White German Chocolate Cake with Cheesecake Center

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s both rich and delightful, you’ve found it! This White German Chocolate Cake with Cheesecake Center is one of my all-time favorites. It combines the smoothness of cheesecake with the light, fluffy texture of white chocolate cake. The result? A decadent treat that’s perfect for any occasion—be it a birthday celebration, a family gathering, or just a cozy evening at home.

What makes this cake so special is how well the flavors meld together. Each bite offers something unique: the creamy cheesecake center balances beautifully with the sweet layers of cake, topped off by a luscious coconut pecan frosting. Trust me; once you serve this beauty up, everyone will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent taste: The combination of white chocolate and cheesecake creates a luxurious flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Impressive presentation: This stunning cake is sure to wow your guests and make you feel like a baking superstar.
• Easy to make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you’ll find this recipe enjoyable to prepare.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this treat, making it perfect for gatherings.
• Make-ahead option: You can prepare the cheesecake layer in advance, saving you time on the day of your event.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry! Let’s gather everything we need to create this delicious cake.

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 customize it according to your taste preferences. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add fruit: Consider layering in fresh berries between the cake layers for an added burst of flavor.
• Change up the nuts: Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds in the frosting for a different crunch.
• Try different chocolates: Use dark or milk chocolate instead of white chocolate for a richer taste.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend for those who need it.

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). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line its bottom with parchment paper. In a large bowl, beat 2 blocks of softened cream cheese until smooth. Adding sugar next will help incorporate sweetness into your cheesecake. Mix in eggs one at a time—this ensures even blending without overmixing. Finally, stir in vanilla extract, sour cream, and flour before pouring the batter into your prepared pan. Bake it for about 40-45 minutes until just set. Let it cool completely, then chill it in the refrigerator for at least two hours or overnight; this helps firm up the cheesecake layer.

Step 2: Make the White German Chocolate Cake

Now it’s time to move on to our fluffy cake! Preheat your oven again—this time to 350°F (175°C)—and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; these dry ingredients are key for structure. In another larger bowl, cream together room-temperature butter and sugar until light and fluffy—this aeration gives us that lovely texture! Add eggs one by one followed by vanilla extract before stirring in melted white chocolate. Gradually alternate adding your flour mixture and buttermilk until fully combined. Divide the batter evenly between both pans before popping them into the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Once baked, let them cool in their pans for about ten minutes before transferring them onto wire racks.

Step 3: Make the Coconut Pecan Frosting

While waiting for your cakes to cool completely, let’s whip up that delightful frosting! In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter with evaporated milk and sugar along with lightly beaten egg yolks. Keep stirring constantly until thickened—this usually takes around 10-12 minutes. Once thickened nicely, remove it from heat and stir in vanilla extract along with shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and melted white chocolate until everything is well combined. Allow this heavenly mixture to cool completely before frosting your cake layers.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Ready for assembly? Place one cake layer on a serving plate; gently position your chilled cheesecake layer right on top of it. Next comes another cake layer on top of that scrumptious cheesecake! Finally, spread cooled coconut pecan frosting generously over both top and sides of your layered creation. To ensure perfect slices later on when serving up this beauty, chill it in the refrigerator for at least thirty minutes before diving in.

And there you have it—your very own White German Chocolate Cake with Cheesecake Center! Enjoy every delicious bite as you share it among family and friends—they’re sure to love it just as much as I do!

Pro Tips for Making White German Chocolate Cake with Cheesecake Center

Baking this delightful cake can be a fun experience, and a few helpful tips can make it even better!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Having your cream cheese, butter, and eggs at room temperature helps them blend more easily, resulting in a smoother batter and a lighter texture.

• Don’t skip chilling the cheesecake layer: Cooling the cheesecake thoroughly allows it to firm up, making it easier to layer without falling apart when you assemble the cake.

• Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents packing and ensures you don’t end up with a dense cake.

• Test for doneness: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cakes as they bake. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached when they’re done.

• Let the frosting cool completely: Allowing the coconut pecan frosting to cool before spreading it on the cake prevents it from melting and sliding off, ensuring a beautifully frosted result.

How to Serve White German Chocolate Cake with Cheesecake Center

Presenting your White German Chocolate Cake with Cheesecake Center can make all the difference in how it’s enjoyed. Here are some ideas to wow your guests!

Garnishes

• Fresh Berries: A handful of strawberries or raspberries adds a pop of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich flavors of the cake.
• Mint Leaves: A sprig of mint is not only visually appealing but also provides a refreshing aroma that complements the sweetness of the cake.
• White Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle some white chocolate shavings on top for an elegant touch that enhances the dessert’s flavor profile.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the sweet layers of this cake, creating a delightful contrast in textures.
• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made from seasonal fruits can bring brightness to your plate, balancing out the richness of the cake.
• Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea makes for a comforting accompaniment, enhancing the dessert experience with its aromatic qualities.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: For an extra layer of indulgence, serve with whipped coconut cream. It’s dairy-free and adds an airy lightness that pairs well with both chocolate and cheesecake.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in hand, you’re ready to create an unforgettable dessert experience! Enjoy every slice of your beautiful White German Chocolate Cake with Cheesecake Center!

Make Ahead and Storage

This White German Chocolate Cake with Cheesecake Center is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time for special occasions or simply enjoy it throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate the cake for up to a week to maintain its freshness.
• Make sure to cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The whole cake can also be frozen; just ensure it’s wrapped tightly to avoid freezer burn.
• It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, let the cake thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• If you prefer it warm, reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Avoid overheating as this can dry out the cake.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe!

Can I make the White German Chocolate Cake with Cheesecake Center gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

How do I store leftovers of the White German Chocolate Cake with Cheesecake Center?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I use regular chocolate instead of white chocolate?

While this recipe calls for white German chocolate, you can substitute it with regular white chocolate if preferred. Just keep an eye on sweetness levels!

How long does the cheesecake center need to chill?

The cheesecake center should chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for optimal firmness.

Final Thoughts

I hope this White German Chocolate Cake with Cheesecake Center brings joy to your kitchen! It’s a beautiful dessert that’s not just delicious but also perfect for sharing with loved ones. Enjoy making this special treat, and don’t forget to savor each bite. Happy baking!