Heavenly German Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe to Wow Your Guests

Crafting a decadent german chocolate cheesecake requires patience and a passion for rich, indulgent desserts.

Layers of creamy chocolate goodness promise a delightful experience for anyone who appreciates complex flavors.

Coconut and pecans dance together, creating a symphony of textures that melt in your mouth.

Sweet chocolate notes intertwine with smooth cream cheese, forming a luxurious base that whispers of comfort and celebration.

Baking this dessert becomes an art form, inviting you to explore each carefully balanced ingredient.

Chocolate lovers will find themselves captivated by the intricate balance of sweetness and depth.

Embrace the challenge and let your kitchen become a playground of delicious creativity.

German Chocolate Cheesecake: Rich, Nutty, and Decadent

• Decadent Chocolate Lover's Dream: Indulge in a rich, creamy cheesecake that combines the luxurious flavors of German chocolate with a velvety smooth cream cheese base, creating an irresistible dessert for serious chocolate enthusiasts.
• Master Show-Stopping Dessert: Impress family and friends with a sophisticated cheesecake that looks professionally made but can be created in your own kitchen, elevating your baking skills and creating a memorable treat for special occasions.
• Layer Upon Layer of Deliciousness: Experience a perfect harmony of textures from the crisp graham cracker crust to the silky cheesecake filling, topped with a luscious coconut-pecan topping that adds crunch and tropical sweetness to every bite.

Ingredients for German Chocolate Cheesecake Excellence

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: The base that provides a classic, sweet foundation for the cheesecake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and creates a rich flavor.

• Cream Cheese: The primary component that gives the cheesecake its creamy and smooth texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness to the cheesecake filling.
• Eggs: Helps to set and stabilize the cheesecake structure.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cheesecake.
• Chocolate: Adds a rich, deep chocolate flavor to the cheesecake.

• Sugar, Evaporated Milk, Butter, Egg Yolks: Create a thick, caramel-like base for the topping.
• Vanilla: Adds depth to the topping's flavor.
• Coconut, Pecans: Provide texture and traditional German chocolate cake flavor to the topping.

Instructions to Craft a Perfect German Chocolate Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare Crust Foundation

Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs. Mix crumbs with sugar and melted butter until well combined. Press mixture firmly into bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake crust for 10 minutes at 350°F. Allow crust to cool completely before adding filling.

Step 2: Create Silky Cheesecake Filling

• Vanilla extract
• Melted chocolate

Pour filling over prepared crust. Bake for 50-60 minutes until center is just barely set. Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Craft Decadent Coconut-Pecan Topping

• Sugar
• Evaporated milk
• Butter
• Egg yolks

• Vanilla extract
• Shredded coconut
• Chopped pecans

Allow topping to cool and thicken.

Step 4: Assemble and Chill

Run a knife around pan edges to loosen cheesecake. Cool for one additional hour at room temperature. Refrigerate overnight. Before serving, spread cooled coconut-pecan topping generously over cheesecake surface.

Pro Tips for That Classic German Chocolate Cheesecake Taste

• Prevent Cracking: Gently tap the springform pan on the counter after filling to release air bubbles and reduce surface cracks.
• Chocolate Melting Trick: Use a double boiler or microwave at 50% power to melt chocolate smoothly without burning.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Let cream cheese, eggs, and butter sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to ensure a silky, lump-free cheesecake batter.
• Topping Temperature Control: Allow coconut-pecan topping to cool slightly before spreading to prevent melting the cheesecake's surface.
• Slice with Ease: Dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe dry between cuts for clean, precise cheesecake slices.

Variations to Customize Your German Chocolate Cheesecake

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Haven: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Chocolate Dream: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut cream, replace eggs with flax eggs, and swap dairy butter with coconut oil.
• Lighter Chocolate Sensation: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener, replace full-fat cream cheese with low-fat version, and use dark chocolate with higher cocoa percentage for fewer calories.
• No-Bake Chocolate Bliss: Skip baking process by using gelatin or agar-agar to set cheesecake, chill in refrigerator instead of oven-baking, maintain similar flavor profile with minimal cooking steps.

Pairing Suggestions to Enjoy with German Chocolate Cheesecake

• Sip Sweet German Chocolate Wine Pairing: Select a rich port wine or a late-harvest Riesling that matches the decadent chocolate and caramel notes of the cheesecake, enhancing the dessert's luxurious sweetness without overpowering its delicate texture.
• Crunch Complementary Nut Accompaniment: Serve alongside toasted almond biscotti or candied walnut brittle to echo the pecan and coconut elements in the topping, providing a delightful textural contrast and nutty undertone.
• Balance Creamy Coffee Partner: Brew a smooth medium-roast Colombian coffee or a velvety cappuccino with subtle caramel undertones to cut through the richness and cleanse the palate between each indulgent cheesecake bite.

Storage Tips to Keep German Chocolate Cheesecake Fresh

• Store the cheesecake in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Protect from absorbing other food odors by placing in the back of the fridge.
• Slice the cheesecake into individual portions. Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Let the refrigerated slice sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften. For a warm touch, microwave on low power for 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating to prevent texture changes.

FAQs About German Chocolate Cheesecake

• Is German Chocolate Cheesecake difficult to make?

This cheesecake requires some baking skills but is manageable for intermediate home bakers. You’ll need basic equipment like a springform pan and patience for multiple steps.

• What makes the texture of this cheesecake unique?

The combination of smooth cream cheese filling with rich chocolate and the crunchy coconut-pecan topping creates a complex, layered texture that’s both creamy and crisp.

• Can I substitute ingredients in the recipe?

You can swap graham crackers with other cookie crumbs, use different chocolate types, and replace pecans with walnuts. However, keeping core ingredients maintains the authentic flavor profile.

German Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulgent German chocolate cheesecake blends rich chocolate layers with creamy coconut-pecan frosting for an unforgettable dessert experience. Chocolate lovers will savor each luxurious bite of this delectable southern-inspired sweet treat.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

Filling:

• 4 (8 ounces/226 grams) packages cream cheese, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 4 ounces (113 grams) German chocolate, melted and cooled
• 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar

Topping:

• 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
• 3 large egg yolks, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Encase the exterior of a 9-inch springform pan with aluminum foil, ensuring complete coverage to prevent water seepage during baking.
2. Create the graham cracker foundation by blending crumbs with sugar and melted butter, pressing firmly into the pan’s base, then bake at 350F for 10 minutes until golden. Allow crust to cool completely.
3. Whip cream cheese and sugar in a spacious mixing bowl until silky smooth, incorporating eggs individually and ensuring thorough blending after each addition.
4. Gently fold in vanilla extract and melted chocolate, stirring until the mixture achieves a uniform, luxurious consistency.
5. Pour the velvety chocolate filling over the prepared crust, spreading evenly to eliminate air pockets.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, watching for a slight jiggle in the center which indicates perfect doneness.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then carefully trace the pan’s edge with a knife to prevent cracking.
8. Allow cheesecake to cool for an additional hour at room temperature before refrigerating overnight to set completely.
9. Prepare the decadent coconut-pecan topping by combining sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and egg yolks in a saucepan over medium heat.
10. Continuously stir the mixture for approximately 12 minutes until it thickens to a rich, caramel-like consistency.
11. Remove from heat and incorporate vanilla, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans, stirring until well combined.
12. Allow topping to cool and reach a spreadable texture, then generously layer over the chilled cheesecake just before serving.

Notes

• Wrap springform pan tightly with foil to prevent water seepage during baking and ensure even heat distribution.
• Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for smoother, lump-free cheesecake filling that blends perfectly.
• Toast pecans and coconut beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the topping.
• Create water bath by placing springform pan in larger baking dish filled with hot water to prevent cracking and achieve creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 566 kcal
• Sugar: 45 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 39 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg