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Slice of white German chocolate cake layered with cheesecake, topped with coconut pecan frosting.

White German Chocolate Cake with a Cheesecake Center

A rich, layered cake combining moist white chocolate cake, creamy cheesecake, toasted coconut, and pecans. Perfect for special occasions and guaranteed to impress.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 53 minutes
1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 19 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • -ingredients]
  • ### For the Cheesecake Layer:
  • - 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • - 1 large egg
  • - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • ### For the Cake:
  • - 1 box white cake mix
  • - 3 large eggs
  • - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • - 1 cup water
  • - 1 cup shredded coconut
  • - 1 cup chopped pecans
  • ### For the Frosting:
  • - 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • - 3 cups powdered sugar
  • - 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • - 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ### For Garnish:
  • - Extra shredded coconut
  • - Chopped pecans
  • [/recipe-ingredients]

Equipment

  • Equipment:
  • - Springform pan
  • - Two 9-inch round cake pans
  • Electric mixer
  • Cooling rack
  • Offset spatula
  • [/recipe-equipment]

Method
 

  1. instructions]
  2. ### Prepare Cheesecake Layer:
  3. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and line a springform pan.
  4. In a bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
  5. Add the egg and vanilla, and mix until well combined.
  6. Pour the mixture into the pan and bake for 25 minutes. Let cool completely.
  7. ### Make the Cake:
  8. Increase oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
  9. In a bowl, mix cake mix, eggs, oil, and water until smooth.
  10. Fold in shredded coconut and chopped pecans.
  11. Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. Let cool on racks.
  12. ### Prepare the Frosting:
  13. Beat butter until light and fluffy.
  14. Gradually add powdered sugar, followed by heavy cream and vanilla. Beat until smooth and spreadable.
  15. ### Assemble the Cake:
  16. Place one cake layer on a stand, top with cheesecake layer, then the second cake layer.
  17. Frost the cake and garnish with shredded coconut and chopped pecans.
  18. [/recipe-instructions]

Notes

notes]
- You can toast the coconut and pecans before adding for enhanced flavor.
- For a tropical variation, add a thin layer of [pineapple glaze](https://www.brandirecipes.com/pineapple-layer-cake-glaze/) before frosting.