Description
German Chocolate Cheesecake is a decadent dessert that combines rich chocolate cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust and a gooey coconut-pecan topping inspired by the classic German chocolate cake.
Ingredients
Scale
- Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, melted and cooled
- Topping:
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional Ganache Topping:
- 4–6 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs and sugar, then stir in melted butter until moistened. Press into a 9-inch springform pan and bake for 10 minutes. Cool completely.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and mix. Blend in vanilla and sour cream. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in melted chocolate until just combined.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Pour filling over the crust. Tap gently to remove air bubbles. Bake for 55–60 minutes, then turn off oven and leave cheesecake inside for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Topping: In a saucepan, melt butter. Add brown sugar, evaporated milk, and vanilla. Stir in coconut and pecans. Cook 10 minutes until thickened. Let cool.
- Assemble and Chill: Let cheesecake cool to room temp, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Spread topping evenly over chilled cheesecake.
- Optional Ganache: Melt chocolate and let cool slightly. Pour over cheesecake and refrigerate until set (15–30 minutes).
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for a rich, creamy texture.
- Let all dairy ingredients come to room temperature for smooth blending.
- Overnight chilling enhances flavor and helps set the texture perfectly.
- Topping can be made ahead and stored in the fridge until ready to use.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: undefined
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 21 g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: undefined
Keywords: German Chocolate Cheesecake, Chocolate Cheesecake, Coconut Pecan Topping, Holiday Desserts, German Chocolate Cake Inspired