White German Chocolate Cake Recipe

If you love a dessert that combines the richness of creamy frosting with the delightful crunch of coconut and pecans, you have to try this White German Chocolate Cake. This cake is a stunning twist on the traditional German Chocolate Cake, featuring luscious white chocolate and a dreamy, moist crumb that simply melts in your mouth. Every slice is a celebration of textures and flavors that come together so effortlessly, making this White German Chocolate Cake an absolute showstopper for any occasion or a sweet treat to brighten your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, classic ingredients is the first step to creating the magic of this White German Chocolate Cake. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and richness, ensuring your cake is moist, tender, and packed with delightful nuances.

• All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides the sturdy yet tender foundation for the cake layers.
• Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): Helps the cake rise beautifully for a light texture.
• Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Assists in achieving the right crumb and subtle lift.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet and rich flavors.
• Unsalted butter, softened (1 cup): Adds richness and ensures a moist crumb.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cake and helps with a light texture.
• Light brown sugar, packed (1 cup): Contributes to the moistness and lends a subtle caramel note.
• Large eggs (4): Bind the cake and add beautiful structure.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses warmth and depth to the batter.
• Buttermilk (1 cup): Keeps the cake tender and adds a slight tanginess.
• White chocolate, melted (4 ounces): Provides rich, creamy sweetness that makes this cake uniquely divine.
• Shredded coconut (1 cup): Brings crunch and tropical flair essential to the White German Chocolate Cake.
• Chopped pecans (1 cup): Offers a nutty crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft cake layers.

How to Make White German Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure a flawless release after baking. This simple prep step sets the stage for perfectly cooked cakes with even layers.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that your rising agents and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, helping your cake rise consistently with every bite.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. This creaming process aerates the batter and creates that tender, melt-in-your-mouth cake texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully integrate them. Then mix in the vanilla extract. These steps ensure the batter comes together without curdling, contributing to a smooth, homogeneous mixture.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, add the dry ingredients in thirds to the butter mixture, alternating with half of the buttermilk. Begin and finish with the dry ingredients. This careful folding keeps the batter light and prevents overmixing.

Step 6: Incorporate White Chocolate

Gently fold in the melted white chocolate until it’s fully combined. This step infuses the cake with rich, sweet flavors that make this White German Chocolate Cake distinct and utterly irresistible.

Step 7: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between your two prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking at this precise time ensures moist layers with just the right crumb.

Step 8: Cool the Cakes

Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes to firm up slightly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling thoroughly is important so that the cake layers hold together perfectly when assembled.

Step 9: Prepare the Frosting

Beat together cream cheese and softened butter until smooth, then gradually add confectioners’ sugar, whipping until creamy and luscious. Stir in vanilla extract and melted white chocolate to create a frosting that’s rich, velvety, and packed with flavor, perfectly complementing the cake.

Step 10: Assemble the Cake

Place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate, spread a generous layer of frosting on top, then carefully place the second layer above it. Finish by frosting the top and sides of the cake evenly for a polished, inviting look.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

Decorate your White German Chocolate Cake with extra white chocolate shavings, a sprinkle of toasted coconut, or chopped pecans. These garnishes add texture and visual appeal, turning your creation into an irresistible centerpiece.

How to Serve White German Chocolate Cake

Garnishes

Garnishes like toasted coconut flakes or pecan halves enhance the already complex textures of the cake, while a few white chocolate curls add a delicate, elegant touch. These finishing details make every slice feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Serve your slice with fresh berries or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to add freshness and a hint of tartness that balances the richness of the cake. A cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee complements the dessert perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the cake into mini layered cupcakes for parties or serve it alongside a scoop of coconut or vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience. You can also create a layered trifle using cake chunks, frosting, and toasted coconut for a stunning presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the freshness and moisture of the White German Chocolate Cake for up to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooled cake layers or the entire assembled cake wrapped securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen cake will keep well up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving for the best result.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake slightly warm, let slices come to room temperature, then warm gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This simple step revives the cake’s moist texture without melting the frosting excessively.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate instead of white chocolate in the White German Chocolate Cake?

While you can substitute regular chocolate, using white chocolate is what gives this cake its signature creamy, rich flavor and light color. Using another chocolate shifts the flavor profile and makes it less of a White German Chocolate Cake.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute butter with a dairy-free margarine and use a plant-based milk mixed with vinegar in place of buttermilk. For frosting, opt for dairy-free cream cheese to maintain that luscious texture.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum to replace the regular flour. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

How long does White German Chocolate Cake stay fresh?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to 4 days. The coconut and pecans help retain some moisture, keeping every bite delightful for several days.

What’s the best way to melt white chocolate for this recipe?

The gentlest way is melting it slowly over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring often to avoid burning. White chocolate burns easily, so patience here makes a huge difference.

Final Thoughts

This White German Chocolate Cake is truly a dessert to savor and share. From its tender, flavorful layers to the creamy white chocolate frosting with crunchy coconut and pecans, every bite feels like a warm hug in dessert form. I can’t wait for you to make this recipe your own and enjoy the smiles it brings around the table. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and dive into making your very own White German Chocolate Cake today!

Print