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German Chocolate Cheesecake

by easysweetmeal
German Chocolate Cheesecake

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Creamy, dreamy, and utterly indulgent, this German Chocolate Cheesecake brings together the best of two iconic desserts. With a chocolate cookie crust, velvety cheesecake infused with coconut, pecans, and chocolate chips, and a luscious caramel-like topping, every bite is layered with deep, nutty sweetness and rich cocoa flavor. Whether for a celebration or a luxurious treat, this dessert is guaranteed to impress.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Inspired by the classic German chocolate cake, but in luscious cheesecake form

  • Creamy, chocolatey, and loaded with sweet coconut-pecan goodness

  • Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or special celebrations

  • Eye-catching presentation and rich flavor profile

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Crust:

  • Chocolate cookie crumbs (1½ cups) – Provides a crunchy, cocoa-rich base that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.

  • Unsalted butter (¼ cup, melted) – Binds the crumbs together and adds richness to the crust.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • Cream cheese (24 oz, softened) – The creamy core of the cheesecake; make sure it’s softened for a smooth texture.

  • Granulated sugar (1 cup) – Sweetens the cheesecake and balances the tanginess of the cream cheese.

  • Eggs (3 large) – Give the cheesecake structure and help it set during baking.

  • Vanilla extract (1 tsp) – Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.

  • Coconut flakes (1 cup) – Adds texture and a tropical sweetness reminiscent of traditional German chocolate cake.

  • Chopped pecans (1 cup) – Brings a buttery, nutty crunch to the filling.

  • Semisweet chocolate chips (½ cup) – Melts slightly into the batter, adding bursts of chocolate goodness.

For the Topping:

  • Sweetened condensed milk (½ cup) – Creates a rich, sticky-sweet caramel base for the topping.

  • Unsalted butter (¼ cup) – Adds smoothness and depth to the topping mixture.

  • Vanilla extract (1 tsp) – Infuses the topping with aromatic warmth.

  • Coconut flakes (½ cup) – Enhances the texture and classic flavor of the topping.

  • Chopped pecans (½ cup) – Completes the topping with a signature nutty finish.

German Chocolate Cheesecake

Tips and Tricks

  • Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free filling.

  • Line the bottom of your pan with parchment for easy release.

  • Let the cheesecake rest in the oven after baking to prevent cracking.

  • Toast the pecans for extra flavor in the topping.

  • For clean slices, dip a knife in hot water and wipe between cuts.

Variations and Customizations

  • Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free chocolate cookie crumbs for the crust.

  • Dark chocolate upgrade: Swap semisweet chips for dark chocolate chunks.

  • Bourbon twist: Add a splash of bourbon to the topping for a boozy flair.

  • Nut-free version: Replace pecans with toasted oats or coconut chips.

Pairing Suggestions

  • A cup of strong espresso or cappuccino

  • Fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate ganache on each slice

  • Serve with a vanilla or coconut ice cream scoop on the side

Storage Instructions

  • Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 5 days

  • Freezer: Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 2 months

  • To Serve from Frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge

Popular Questions

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes! It’s actually best when made the day before to allow the flavors to meld and the topping to set perfectly.

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Do I need a water bath for baking?

This recipe is forgiving and doesn’t require one. However, using a water bath can help prevent cracking and ensure even baking.

Can I use sweetened coconut instead of unsweetened?

Absolutely! If you prefer sweeter toppings, sweetened coconut works well—just reduce the added sugar slightly if needed.

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German Chocolate Cheesecake

German Chocolate Cheesecake


  • Author: easysweetmeal
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Description

A decadent fusion of rich chocolate cheesecake, toasted coconut, pecans, and gooey caramel topping—all nestled on a chocolate cookie crust. Pure indulgence for any occasion!

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Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 24 oz cream cheese, softened

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 3 large eggs

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 cup coconut flakes

  • 1 cup chopped pecans

  • ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips

  • ½ cup sweetened condensed milk

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • ½ cup coconut flakes

  • ½ cup chopped pecans


Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

  2. Mix chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter until evenly combined.

  3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.

  4. Set aside while you prepare the filling.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy.

  2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.

  3. Fold in coconut flakes, pecans, and chocolate chips.

  4. Pour the batter over the prepared crust and smooth the top.

3. Bake the Cheesecake

  1. Bake in preheated oven for 55–60 minutes, or until the center is set and the top appears slightly dry.

  2. Turn off oven, crack the door slightly, and let cheesecake cool for 1 hour.

  3. Remove from oven and let it finish cooling on a wire rack.

4. Prepare the Topping

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk, butter, and vanilla over medium heat.

  2. Stir in coconut flakes and chopped pecans.

  3. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and golden (about 5 minutes).

  4. Let it cool slightly, then spread over the cheesecake.

5. Chill and Serve

  1. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

  2. Before serving, release the springform pan sides and transfer cheesecake to a serving platter.

  3. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

This German Chocolate Cheesecake delivers all the beloved flavors of traditional German chocolate cake—coconut, pecans, and rich chocolate—in a creamy cheesecake format. It’s a dessert showstopper that’s sure to impress guests and generate high user engagement on food blogs and recipe websites.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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