The Sweetest German Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe Ever Baked

Decadent layers of creamy indulgence meet classic German chocolate cheesecake in a dessert that promises pure bliss.

Rich chocolate and smooth cream cheese dance together in perfect harmony.

Coconut and pecan accents add delightful texture to every delectable bite.

The recipe combines traditional German chocolate cake elements with a luxurious cheesecake base that melts in your mouth.

Silky, velvety, and utterly irresistible, this dessert elevates your baking skills to new heights.

Each slice tells a story of sweet sophistication and culinary creativity.

Why You’ll Crave German Chocolate Cheesecake

• Crowd-Pleasing Showstopper: Perfect for special gatherings, potlucks, and celebrations where you want to impress guests with a decadent dessert.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Can be prepared entirely in advance, allowing stress-free entertaining and saving precious time before serving.
• Irresistible Texture Play: Combines creamy cheesecake base with crunchy pecan topping and silky chocolate layers for a multi-dimensional taste experience.

What Goes Into German Chocolate Cheesecake

• Chocolate Cookies: Rich, dark base for the cheesecake.
• Butter: Melted gold that binds the crust together.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth and creamy heart of the dessert.
• Sugar: Sweet touch that balances flavors.
• Eggs: Binding magic for the cheesecake texture.
• Sour Cream: Tangy softness that enhances richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Warm, comforting flavor enhancer.
• Chocolate: Decadent swirl of deep, dark goodness.

• Evaporated Milk, Sugar, Egg Yolks, Butter: Classic German chocolate sauce base.
• Vanilla Extract: Aromatic warmth.
• Shredded Coconut, Pecans: Signature German chocolate cake topping with nutty crunch.

Step-by-Step for a Decadent Chocolate Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cookie Crust

Crush chocolate cookies into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating a solid base for your cheesecake.

Set the pan aside while preparing the filling.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, blend cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth.

Gradually add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.

Gently mix in sour cream and vanilla extract.

Fold in melted chocolate until the mixture is uniformly combined.

Pour the luxurious filling over the prepared crust.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake to Perfection

Place the cheesecake in a preheated oven at 325°F.

Bake for 55-60 minutes until the center is set but still has a slight jiggle.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.

Run a knife around the pan’s edge to prevent cracking, then let it cool completely for an additional hour.

Step 4: Chill and Set the Cheesecake

Refrigerate the cheesecake overnight to allow it to set completely and develop its rich, creamy texture.

Step 5: Prepare the Signature German Chocolate Topping

• Evaporated milk
• Sugar
• Beaten egg yolks
• Butter

Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens (about 12 minutes).

• Vanilla extract
• Shredded coconut
• Chopped pecans

Allow the topping to cool and thicken to a spreadable consistency.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Spread the coconut-pecan topping generously over the chilled cheesecake.

Slice and serve immediately.

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

Helpful Ideas for a Rich and Balanced Cheesecake

• Use a food processor or place cookies in a sealed bag and crush with a rolling pin for uniform, fine crumbs that create a perfect crust base.
• Bake in a water bath or place a pan of hot water on the bottom rack to create humid environment, reducing surface cracking and ensuring smooth texture.
• Melt chocolate using double boiler method or microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently to avoid burning and achieve silky smooth consistency.
• Allow cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream to sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before mixing, ensuring even blending and preventing lumpy batter.
• Cook coconut pecan topping until it reaches thick, spreadable consistency, stirring constantly to prevent burning and develop rich caramel-like flavor.

Storing and Serving German Chocolate Cheesecake

• Place cheesecake in a sealed container or wrap securely with plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping the texture and flavor intact.
• Let slices sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor.
• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Pairing Suggestions for Chocolate Cheesecake

• Pair with Tropical Rum Cocktail: Mix dark rum, pineapple juice, and a splash of coconut cream for a refreshing drink that complements the cake's rich coconut and pecan topping.
• Enhance with Bold Red Wine: Choose a full-bodied port or late-harvest zinfandel to match the intense chocolate and creamy cheesecake flavors, balancing sweetness and depth.
• Serve alongside Espresso Martini: Create a coffee-based cocktail with vodka and coffee liqueur to cut through the dessert's richness and provide a sophisticated flavor contrast.
• Complement with Hazelnut Liqueur: Drizzle Frangelico over a small serving to amplify the nutty undertones and add an extra layer of indulgent complexity to the dessert experience.

Unique Spins on German Chocolate Cheesecake

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Cheesecake: Swap regular chocolate cookies with gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies for the crust. Use gluten-free chocolate and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Chocolate Coconut Cheesecake: Replace cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese. Use coconut cream instead of sour cream. Substitute eggs with silken tofu or aquafaba. Create coconut caramel topping using coconut milk and maple syrup.
• Low-Carb Chocolate Cheesecake: Use almond flour and sugar-free chocolate cookies for the crust. Replace sugar with erythritol or stevia. Incorporate sugar-free chocolate and use a nut-based topping with sugar-free sweetener.
• Dairy-Free Chocolate Cheesecake: Use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives like coconut cream-based cheese. Replace butter with coconut oil. Select dairy-free chocolate and use almond milk in the topping preparation.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in German Chocolate Cheesecake?

The key ingredients include cream cheese, chocolate, evaporated milk, coconut, pecans, eggs, sugar, and chocolate cookies for the crust. These components create the rich, decadent flavor profile of this classic dessert.

• Is this cheesecake traditional German cuisine?

Despite its name, German Chocolate Cheesecake isn’t actually from Germany. The “German” reference comes from Samuel German, who created a specific type of dark baking chocolate for Baker’s Chocolate Company in the 1850s.

• Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes, this cheesecake actually benefits from being prepared in advance. It requires refrigeration overnight, which helps the flavors meld and the texture set perfectly. You can make it a day before serving, which is great for meal planning.

• What makes the topping unique in this cheesecake?

The topping is a classic German chocolate cake-inspired mixture of caramelized evaporated milk, egg yolks, butter, toasted coconut, and pecans. This signature coconut-pecan frosting gives the cheesecake its distinctive, rich flavor and texture.

German Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

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4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent german chocolate cheesecake blends rich cocoa layers with classic coconut-pecan frosting in a luxurious dessert. Sweet textures and deep chocolate notes promise a memorable culinary experience you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 32 ounces (907 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream

Crust Ingredients:

• 2 cups (240 grams) crushed chocolate cookies
• 4 tablespoons (57 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Flavoring and Chocolate Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (85 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted

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Instructions

1. Meticulously crush chocolate cookies and blend with melted butter, creating a uniform crust mixture. Press firmly into the base of a springform pan, ensuring an even, compact layer that will serve as the foundation for the decadent cheesecake.
2. Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency. Gently incorporate eggs one at a time, maintaining a smooth texture. Fold in sour cream, vanilla extract, and melted chocolate, creating a luxurious, velvety batter.
3. Transfer the cheesecake batter into the prepared crust-lined pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to eliminate any air pockets. Place in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C), allowing the delicate dessert to bake until the center exhibits a subtle wobble while the edges appear set.
4. After removing from the oven, let the cheesecake cool gradually on a wire rack. Carefully run a knife around the pan’s perimeter to prevent cracking, then allow it to rest at room temperature for an hour before transferring to the refrigerator for complete chilling overnight.
5. Prepare the signature German chocolate topping by combining evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and transforms into a rich, caramel-like consistency, approximately 12 minutes.
6. Remove the topping from heat and enhance with vanilla extract. Fold in shredded coconut and chopped pecans, creating a luscious, textured coating. Allow the mixture to cool and slightly set, ensuring it reaches a spreadable consistency.
7. Once the cheesecake is thoroughly chilled, generously spread the coconut-pecan topping across the surface, creating an indulgent layer that complements the creamy chocolate base. Serve chilled and store any remaining slices in the refrigerator.

Notes

• Prevent Cracks: Gently tap the springform pan on the counter to release air bubbles before baking, reducing the chance of surface cracks.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Let cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream sit at room temperature for smoother, more even mixing and better texture.
• Water Bath Option: Place the springform pan in a larger water bath during baking to create more even, gentle heat and prevent over-browning.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute regular chocolate cookies with gluten-free chocolate cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version of the dessert.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg