White German Chocolate Cake with Cheesecake Center
This impressive dessert combines rich German chocolate cake with a smooth cheesecake layer, topped with a unique coconut-pecan blend.
Ingredients
Cheesecake Layer
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
White Cake
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 2 sticks
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large egg whites
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
Coconut-Pecan Topping
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
Make the Cheesecake Layer
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth.
- Add sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Mix well.
- Pour this mixture into a greased 9-inch springform pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until set.
- Allow it to cool completely before chilling it in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
Make the White Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until fluffy.
- Gradually add the egg whites, then the vanilla.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) and the whole milk to the mixture, mixing until smooth.
- Divide the batter equally between two 9-inch round pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, then let them cool completely.
Make the Coconut-Pecan Topping
- In a saucepan, combine evaporated milk, brown sugar, egg yolks, and butter.
- Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens, about 10-12 minutes.
- Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans.
- Allow to cool to room temperature.
Assemble the Cake
- To assemble, place one cake layer on a plate.
- Add the chilled cheesecake layer on top, then place the second cake layer on top of the cheesecake.
- Spoon the coconut-pecan topping generously over the top.
Notes
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing for a smoother batter. Use a water bath for the cheesecake layer to prevent cracking. Allow the cake to cool completely before serving to ensure clean slices.