Classic German Chocolate Cheesecake
This German Chocolate Cheesecake is a creamy, decadent dessert that combines a smooth chocolate cheesecake filling with a buttery cookie crust and a rich coconut-pecan topping. It is perfect for holidays, celebrations, and special occasions.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 55
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 8 oz semisweet chocolate, melted and cooled
For the Coconut-Pecan Topping:
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Combine chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter until mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake crust for 10 minutes, then cool.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated sugar and mix until creamy. Blend in vanilla extract.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition to avoid overmixing. Stir in melted chocolate until filling is smooth and evenly colored.
- Pour filling into cooled crust and smooth top. Tap pan gently on counter to release air bubbles.
- Bake for 50–55 minutes until edges are set and center still jiggles slightly. Turn off oven, crack door open, and allow cheesecake to cool inside for 1 hour.
- Transfer cheesecake to refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- To make topping, combine evaporated milk, brown sugar, egg yolks, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 10–12 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, coconut, and pecans. Let topping cool to room temperature.
- Spread topping evenly over chilled cheesecake. Garnish with extra pecans if desired. Chill for 30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Toast pecans before adding them to enhance flavor.
Ensure cheesecake is fully chilled before spreading topping.
Use dark chocolate for a richer filling if desired.
Slice with a warm, clean knife for neat portions.