German Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

Dreamy German Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe: A Slice of Heaven

Sweet dreams converge with decadent german chocolate cheesecake in a dessert that promises pure indulgence.

Layers of creamy richness mingle with classic coconut and pecan notes.

Chocolate lovers will swoon over this luxurious twist on traditional cheesecake.

Silky cream cheese blends seamlessly with rich chocolate undertones.

Crisp graham cracker crust provides the perfect textural contrast to smooth filling.

Nutty pecans and toasted coconut create an irresistible final touch.

You cannot resist diving into this magnificent dessert that celebrates every delightful chocolate moment.

Prepare to experience pure culinary magic with each incredible bite.

Why People Rave About German Chocolate Cheesecake

  • Savor Decadent Chocolate Indulgence: Dive into a luxurious chocolate cheesecake that transforms an ordinary dessert into a gourmet experience with its rich, velvety texture and stunning marbled appearance.
  • Master Simple Baking Techniques: Learn professional-level baking skills through straightforward steps that guide you to create a showstopping dessert without requiring advanced culinary expertise.
  • Impress Guests with Stunning Presentation: Elevate your dessert game with a gorgeous cheesecake featuring a beautiful chocolate swirl, crunchy toasted coconut and pecan topping, and a beautiful caramel drizzle that looks like it came from a high-end bakery.

What You’ll Use For German Chocolate Cheesecake

For the Crust:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A sweet and crunchy base that provides a classic foundation for the cheesecake.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crumbs together and adds rich flavor to the crust.
For the Cheesecake Base:
  • Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that creates the smooth, creamy texture of the cheesecake.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy texture.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cheesecake mixture.
  • Sour Cream: Contributes to the creamy texture and adds a subtle tangy flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet notes.
  • Cocoa Powder: Introduces a rich chocolate flavor to the cheesecake.
  • Salt: Balances and intensifies the other flavors in the cheesecake.
For the Chocolate and Topping:
  • German Chocolate: Creates a luxurious chocolate swirl throughout the cheesecake.
  • Heavy Cream: Helps melt and smooth the chocolate for the swirl.
  • Coconut, Pecans: Add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the topping.
  • Caramel Sauce: Provides a sweet, gooey finish that complements the chocolate and nutty elements.

How To Make German Chocolate Cheesecake With Ease

Step 1: Create the Perfect Crust

Grab a food processor and pulse graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the mixture looks like wet sand. Press this crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a buttered 9-inch springform pan, creating a solid and even base.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

Use an electric mixer to blend cream cheese until it becomes incredibly smooth. Gradually add granulated sugar, mixing until the texture turns light and fluffy. Incorporate eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully blended before adding the next.

Step 3: Build Decadent Flavor Layers

Fold in the following ingredients:
  • Sour cream
  • Vanilla extract
  • Cocoa powder
  • Salt

Mix until the batter becomes silky and uniform in consistency.

Step 4: Craft the Chocolate Swirl

Set up a double boiler to melt German chocolate with heavy cream. Stir until the mixture becomes completely smooth and glossy. Gently swirl the melted chocolate into the cheesecake batter, creating beautiful marbled patterns without overmixing.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F for 50-60 minutes. The center should be almost set but still slightly jiggly when done.

Step 6: Cool and Rest

Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature for about 2 hours.

Step 7: Add Delightful Toppings

Toast coconut and pecans in a dry skillet until they turn golden and release a fragrant aroma. Sprinkle these toasted nuts evenly across the cheesecake surface.

Step 8: Finish with Caramel Drizzle

Generously drizzle caramel sauce over the top, creating an elegant and indulgent finishing touch.

Step 9: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to ensure it sets completely. Slice and serve this decadent German Chocolate Cheesecake to wow your guests.

Helpful Tips For German Chocolate Cheesecake Success

  • Prevent Cracking: Create a moist baking environment by placing a water bath in the oven during baking to help the cheesecake cook evenly and prevent surface cracks.
  • Soften Ingredients: Bring cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free batter and perfect texture.
  • Master the Swirl: Use a toothpick or knife to create gentle, delicate chocolate swirls without overmixing, which can muddy the beautiful marbled effect.
  • Slice Like a Pro: Wipe your knife with a hot, clean cloth between each cut to achieve clean, precise slices of cheesecake.

Creative Twists On German Chocolate Cheesecake

  • Vegan Chocolate Coconut Cheesecake: Replace cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, swap eggs with flax eggs, and use vegan butter for the crust.
  • Gluten-Free German Chocolate Cheesecake: Substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour, ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • No-Bake Chocolate Coconut Cheesecake: Skip the baking process by using gelatin or agar-agar to set the cheesecake, creating a lighter, cooler dessert perfect for summer gatherings.
  • Low-Sugar German Chocolate Cheesecake: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of granulated sugar, and opt for sugar-free caramel sauce to reduce overall sugar content.

What Goes Well With German Chocolate Cheesecake

  • Pair Chocolate German Cheesecake with Bold Red Wine: Rich cabernet sauvignon complements the deep chocolate notes and cuts through the creamy cheesecake texture.
  • Enhance with Espresso Cocktail: Strong espresso martini balances the dessert's sweetness and echoes the cocoa's robust flavor profile.
  • Elevate with Nutty Bourbon Pairing: Smooth bourbon with caramel undertones mirrors the toasted pecans and caramel drizzle, creating a harmonious taste experience.
  • Refresh with Port Wine: Sweet, fortified port wine offers a luxurious counterpoint to the cheesecake's dense richness, cleansing the palate between bites.

How To Store German Chocolate Cheesecake Properly

  • Store the cheesecake in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining its creamy texture and flavor.
  • Wrap the entire cheesecake or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, preserving its delicious taste and texture.
  • Transfer frozen cheesecake to the refrigerator and let it slowly defrost overnight. Remove plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore its creamy consistency.

Questions On German Chocolate Cheesecake

  • What makes the graham cracker crust different?

The butter helps bind the crumbs tightly, creating a more compact and sturdy base that won’t crumble when slicing the cheesecake.

  • Why use a double boiler for melting chocolate?

A double boiler prevents direct heat, which can burn chocolate, ensuring a smooth, glossy melted chocolate without scorching or separating.

  • How do I achieve the perfect marbled effect?

Gently swirl the melted chocolate into the batter using a knife or spatula, creating soft, random chocolate streaks without overmixing.

  • What's the secret to a creamy cheesecake texture?

Blend cream cheese until smooth, add eggs one at a time, and avoid overmixing to prevent air bubbles that can cause cracking.

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German Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

German Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe


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4.6 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Indulgent german chocolate cheesecake blends rich, velvety chocolate with classic coconut-pecan frosting for an irresistible dessert. Creamy layers and decadent textures meld perfectly, promising pure chocolate bliss you’ll savor with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 24 oz cream cheese
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup German chocolate, chopped

Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce

Chocolate and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and prepare a 9-inch springform pan by thoroughly coating the bottom and sides with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Pulse graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand, then firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even, compact crust.
  3. Using an electric mixer, blend cream cheese until smooth and creamy, gradually incorporating granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
  4. Integrate eggs one at a time into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
  5. Fold in sour cream, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and salt, mixing until the batter achieves a uniform, silky consistency.
  6. Melt the German chocolate with heavy cream using a double boiler, stirring until completely smooth and glossy.
  7. Gently swirl the melted chocolate into the cheesecake batter, creating a marbled effect without overmixing.
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared crust and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly.
  9. Remove from oven and allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 2 hours.
  10. Prepare the topping by toasting coconut and pecans in a dry skillet until golden and fragrant.
  11. Sprinkle the toasted coconut and pecans evenly over the cooled cheesecake.
  12. Drizzle caramel sauce generously across the top, creating an elegant and indulgent finish.
  13. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to set completely before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy texture when mixing.
  • Use a water bath technique by placing the springform pan in a larger pan filled with hot water to create even baking and prevent cracking.
  • Toast coconut and pecans carefully to enhance their nutty flavor without burning, watching the skillet closely and stirring frequently.
  • Modify the recipe for gluten-free diets by substituting graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 32 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 21 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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