Introduction
This is not your everyday cake—this is a full-on celebration dessert. White German Chocolate Cake with a
Cheesecake Center combines three irresistible layers of indulgence: soft, moist white cake; a thick, creamy
baked cheesecake layer right in the middle; and the iconic coconut-pecan frosting that makes German chocolate cake
so unforgettable. Every slice is dramatic, rich, and absolutely worth the “wow.”
Even better? It’s totally doable at home if you follow the steps in order: bake the cheesecake layer first, chill
it until firm, bake the cake layers, then assemble with that caramel-like coconut-pecan frosting. The result looks
bakery-level, tastes like a holiday, and becomes the cake people beg you to make again.
Ingredients
Cheesecake Center
- 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (60 g) sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- Pinch of salt
White Cake Layers
- 2 1/2 cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups (350 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large egg whites, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional but amazing)
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, room temperature
Coconut-Pecan Frosting (Classic German Chocolate Style)
- 1 cup (240 ml) evaporated milk
- 3 large egg yolks
- 3/4 cup (150 g) brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 cups (160 g) sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 1/2 cups (150 g) chopped pecans, toasted if possible
Optional “Finishing” Frosting (For Smooth Sides)
- 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Note: Traditional German chocolate cake often leaves the sides “naked” and uses coconut-pecan frosting
mostly between layers and on top. The optional vanilla buttercream is only if you want a clean, finished look.
