White German Chocolate Cake with Cheesecake Center

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that combines rich flavors and creamy textures, then this White German Chocolate Cake with Cheesecake Center is just what you need! This cake has become a family favorite of mine, perfect for everything from birthdays to cozy family gatherings. It’s the kind of dessert that makes everyone feel special, and trust me, it tastes as wonderful as it looks!

The magic lies in its layers: a decadent cheesecake center nestled between two moist white German chocolate cakes, all topped off with a luscious coconut pecan frosting. Whether you’re celebrating or simply treating yourself after a long day, this cake will brighten your mood and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent flavors: The combination of white chocolate and cheesecake creates a heavenly taste that your taste buds will adore.
• Impressive presentation: This cake looks stunning on any table, making it perfect for celebrations or gatherings.
• Make-ahead convenience: The cheesecake layer can be made ahead of time and chilled, saving you effort on the day of serving.
• Family-friendly appeal: With its rich yet light flavor profile, this cake is sure to please everyone—from kids to adults!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple and wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dessert:

For the Cheesecake Center

• 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

For the White German Chocolate Cake

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 8 oz white German chocolate (or white chocolate), melted and cooled
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the Coconut Pecan Frosting (White Chocolate Version)

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 egg yolks, lightly beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 4 oz white chocolate, melted

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to make it your own! Here are some ideas to switch things up:

• Add fruit: Incorporate fresh berries into the frosting for an extra burst of flavor.
• Experiment with nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different nutty flavor.
• Try different chocolates: Use dark or milk chocolate instead of white for a richer taste.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate those with dietary restrictions.

How to Make White German Chocolate Cake with Cheesecake Center

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Greasing a 9-inch springform pan and lining the bottom with parchment paper ensures easy removal later. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s super smooth—this helps create that creamy texture we love in cheesecakes. Once smooth, add sugar and mix until well incorporated. Gradually mix in the eggs one at a time; this keeps everything nice and fluffy. Stir in vanilla, sour cream, and flour. Pour this creamy mixture into your prepared pan and bake for 40–45 minutes until just set in the center. Let it cool completely before chilling it in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Step 2: Make the White German Chocolate Cake

Next up is our delicious cake! Preheat your oven again, but this time to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure they don’t stick. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl—this dry mix is crucial for an airy cake! In another large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy; this step incorporates air into the batter. Beat in eggs one at a time before adding vanilla. Now stir in that melted white German chocolate—this adds richness! Alternate adding your dry mix with buttermilk to keep everything moist. Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for about 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool them in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks.

Step 3: Make the Coconut Pecan Frosting

For our lovely frosting, combine butter, evaporated milk, sugar, and beaten egg yolks in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook while stirring constantly—this thickens it beautifully! After about 10–12 minutes of cooking, remove from heat and stir in vanilla, shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and melted white chocolate. Allow your frosting to cool completely before spreading it on the assembled cake.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Now comes the fun part! Start by placing one layer of cake on a serving plate—this will be our base. Carefully add that chilled cheesecake layer on top; take your time here! Place the second layer of cake on top of that cheesecake layer like a cozy blanket. Finally, spread that cooled frosting evenly over both the top and sides of your beautiful creation. Chill it all for at least 30 minutes before cutting—it helps with slicing!

Enjoy every slice of this delightful White German Chocolate Cake with Cheesecake Center! Your friends and family are going to love it—make sure to have their cameras ready because they’ll want pictures of this beauty!

Pro Tips for Making White German Chocolate Cake with Cheesecake Center

Creating a stunning White German Chocolate Cake with a creamy cheesecake center can be a breeze with these handy tips!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allowing your butter, eggs, and cream cheese to warm up to room temperature ensures that they blend together smoothly, creating a lighter and fluffier cake batter.

• Don’t overmix the batter: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake texture, so be gentle!

• Cool the cheesecake completely: Chilling the cheesecake layer is vital for it to hold its shape when layered between cakes. This step not only enhances its flavor but also ensures it won’t ooze out when you slice the cake.

• Use a serrated knife for slicing: A serrated knife will help you cut through the layers cleanly without squishing them, giving you beautiful slices to serve.

• Let the frosting cool completely: If you attempt to frost the cake while the frosting is still warm, it may melt and slide off. Cooling it ensures that it spreads evenly and maintains its shape.

How to Serve White German Chocolate Cake with Cheesecake Center

Presenting this delightful cake is just as important as making it! Here are some ideas on how to serve it beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh berries: Strawberries or raspberries add a pop of color and a hint of tartness that complements the sweetness of the cake.
• Mint leaves: A few fresh mint leaves placed atop each slice not only look elegant but also add a refreshing aroma.
• Cocoa powder dusting: Lightly dusting the top with cocoa powder gives an attractive finish while adding a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creaminess of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the richness of this cake, enhancing its flavors and providing a refreshing contrast.
• Fruit salad: A simple mixed fruit salad brings brightness and freshness to your dessert table, balancing out the indulgence of the cake.
• Coffee or tea: Serving your cake alongside freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea provides warmth that complements the flavors of chocolate and cream.
• Whipped coconut cream: This dairy-free option adds lightness and an extra coconut flavor that ties in beautifully with the frosting.

Enjoy making this fabulous dessert! It’s perfect for celebrations or simply treating yourself after a long day. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This White German Chocolate Cake with Cheesecake Center is a delightful treat that can easily be made ahead of time, making it perfect for special occasions or meal prep. With proper storage, you can keep the flavors fresh and delicious for days!

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover cake in an airtight container.
• Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• If you have cut pieces, cover them with plastic wrap to maintain moisture.

Freezing

• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• For best results, slice the cake before freezing so you can grab individual pieces as needed.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen cake overnight in the refrigerator.
• To enjoy warm, place a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warmed through.
• Avoid reheating the entire cake at once to preserve its texture and flavor.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I make White German Chocolate Cake with Cheesecake Center without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) or unsweetened applesauce. Use 1/4 cup of either per egg.

How long does the White German Chocolate Cake with Cheesecake Center last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, this cake lasts up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Can I use regular chocolate instead of white chocolate?

While this recipe specifically calls for white German chocolate, you can use regular white chocolate or any high-quality white chocolate substitute if needed. Just be mindful of flavor variations.

What should I serve with White German Chocolate Cake with Cheesecake Center?

This cake pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.

Final Thoughts

I hope this White German Chocolate Cake with Cheesecake Center becomes a favorite in your kitchen! The creamy cheesecake layer nestled between moist white chocolate cake is truly something special. Enjoy making it for friends and family, or treat yourself—you deserve it! Happy baking!