Oh boy, do I have a treat for you today! If you’re a fan of German chocolate cake, just wait until you get a taste of this delectable German Chocolate Cheesecake. It’s everything you love about the classic cake, but wrapped up in a luscious cheesecake that will have you dreaming about it long after the last bite. Each creamy slice is adorned with a sweet topping of coconut and pecans that takes this dessert to a whole new level. I can hardly keep my excitement contained just thinking about it!
This cheesecake has a special place in my heart—it was the star of my best friend’s birthday celebration last year. When I pulled it out of the refrigerator, you could practically hear the gasps of awe from my friends. They couldn’t believe I had managed to whip up such an elaborate dessert! Trust me, you don’t need to be a baking pro to make this; it’s surprisingly simple and the result is nothing short of spectacular.
What’s in German Chocolate Cheesecake?
Let’s break down the key players in this creamy extravaganza, shall we?
Oreo cookie crumbs: The perfect base for our cheesecake crust, these crumbs give rich chocolate flavor and a crisp texture. I always opt for the classic Oreo—no need for fancy flavors here!
Butter: Just a little melted butter makes a world of difference. It helps the cookie crumbs come together beautifully, creating that signature crust.
Cream cheese: This is truly the star of the show! I always reach for full-fat cream cheese because it yields the creamiest texture.
Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness is essential to balance out the rich cream cheese and chocolate flavors.
Vanilla extract: A splash of this magical elixir brings warmth and depth to the cheesecake.
Eggs: They bind everything together. Make sure to add them one at a time for the best consistency!
Sour cream: This ingredient keeps our cheesecake flavorful and adds a delightful tang that perfectly complements the sweetness.
Bittersweet chocolate: The melted chocolate adds that deep, indulgent cocoa flavor that makes the cheesecake special. I like to use quality chocolate for the best results.
Sweetened shredded coconut: A must for our topping, it adds a chewy texture and sweet, tropical flavor that’s quintessential in German chocolate desserts.
Chopped pecans: They provide a nutty crunch that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the coconut and chocolate.
Sweetened condensed milk: This is what binds our delicious topping together, making it thick and creamy.
Whipped cream: For decorating, of course! It adds a nice lightness to balance the richness of the cheesecake.
Chocolate drizzle: Because everything’s better with a drizzle of chocolate on top!
Is German Chocolate Cheesecake Good for You?
Ah, the million-dollar question! Let’s be real—while this cheesecake is a delight to your taste buds, it’s definitely more of a special-occasion treat than an everyday snack. Here’s the lowdown:
Cream cheese: This cornerstone ingredient provides a good dose of calcium and protein, but let’s face it, it’s also high in fat. Moderation is key here!
Coconut: On the bright side, it offers healthy fats and fiber! However, it’s also high in calories, so again, enjoy in moderation.
Pecans: These little gems are a great source of healthy fats and protein, plus they add crunch and flavor!
Overall, while this cheesecake isn’t a health food, it does have some redeeming nutritional qualities, especially if you pair it with a balanced diet. Just remember to savor each bite!
The Perfect German Chocolate Cheesecake Ingredients List
– For the crust:
– 1 ½ cups Oreo cookie crumbs
– ½ cup butter, melted
– For the cheesecake filling:
– 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 cup bittersweet chocolate, melted
– For the German chocolate topping:
– 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– For decoration:
– Whipped cream
– Chocolate drizzle
**Servings**: This recipe makes about 12 servings. Trust me, you’ll want to share (but I wouldn’t blame you if you kept it all for yourself!).
How to Make German Chocolate Cheesecake?
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease your 9-inch springform pan. Pro tip: Line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal!
2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the Oreo cookie crumbs with the melted butter until they’re well mixed. Press this delightful mixture into the bottom of your prepared springform pan. Bake for about 10 minutes and then let it cool while you whip up the filling.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and creamy. Trust me, you want it velvety!
4. Next, one by one, add in the eggs, mixing well after each addition to ensure that everything is combined beautifully. Gently fold in the sour cream and your melted bittersweet chocolate.
5. Pour this luscious batter over the cooled crust in your springform pan. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 55-60 minutes. The inside should be set but still have a little jiggle—this is key for that creamy texture.
6. While the baking magic happens, let’s prepare the German chocolate topping. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the shredded coconut, chopped pecans, sweetened condensed milk, and the additional vanilla extract. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes thick and bubbly, about 5-7 minutes. Allow this to cool slightly.
7. Once your cheesecake is done baking, let it cool to room temperature. Then, spread that glorious coconut and pecan topping over the cheesecake evenly.
8. Refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, but if you can wait overnight, you’ll be rewarded with a more set dessert!
9. Before serving, dollop on some whipped cream and drizzle with chocolate. Slice it up, and enjoy the lusciousness of your German Chocolate Cheesecake!
Delightful Tips for Your Cheesecake
– If you want to change things up, try using different types of nuts! Walnuts also work beautifully in this recipe.
– For a texture twist, you could add mini chocolate chips to the filling. Who doesn’t love a little extra chocolate?
– When you’re slicing the cheesecake, warm your knife under hot water and dry it off for neat cuts!
I can’t wait for you to try out this German Chocolate Cheesecake and make it your own! It’s truly a showstopper that your friends (or just your taste buds) will adore. After making this, be sure to pop back and share your experiences with me. Happy baking!
