Oh my gosh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert: German chocolate cheesecake! There’s just something about that rich, creamy texture paired with the deep chocolate flavor that makes my heart sing. I mean, who can resist a cheesecake that combines the beloved elements of classic German chocolate cake? The luscious creaminess of the cheesecake, combined with the chocolate crust, and topped with that irresistible coconut-pecan mixture is just divine! Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked! It’s perfect for special occasions or just a cozy night in when you need a little sweetness in your life. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into this delightful treat that’s sure to impress your friends and family!
Ingredients for German Chocolate Cheesecake
Before we get started, let’s gather all the goodies you’ll need for this scrumptious German chocolate cheesecake. Having everything measured out and ready to go makes the process so much smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 24 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream, for that extra creaminess
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature—this really helps with getting that smooth, creamy consistency. Trust me, you don’t want any lumps in your cheesecake! Ready to whip it all together? Let’s move on to the preparation!
How to Prepare German Chocolate Cheesecake
Alright, let’s get our hands dirty and whip up this heavenly German chocolate cheesecake! I promise, it’s easier than it looks, and the end result will be absolutely worth it. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a show-stopping dessert that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This is crucial, so don’t skip this step!
- While that oven gets nice and toasty, grab a bowl and mix together the graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and melted butter. You want this mixture to be well combined and crumbly, like wet sand.
- Next, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan. Make sure it’s packed tightly—this will be your delicious crust!
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You really want to avoid any lumps here, so take your time!
- Now, add in the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each addition—this helps to create a light and fluffy texture.
- Stir in the sour cream until everything is fully combined. Your cheesecake batter should be rich and velvety at this point.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over your prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55–60 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center. This is important, as it will firm up as it cools!
- While it bakes, prepare your topping by mixing together the coconut, chopped pecans, and brown sugar in a bowl.
- Once the cheesecake is done, sprinkle the topping evenly over the surface and pop it back in the oven for an additional 10 minutes.
- Finally, let your cheesecake cool completely in the pan before transferring it to the refrigerator. It needs at least 4 hours of chill time to set perfectly!
And there you have it—simple steps to create a decadent German chocolate cheesecake that will wow everyone!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This German chocolate cheesecake is not just any dessert; it’s a glorious fusion of flavors and textures that will have you dreaming about it long after the last bite! Here are just a few reasons why you’ll fall head over heels for this recipe:
- Rich and Decadent Flavor: The combination of creamy cheesecake and rich chocolate gives you the ultimate indulgence with every slice.
- Unique Topping: The coconut-pecan topping adds a delightful crunch and sweetness that perfectly complements the smooth cheesecake.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this dessert is surprisingly easy to whip up, even for beginners!
- Impressive Presentation: Serve this cheesecake at your next gathering, and watch it steal the spotlight on the dessert table!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: It chills beautifully, so you can prepare it in advance and save time on the day of your event.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a sweet treat for yourself, this cheesecake fits the bill!
Trust me, once you taste this heavenly creation, you’ll be spreading the word about it to everyone you know!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your German chocolate cheesecake turns out absolutely perfect! These little tips are game-changers and will help you achieve that smooth, creamy texture and rich flavor we all crave.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This is key! Make sure your cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs are at room temperature before you start mixing. It helps everything blend smoothly with no lumps, which is what you want for that dreamy cheesecake texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When you’re combining your cream cheese with sugar and adding in the eggs, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can introduce too much air, causing your cheesecake to crack while baking. Ain’t nobody got time for cracks!
- Check for Doneness: The cheesecake is done when it’s set around the edges but still has a slight jiggle in the center. It will continue to firm up as it cools, so don’t let it bake too long. Keep an eye on it!
- Cooling Time is Crucial: After baking, allow your cheesecake to cool completely in the pan before transferring it to the fridge. This helps prevent cracks, and that chill time is essential for flavors to meld beautifully.
- Consider a Water Bath: If you want to take it up a notch, consider baking your cheesecake in a water bath. This helps maintain a gentle temperature, keeping your cheesecake creamy and preventing cracks.
- Chill Before Serving: Patience is a virtue! Give your cheesecake at least 4 hours in the fridge before slicing. This allows it to set properly and makes for cleaner cuts when you serve it.
Following these tips will elevate your cheesecake game and impress everyone at the table. Trust me, you’ll be the star of your next gathering with this delicious dessert!
Nutritional Information for German Chocolate Cheesecake
Now, I know you’re curious about the nutrition side of this indulgent treat! Here’s the estimated nutritional information for one slice of this divine German chocolate cheesecake:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 32g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 320mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and measurements you use. But hey, a little indulgence now and then is totally worth it for a slice of this creamy delight! Enjoy every bite without guilt—after all, you deserve it!
FAQ About German Chocolate Cheesecake
Got questions about making this amazing German chocolate cheesecake? No worries—I’m here to help! Here are some common questions I get asked, along with my trusty answers:
Can I use a different type of crust?
Absolutely! While I love the chocolatey goodness of a graham cracker crust, you can totally switch it up. Try using an Oreo crust for an even richer flavor, or you could make a simple vanilla wafer crust if you’re feeling adventurous.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
No problem! You can substitute the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or even a bit of heavy cream. Both will give you that creamy texture we crave without compromising the flavor.
How should I store leftovers?
To keep your cheesecake fresh and delicious, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for about 4 to 5 days—if it lasts that long! I doubt it will, though; it’s just too good!
Can I freeze German chocolate cheesecake?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, thaw it overnight in the fridge. This way, you can have a little indulgence ready whenever the craving strikes!
What’s the best way to serve this cheesecake?
For the ultimate experience, serve your German chocolate cheesecake chilled with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. You can even sprinkle a few extra pecans and coconut flakes on top for that extra flair. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this gorgeous German chocolate cheesecake, and now you’ve got some leftovers (if that’s even possible!). No worries, I’ve got you covered on how to store it properly so you can enjoy it later without losing any of that deliciousness!
First off, let’s talk storage. To keep your cheesecake fresh, you’ll want to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. This will help keep out any unwanted odors from your fridge and prevent it from drying out. It’ll last about 4 to 5 days in the fridge—though I doubt it will last that long with how irresistible it is!
If you find yourself with a larger stash and want to keep it for longer, you can freeze your cheesecake! Just slice it up and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double-wrapping helps avoid freezer burn, which is a total buzzkill when you’re ready for a sweet treat. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Patience is key here!
Now, for reheating: usually, I recommend serving this cheesecake cold straight from the fridge, as it really highlights that creamy texture. However, if you prefer it slightly warmed, you can pop a slice in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. Just enough to take the chill off, but be careful not to overdo it! You want to maintain that perfect, luscious consistency. Enjoy every delightful bite, whether it’s fresh or a day or two later!
Print
German chocolate cheesecake: 7 steps to pure bliss
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy German chocolate cheesecake with a chocolate crust and coconut-pecan topping.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl.
- Press mixture into the bottom of a springform pan.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Stir in sour cream until fully combined.
- Pour cream cheese mixture over the crust.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes until set.
- Mix coconut, pecans, and brown sugar in a bowl.
- Spread topping over cheesecake and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving.
- Use room temperature ingredients for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: german chocolate cheesecake, cheesecake recipe, dessert