesecake mixture.
- Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant before adding to frosting for enhanced flavor.
- If the frosting thickens too much while cooling, gently warm it slightly to make spreading easier.
- This cake is best served the day after baking to allow the flavors to meld and the cheesecake center to fully set.
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Keywords: white german chocolate cake, cheesecake cake, coconut pecan frosting, layered cake, creamy cheesecake center