German Chocolate Cheeseball – A Decadent Chocolate Delight with Rich Cream Cheese, Coconut, & Pecans

If you’re a fan of the classic flavors of German chocolate cake, you’re going to fall head over heels for this German Chocolate Cheeseball! This delightful dessert combines creamy chocolate, tangy cream cheese, and rich German chocolate frosting, all wrapped up in a fun, shareable cheeseball. With the added crunch of sweetened coconut flakes and pecans, each bite is an irresistible blend of textures and flavors. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a special treat, this German Chocolate Cheeseball is a surefire crowd-pleaser that’ll have your guests coming back for more!

Scroll down for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind the German Chocolate Cheeseball

Inspired by the classic German chocolate cake, this cheeseball brings all the iconic flavors together in a unique and shareable format. The rich and creamy base is made from a combination of cream cheese and melted chocolate, while a touch of powdered sugar and vanilla enhances the sweetness. But the real magic happens when we add homemade German chocolate frosting, coconut flakes, and chopped pecans—turning this cheeseball into a dessert lover’s dream! Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something indulgent, this cheeseball is the perfect answer to your sweet tooth cravings.

Why You’ll Love This German Chocolate Cheeseball

• Perfect for Sharing: This cheeseball is the ultimate party treat! Its shareable form makes it easy to serve at gatherings, and everyone will love the creamy, chocolatey goodness.
• Rich and Decadent: Cream cheese and melted chocolate come together to create a smooth, luscious dessert that’s perfectly balanced by the crunch of coconut and pecans.
• No-Bake Recipe: There’s no need to heat up the oven for this dessert! Just mix, chill, and enjoy—making it a great option for any season.
• Versatile Serving: Serve it with graham crackers, pretzels, or even fresh fruit for a variety of dipping options

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings):

• Calories: 360 kcal
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Protein: 4g
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 160mg

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This German Chocolate Cheeseball is best served with an array of dippers! For a classic pairing, graham crackers are the perfect choice—they complement the chocolate and cream cheese beautifully. For a salty contrast, try serving it with pretzels or salted crackers. If you want to add a fresh element, sliced apples or strawberries make for a great, light pairing. For extra indulgence, drizzle a little caramel sauce over the top or sprinkle more chocolate chips for that chocolate lover’s dream.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (which is rare with this cheeseball!), you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since this is a no-bake dessert, there’s no need for reheating. However, to make it easier to spread, allow the cheeseball to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving again. You can also freeze this cheeseball for longer storage—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Fun Fact: The Origins of German Chocolate Cake

Despite the name, German chocolate cake isn’t actually from Germany! The cake is named after an American chocolatier, Samuel German, who created a sweet baking chocolate for Baker’s Chocolate Company in 1852. The recipe for the cake was published in a Dallas newspaper in the 1950s, and it quickly became a national favorite. This cheeseball takes all those iconic flavors—chocolate, coconut, and pecans—and gives them a fun, modern twist!

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Cooking Tips

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the creamiest texture, make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before mixing.
• Chill for Best Results: Chilling the cheeseball for at least 4 hours (or overnight) helps it firm up and makes it easier to shape and roll in the coconut and pecans.
• Customize the Toppings: You can switch things up by using toasted coconut or adding chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips to the coconut-pecan coating for extra texture.

Optional Variations

• Peanut Butter Lovers: Add a swirl of peanut butter to the cream cheese mixture for a delightful peanut butter-chocolate combination.
• Dark Chocolate Twist: Swap out the semisweet chocolate for dark chocolate if you prefer a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
• Nut-Free Option: Skip the pecans and opt for crushed graham crackers or Oreo crumbs to coat the cheeseball for a nut-free version.

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German Chocolate Cheeseball Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup butter, softened (add ¼ teaspoon salt if unsalted)
• 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• German Chocolate Frosting (optional)
• ½ cup sweetened coconut flakes
• ½ cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

1. Mix the cream cheese and butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the chocolate: Pour in the melted semisweet chocolate and continue to beat until well incorporated.
3. Sweeten the mixture: Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and German chocolate frosting (if using) to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until smooth and creamy.
4. Shape the cheeseball: Scrape the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap and form it into a ball. Wrap it up and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
5. Prepare the coating: In a shallow bowl or plate, mix together the sweetened coconut flakes and chopped pecans.
6. Coat the cheeseball: Unwrap the chilled cheeseball and roll it in the coconut and pecan mixture until it’s completely covered.
7. Serve: Refrigerate the cheeseball until ready to serve. For easier spreading, remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy with graham crackers, pretzels, or fresh fruit!

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This German Chocolate Cheeseball is the ultimate indulgent dessert, combining the rich flavors of chocolate, cream cheese, coconut, and pecans into a fun, shareable treat. Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to become a favorite at parties, family gatherings, or even as a special treat for yourself. So grab your favorite dippers and enjoy this creamy, chocolatey delight!