What is the difference between a chocolate cake and a German Chocolate Cake?

Regular chocolate cake typically features cocoa or dark chocolate and a smooth buttercream or ganache frosting. In contrast, German chocolate cake uses a lighter, sweeter baking chocolate and is known for its rich coconut-pecan frosting. A white German chocolate cake offers a creative twist by using white chocolate and softer flavors while still honoring the layered structure and signature topping.

What is so special about German Chocolate Cake?

German chocolate cake stands out for its moist texture, delicate chocolate flavor, and iconic coconut-pecan frosting. Unlike most cakes that rely on thick buttercream or fondant, this frosting adds a chewy, nutty texture that makes every bite unique. Our version, with a creamy cheesecake center, makes the experience even more memorable.

What cake mix is closest to German chocolate?

For shortcuts, look for a box labeled “German chocolate” or a mild chocolate mix. Avoid devil’s food or fudge—they're too dark. For a white chocolate German chocolate cake , use a white cake mix and stir in melted white chocolate and buttermilk for depth. You can also try adapting your favorite chocolate cake mix

What is the 1234 cake rule?

The 1-2-3-4 cake rule refers to a classic ratio: 1 cup butter, 2 cups sugar, 3 cups flour, 4 eggs. While great for basic cakes, this method doesn’t apply well to our white German chocolate cake recipe , which uses extra ingredients like buttermilk, melted white chocolate, and a cheesecake layer for a richer structure.

White German Chocolate Cake: Lush Layers & Love

Name: White German Chocolate Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2½ cups all-purpose flour; 1½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1¾ cups sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 6 oz white chocolate, melted; 1 cup buttermilk; ; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ¼ cup sugar; 1 egg; ½ tsp vanilla; ; 1 cup evaporated milk; 1 cup sugar; 3 egg yolks; ½ cup butter; 1 tsp vanilla; 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes; 1 cup chopped pecans

Description

Moist white German chocolate cake with a cheesecake center, finished with coconut-pecan frosting. Light, rich, and unforgettable.

Ingredients

Scale

FOR THE CAKE:

2½ cups all-purpose flour

1½ tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened

1¾ cups sugar

3 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

6 oz white chocolate, melted

1 cup buttermilk

FOR THE CHEESECAKE CENTER:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

¼ cup sugar

1 egg

½ tsp vanilla

FOR THE FROSTING:

1 cup evaporated milk

1 cup sugar

3 egg yolks

½ cup butter

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup sweetened coconut flakes

1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease and line two 9-inch pans.

2. Make cheesecake filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, vanilla. Chill.

3. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla and melted white chocolate.

4. Alternate flour mixture with buttermilk until smooth.

5. Pour half of the batter into pans. Spread cheesecake layer evenly. Top with remaining batter.

6. Bake 35–40 minutes. Cool completely.

7. Make frosting: Heat milk, sugar, yolks, butter, and vanilla until thick. Stir in coconut and pecans.

8. Frost cooled cake. Chill at least 1 hour before slicing.

Notes

Store in fridge up to 4 days.

Best served slightly chilled.

Freeze slices individually for longer storage.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Cake
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 520
Sugar: 38g
Sodium: 220mg
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 58g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: white German chocolate cake, cheesecake layer, coconut pecan frosting