White German Chocolate Cake with a Cheesecake Center -

Description of this recipe: This White German Chocolate Cake with a Cheesecake Center is a decadent and delightful dessert that combines the best of both worlds. Imagine the delicate crumb of a white chocolate cake, infused with a subtle sweetness, embracing a creamy, tangy cheesecake layer. Topped with a rich and luscious coconut-pecan frosting, this cake is a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. It’s perfect for special occasions, celebrations, or any time you want to indulge in a truly extraordinary treat.

Why you will love this recipe:

The Perfect Blend of Flavors: The combination of white chocolate cake, cheesecake, and coconut-pecan frosting creates a harmonious balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors that will satisfy even the most discerning palates.
A Textural Delight: The moist, tender crumb of the cake, the smooth creaminess of the cheesecake, and the chewy, crunchy texture of the frosting come together to create a sensory experience that is simply irresistible.
Impressive and Show-Stopping: This cake is a guaranteed showstopper that will impress your family and friends. Its elegant presentation and exquisite taste make it the perfect centerpiece for any celebration.
Surprisingly Easy to Make: While it may look intimidating, this cake is surprisingly easy to make with the help of a white cake mix. The cheesecake layer and frosting are also relatively simple to prepare, making this a manageable project for even novice bakers.
Customizable to Your Liking: Feel free to experiment with different flavors and variations to create your own unique version of this cake. You can add chocolate chips to the cake batter, use a different type of nuts in the frosting, or even incorporate a layer of fruit filling.

Introduction:

The White German Chocolate Cake with a Cheesecake Center is a testament to the power of combining classic flavors in unexpected ways. This cake elevates the traditional German Chocolate Cake by swapping the dark chocolate for a delicate white cake, and then adding a creamy cheesecake surprise in the middle. The star of the show, however, is the coconut-pecan frosting, a signature element that ties all the flavors together and adds a touch of tropical indulgence.

This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate a dessert that is both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or simply want to treat yourself to something special, this cake is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

For the White Cake:

1 package white cake mix
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
4 large egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cheesecake Layer:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup evaporated milk
3 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:

1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
(You will also need the ingredients listed on the back of the cake mix box, as these can vary by brand.)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan.

Step 2: Prepare the white cake batter according to the package directions, substituting buttermilk for the water and adding the vegetable oil, egg whites, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until creamy. Gradually add the evaporated milk, egg yolks, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

Step 4: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared springform pan. Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the cake batter. Gently pour the remaining cake batter over the cheesecake layer.

Step 5: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before releasing it from the springform pan and transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: While the cake is cooling, prepare the coconut-pecan frosting. In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, and evaporated milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, coconut, and pecans.

Step 7: Once the cake has cooled completely, frost the top and sides with the coconut-pecan frosting.

COOKING Rating:

Difficulty: Medium
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Serving Suggestions:

Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Garnish with extra coconut and pecans.
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Pair with a glass of milk, coffee, or tea.

Tips:

Make sure the butter and egg yolks for the cheesecake layer are at room temperature for a smoother consistency.
Do not overmix the cake batter, as this can result in a tough cake.
Use a good quality white cake mix for the best results.
If the coconut-pecan frosting becomes too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk to thin it out.
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Information: (per serving, approximate)

Calories: 650
Protein: 8g
Sodium: 300mg

Conclusion:

The White German Chocolate Cake with a Cheesecake Center is a truly special dessert that is sure to impress. With its delicate white cake, creamy cheesecake layer, and rich coconut-pecan frosting, this cake is a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, this cake is the perfect choice. Enjoy!

5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:

Can I use a different type of nut in the frosting? Yes, you can definitely substitute the pecans in the frosting with other nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces before adding them to the frosting.
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can make this cake ahead of time. In fact, it’s even better if you make it a day in advance, as this allows the flavors to meld together. Simply store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it.
Can I freeze this cake? Yes, you can freeze this cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Can I use a homemade white cake recipe instead of a cake mix? Absolutely! If you prefer to use a homemade white cake recipe, feel free to do so. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
What can I do if the coconut-pecan frosting is too thick? If the coconut-pecan frosting becomes too thick, simply add a tablespoon or two of milk to thin it out. Stir until the frosting reaches the desired consistency.