This White German Chocolate Cake with a Cheesecake Center is a twist on the traditional German chocolate cake, combining a creamy cheesecake center with a moist chocolatey base. It’s a stunning dessert for special occasions, showcasing layers of chocolate and a rich cheesecake middle that make every slice unforgettable. With a homemade chocolate frosting, this cake brings together flavors and textures for a truly indulgent experience. Perfect for birthdays, holiday gatherings, or whenever you’re looking to impress guests with a luxurious dessert, this cake takes some time to prepare, but the result is well worth it.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients
For the White German Chocolate Cake:
- 1 cup (4 oz) German chocolate, chopped
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Cheesecake Center:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- ½ cup (2 oz) German chocolate, chopped
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preparing the White German Chocolate Cake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release.
- Melt the chopped German chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, mix together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and egg yolks until creamy. Add the melted chocolate mixture and vanilla extract, stirring to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the chocolate mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form, then gently fold them into the batter.
2. Preparing the Cheesecake Center:
- In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
3. Assembling the Cake:
- Pour half of the chocolate cake batter into one of the prepared cake pans.
- Spoon the cheesecake mixture evenly over the batter layer, carefully spreading it without mixing it into the cake batter.
- Pour the remaining chocolate batter on top of the cheesecake layer, gently smoothing the top.
4. Baking:
- Place the filled cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake portion (not the cheesecake center) comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Preparing the Frosting:
- Melt the German chocolate and butter together in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a bowl, beat the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract into the chocolate mixture until smooth and spreadable.
6. Frosting the Cake:
- Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
- If desired, garnish with shaved chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar.
This White German Chocolate Cake with a Cheesecake Center is a delight for any chocolate lover, combining two classic desserts into one indulgent treat. The layers offer a balance between the rich chocolate and the creamy cheesecake, creating a beautiful contrast in flavors and textures. Although it requires some time and effort, the result is a cake that’s both stunning and delicious. Serve this at your next celebration, and watch as each bite brings smiles to the table. Enjoy every decadent slice of this layered masterpiece!