White German Chocolate Cake with Cheesecake Center
Ingredients
For the White Cake Layers:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups sugar
4 large egg whites
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup whole milk
½ cup sour cream
For the Cheesecake Center:
2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
½ cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup sour cream
For the Coconut Pecan Filling:
1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup sugar
3 egg yolks, lightly beaten
½ cup unsalted butter
1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the White Chocolate Frosting:
1 cup white chocolate chips, melted and cooled slightly
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3–4 cups powdered sugar
¼ cup heavy cream (more if needed for consistency)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping:
Shredded coconut
Whole pecans
Caramel drizzle (optional)
Directions
1. Bake the Cheesecake Center:
Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla, and sour cream; mix well.
Pour into a greased 9-inch round pan and bake for 35–40 minutes until center is set.
Cool completely, then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
2. Make the White Cake Layers:
Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch pans.
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg whites and vanilla.
Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk/sour cream mixture.
Divide into pans and bake for 22–25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely.
3. Prepare the Coconut Pecan Filling:
In a saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter over medium heat.
Stir constantly until thickened (10–12 mins).
Remove from heat, stir in coconut, pecans, and vanilla. Let cool.
4. Make the Frosting:
Beat butter until fluffy. Mix in melted white chocolate.
Add powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
5. Assemble the Cake:
Place one white cake layer on a plate, spread a layer of coconut pecan filling.
Add cheesecake layer, another layer of filling, then a white cake layer.
Repeat. Frost the cake with white chocolate frosting.
Top with shredded coconut, pecans, and caramel drizzle.