Of course! Get ready to embark on a baking journey that creates a legendary dessert. Here is the full, grand recipe for your White German Chocolate Cake with a Cheesecake Center, complete with everything you asked for.
A Culinary Masterpiece: White German Chocolate Cake with a Cheesecake Center
Introduction
Prepare yourself for a dessert that transcends the ordinary.This is not just a cake; it’s an experience. We take the classic, nutty-topped richness of a German Chocolate Cake and elevate it to stratospheric new heights. Imagine: two layers of soft, delicate white cake, embracing a hidden, creamy heart of baked cheesecake, all enrobed in the iconic, caramel-like coconut-pecan frosting. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors—fluffy, creamy, crunchy, and sweet—designed to make any occasion unforgettable.
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Center:
· 16 oz (450g) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
· ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
· ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
· 2 large eggs, at room temperature
For the White Cake:
· 1 box (15.25 oz / 432g) premium white cake mix
· 1 cup (240ml) water
· ½ cup (120ml) vegetable or canola oil
· 3 large egg whites
For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:
· 1 cup (240ml) evaporated milk
· 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
· 3 large egg yolks
· ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
· 1½ cups (150g) sweetened shredded coconut
· 1 cup (100g) chopped pecans
Instructions & Methodology
Methodology: This recipe uses a layering and component method. Each part is made and cooled separately before the final, glorious assembly. This ensures perfect texture for each component.
1. The Foundation: Preparing the Cheesecake Center
· Why we do this first: The cheesecake layer needs the most time to cool and firm up, making it easy to handle during assembly.
· Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with a circle of parchment paper for foolproof removal.
· In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until it is completely smooth and free of lumps. This is crucial for a silky texture.
· Gradually beat in the ½ cup of sugar and the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
· Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until the yolk disappears into the batter after each addition. Do not overmix at this stage, as it can incorporate too much air and cause the cheesecake to crack.
· Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes. The center should be set but still have a slight jiggle.
· Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or until very firm.
2. The Pillowy Base: Baking the White Cake
· Why we use a box mix here: It provides a reliable, soft, and light cake that perfectly complements the dense, rich cheesecake without overpowering it.
· Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
· In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, water, oil, and egg whites. Follow the specific mixing instructions on your box mix (usually mix on low for 30 seconds, then medium for 2 minutes).
· Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
· Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
· Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
3. The Iconic Crown: Crafting the Coconut-Pecan Frosting
· The method here is a stovetop custard base, which creates the signature rich, caramelized flavor.
· In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter.
· Cook, stirring constantly with a spatula or wooden spoon, until the mixture thickens significantly. This should take about 10-12 minutes. It is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and you can run a finger through it leaving a clean line.
· Remove from heat and immediately stir in the vanilla, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans.
· Transfer the frosting to a bowl and let it cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
4. The Grand Assembly: Formation of the Masterpiece
· The Goal: To create a stable, beautiful layered cake.
· Place one layer of the completely cooled white cake on your serving plate or cake stand.
· Carefully run a knife around the edge of the chilled cheesecake to loosen it. Gently invert it onto your hand, peel off the parchment paper, and place it squarely on top of the first white cake layer.
· Top the cheesecake layer with the second white cake layer.
· Finally, generously spread the room-temperature coconut-pecan frosting over the top and sides of the entire assembled cake.
History & Lineage
While this specific recipe is a modern fusion creation, its roots are deeply American. The “German” Chocolate Cake is a misnomer; it originates from a recipe published by a Texas homemaker in 1957 that used “German’s Sweet Chocolate,” a baking chocolate created by Samuel German for the Baker’s Chocolate Company in 1852. The cake became a national sensation. This recipe pays homage to that classic by keeping its legendary frosting but innovating with a “surprise inside” cheesecake layer, a trend that celebrates indulgence and creativity in baking.
Nutrition & Benefits
Let’s be honest: this is a celebratory dessert, not a health food. Its primary benefit is joy. However, we can appreciate its components:
· Pecans provide healthy monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and minerals like manganese.
· Eggs and Milk in the frosting and cake offer protein and essential nutrients like Vitamin D and choline.
· The Benefit of Sharing: The true nutritional power of this cake lies in its ability to bring people together, creating happiness and shared memories, which is a profound benefit to well-being.
Approximate Nutrition (per serving, 1 of 12): Calories: ~650 | Fat: 40g | Carbs: 68g | Protein: 9g
Conclusion for the Ultimate Dessert Lover
This White German Chocolate Cake with a Cheesecake Center is the ultimate project for bakers who love to impress. It is a labor of love, a testament to the magic that happens when classic flavors are reimagined. The process is as rewarding as the final product, leading to a dessert that will have everyone talking.
This is the cake for lovers:
· …of rich, decadent desserts.
· …of contrasting textures.
· …of culinary projects that end in a standing ovation.
· …of cheesecake and cake who refuse to choose.
The moment you cut that first slice and reveal the perfect, creamy cheesecake center, you’ll know every minute was worth it. The combination of fluffy cake, tangy cheesecake, and the nutty, caramel-like frosting is nothing short of divine.
So, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a legend. OMG, your mouth is about to be in heaven!
