Dreamy White German Chocolate Cake Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Crafting a delectable white german chocolate cake promises pure dessert magic that melts hearts instantly.

Sweet layers of creamy coconut and rich chocolate create an irresistible combination.

Nutty pecans scattered between delicate cake tiers add unexpected crunch and depth.

Bakers with adventurous spirits will adore this classic recipe reimagined.

Soft, elegant textures blend seamlessly with traditional german baking techniques.

Each slice delivers a delightful balance of sweetness and sophisticated flavor profiles.

Come transform your kitchen into a decadent bakery and surprise everyone with this stunning dessert.

Decadent Dessert: White German Chocolate Cake with Cheesecake Center

  • Craft a Delightful Dessert: Transform a simple white cake mix into an extraordinary white German chocolate cake with a luxurious cheesecake center that impresses guests and satisfies sweet cravings.
  • Master Stress-Free Baking: Follow straightforward instructions that make this recipe approachable for bakers of all skill levels, ensuring a professional-looking result without complicated techniques.
  • Celebrate Special Moments: Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, holiday gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a show-stopping dessert that combines classic flavors with a unique twist.
  • Customize with Ease: Experiment with optional add-ins like extra nuts, different extracts, or decorative toppings to personalize this crowd-pleasing cake and make it your own signature dessert.

Ingredients for Luscious White German Chocolate Cake

For the Cake Base:
  • White Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides a light and fluffy texture for the cake.
  • Buttermilk: Adds moisture and creates a tender crumb in the cake.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains moist and soft.
  • Egg Whites: Provide structure and help the cake rise evenly.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
For the Frosting:
  • Butter: Creates a rich and creamy base for the frosting.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the frosting.
  • Evaporated Milk: Adds creaminess and helps create a smooth consistency.
  • Egg Yolks: Contribute to the thick and luxurious texture of the frosting.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the frosting's flavor.
For the Frosting Additions:
  • Shredded Coconut, Chopped Pecans: Add texture, crunch, and traditional German chocolate cake flavor to the frosting.

Baking Guide for German Chocolate Cheesecake Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Workspace

Grab two 9-inch round cake pans. Coat them thoroughly with cooking spray or butter, then dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Set your oven to 350F (175C) and allow it to warm up completely.

Step 2: Create Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • White cake mix
  • Buttermilk
  • Vegetable oil
  • Egg whites
  • Vanilla extract

Blend these ingredients using an electric mixer on medium speed until the batter becomes smooth and creamy with no lumps.

Step 3: Bake Cake Layers

Divide the batter equally between the prepared cake pans. Spread the mixture evenly to ensure consistent baking.

Place pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 4: Cool Cake Layers

Remove cakes from the oven and let them rest in the pans for 10 minutes. Carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack and allow them to reach room temperature completely.

Step 5: Craft Coconut Pecan Frosting

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in:
  • Sugar
  • Evaporated milk
  • Egg yolks
  • Vanilla extract

Continuously stir the mixture, watching it transform into a golden-brown color.

This process takes approximately 10-12 minutes. The frosting will thicken as it cooks.

Step 6: Finish Frosting

Remove the saucepan from heat. Fold in shredded coconut and chopped pecans.

Let the frosting cool slightly so it becomes spreadable but not completely hardened.

Step 7: Assemble Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate.

Spread a generous layer of coconut-pecan frosting on top. Carefully position the second cake layer.

Cover the entire cake with remaining frosting, ensuring even coverage on top and sides.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cake into beautiful wedges.

Serve at room temperature and savor the rich, decadent flavors of this White German Chocolate Cake.

Tips to Nail the Perfect Cheesecake Center

  • Replace buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice for similar moisture and tang.
  • Use room temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing to ensure a tender, soft cake texture that stays moist.
  • Toast coconut and pecans briefly in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the frosting.
  • Substitute white cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diners.
  • Allow cake layers to cool entirely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a clean, professional-looking cake presentation.

Variations to Sweeten German Chocolate Cake

  • Tropical Paradise Cake: Replace pecans with toasted macadamia nuts and add crushed pineapple between cake layers for a Hawaiian-inspired version.
  • Chocolate Raspberry Fusion: Incorporate raspberry preserves between cake layers and garnish with fresh raspberries and white chocolate shavings.
  • Almond Amaretto Dream: Substitute vanilla extract with almond extract and sprinkle toasted almond slivers over the frosting for extra crunch.
  • Citrus Coconut Sensation: Fold orange zest into the cake batter and add lemon-infused cream cheese filling between layers for a bright, refreshing flavor profile.

Pairings to Serve with German Chocolate Cake

  • Pair with Luxurious Coffee Companions: Rich espresso or smooth cappuccino perfectly complement the cake's sweet coconut and pecan flavors, cutting through the richness with bold coffee notes.
  • Match with Sweet Dessert Wines: Moscato or late-harvest Riesling will enhance the cake's creamy texture and provide a delightful honeyed contrast to the nutty frosting.
  • Create a Tropical Beverage Experience: Coconut-based cocktails like piña colada or coconut martini will echo the cake's tropical coconut undertones and create a harmonious flavor profile.
  • Enhance with Creamy Liqueur Shots: Bailey's Irish Cream or Kahlúa can be served alongside the cake, offering a smooth, velvety accompaniment that elevates the dessert's decadent character.

Storage Advice for German Chocolate Cake

Store the cake in an airtight container or cake carrier in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.

Wrap individual cake slices or the entire cake in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months to maintain best texture and flavor.

Keep the cake at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving soon. Place under a cake dome or cover loosely with plastic wrap to preserve moisture.

Thaw frozen cake in the refrigerator overnight. Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or bring to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

FAQs

  • What makes this cake different from a traditional German chocolate cake?

This version uses a white cake mix instead of chocolate, creating a lighter, more delicate flavor profile that highlights the rich coconut-pecan frosting.

  • Can I make this cake from scratch instead of using a cake mix?

Yes, you can substitute the cake mix with a homemade white cake recipe, but ensure the wet-to-dry ingredient ratios remain similar to maintain the cake’s texture.

  • Is the frosting difficult to make?

The frosting requires careful attention and constant stirring, but it’s straightforward. The key is to cook it slowly and stir continuously to prevent burning and achieve the right consistency.

Print
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White German Chocolate Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet layers of white German chocolate cake melt together with creamy coconut-pecan frosting, creating a luxurious dessert that whispers indulgence. Rich textures and delicate flavors invite you to savor each memorable bite of this classic Southern confection.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base:

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

Filling and Topping:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Prepare your culinary workspace by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and preparing two 9-inch round cake pans with a light grease and flour coating.
  2. In a spacious mixing vessel, combine white cake mix, buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg whites, and vanilla extract. Whip the mixture on medium speed until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
  3. Distribute the batter with precision across the prepared cake pans, ensuring an even spread.
  4. Position the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring for a clean toothpick test when inserted into the cake’s center.
  5. Allow the cakes to rest in their pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a cooling rack for complete temperature reduction.
  6. Craft the decadent frosting by melting butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Introduce sugar, evaporated milk, egg yolks, and vanilla extract, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a rich, golden-brown cream, approximately 10-12 minutes.
  7. Remove the saucepan from heat and fold in shredded coconut and chopped pecans. Let the frosting cool slightly to achieve optimal spreading consistency.
  8. Construct the cake by generously applying the coconut-pecan frosting between cake layers, then lavishly coating the top and exterior surfaces.
  9. Present the White German Chocolate Cake, slicing and serving this luxurious dessert to eager guests.

Notes

  • Check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center, which should come out clean with no wet batter, ensuring perfectly baked layers.
  • Prevent cake from sticking by thoroughly greasing and flouring the pans, using a pastry brush or cooking spray for even coverage.
  • Enhance flavor by allowing cake layers to cool completely before frosting, preventing melting and maintaining structural integrity of the dessert.
  • Modify for dietary needs by substituting gluten-free cake mix, using dairy-free milk alternatives, and replacing egg whites with applesauce for vegan adaptation.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 404 kcal
  • Sugar: 33 g
  • Sodium: 178 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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