Indulgent White Chocolate German Cake: A Twist on Tradition

Photo byMiss Wulan

When it comes to desserts, few are as iconic as the German Chocolate Cake. But for those who crave a little twist on the classic, this White German Chocolate Cake offers a unique and equally indulgent experience. By swapping out traditional chocolate for creamy white chocolate, this cake combines the best of both worlds—a nod to the original, but with a luscious, fresh take. Perfect for special occasions or simply to satisfy your sweet cravings, this cake is a showstopper that will impress friends and family alike.

This cake delivers layers of moist, tender white cake, coated in a rich coconut-pecan frosting, and topped off with a smooth white chocolate ganache. The combination of flavors and textures in every bite creates a dessert that’s both familiar and exciting. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just looking to try something new, this recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, yet it yields a dessert that looks like it came from a high-end bakery.

Recipe: White German Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:

For the cake:

• 1 package white cake mix
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (4-ounce) package white chocolate pudding mix

For the frosting:

• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 3/4 cup butter, cubed
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
• 2 cups chopped pecans

For the white chocolate ganache:

• 4 ounces white chocolate, chopped
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper circles for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and white chocolate pudding mix. Beat the mixture on low speed for 30 seconds to combine, then on medium speed for 2 minutes to make the batter smooth and fluffy.
3. Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula to ensure an even rise. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
4. Make the Frosting: In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for about 12 minutes, until the mixture thickens and becomes golden brown. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Allow the frosting to cool and thicken before spreading.
5. Create the Ganache: Place the chopped white chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy whipping cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to boil. Pour the hot cream over the white chocolate and let it sit for one minute. Stir until smooth and silky.
6. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread 1/3 of the frosting over the top. Place the second layer on top and spread another 1/3 of the frosting. Add the final cake layer and spread the remaining frosting across the top.
7. Drizzle with Ganache: Drizzle the white chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a dramatic effect. Refrigerate the cake for at least one hour to set the frosting and ganache before slicing.

This White German Chocolate Cake isn’t just a cake—it’s an experience. The sweetness of the coconut and the crunch of the pecans, paired with the creamy white chocolate ganache, create a perfect balance. It’s the kind of dessert that makes any occasion feel like a celebration, whether you’re sharing it with friends or enjoying a slice on your own.

Tips and Variations

• For added flavor, try incorporating fruit such as fresh raspberries or strawberries between the layers, or drizzle caramel over each layer before frosting​(Spicy Southern Kitchen)​(Allrecipes)​(Recipes by Clare).
• Substitute almonds or hazelnuts for pecans to give the cake a different nutty flavor​(Recipes by Clare)​(CookiesPedia).

Enjoy baking this indulgent treat, perfect for any occasion!