The Perfect White German Chocolate Cake Recipe Everyone Loves

Sinking your fork into a luscious white German chocolate cake that melts like sweet clouds on your tongue.

Rich, creamy layers whisper decadent promises of pure indulgence.

Soft textures blend with silky frosting in a delightful dance of flavor and elegance.

Delicate coconut and nutty pecans weave through each tender crumb, creating a symphony of taste.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike adore this classic dessert for its luxurious appeal.

chocolate lovers will find themselves enchanted by its subtle sweetness and irresistible charm.

Step into a world of delectable delight that promises to make every bite a celebration.

Reasons to Try White German Chocolate Cake

• Indulge in Decadent Layers: This white German chocolate cake offers rich, moist cake layers paired with a luxurious coconut-pecan filling that creates an irresistible flavor explosion in every bite.
• Customize with Ease: Home bakers can quickly adapt the recipe by adding personal touches like extra white chocolate shavings or experimenting with toasted coconut for a unique presentation that impresses guests.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Dessert: Perfect for special occasions like birthdays, family gatherings, or holiday celebrations, this cake delivers classic southern-style sweetness that brings people together with its nostalgic, comforting taste and texture.
• Stress-Free Baking Experience: With straightforward instructions and common ingredients, even novice bakers can successfully create this stunning dessert without feeling overwhelmed, making it an approachable and rewarding recipe to master.

What You’ll Need for White German Chocolate Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cake, providing structure and texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cake's texture.
• Egg Whites: Creates a lighter, more delicate cake texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and classic flavor to the cake.
• Milk: Helps bind ingredients and adds moisture to the batter.

• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps thicken the filling.
• Evaporated Milk: Provides a rich, creamy base for the filling.
• Butter: Adds richness and smooth texture to the filling.
• Egg Yolks: Helps thicken and enriches the filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Shredded Coconut: Adds texture and tropical flavor to the filling.
• Chopped Pecans: Provides crunch and nutty taste.

• White Chocolate Shavings: Optional decorative topping for extra elegance.
• Extra Pecans: Additional garnish for texture and visual appeal.
• Toasted Coconut: Optional decoration that adds crunch and flavor.

Steps to Make White German Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Prepare Cake Batter

Warm up the oven to 350F. Coat two round cake pans with butter and dust with flour. In a mixing bowl, blend flour, baking powder, and salt. Using an electric mixer, whip butter and sugar until creamy and soft. Gently incorporate egg whites one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract. Slowly add flour mixture and milk, alternating between them. Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.

Step 2: Bake Cake Layers

Place pans in preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into center. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes. Transfer layers to cooling rack and let them reach room temperature.

Step 3: Create Coconut Pecan Filling

• Sugar
• Evaporated milk
• Butter
• Egg yolks

• Vanilla extract
• Shredded coconut
• Chopped pecans

Let filling cool completely.

Step 4: Assemble Cake

Position first cake layer on serving plate. Spread half of coconut pecan filling across top. Carefully place second cake layer. Cover with remaining filling.

Step 5: Decorate and Serve

• White chocolate shavings
• Extra pecans
• Toasted coconut

Slice and enjoy! Store remaining cake in refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Smart Tricks for White German Chocolate Cake

• Precise Ingredient Measurement: Use exact measuring cups and spoons to ensure the perfect cake texture and balance of flavors.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Let butter, eggs, and milk sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to create a smoother, more uniform batter.
• Gentle Mixing Technique: Fold flour mixture gently to prevent overmixing, which can lead to a dense, tough cake texture.
• Cooling Crucial Step: Allow cake layers to cool completely before adding filling to prevent melting and maintain structural integrity.
• Storage Smart Tip: Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep moisture and prevent drying out in the refrigerator.

Keeping White German Chocolate Cake Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store the white German chocolate cake in an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent drying out. Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in the container.
• Cool Down: Always let the cake cool completely to room temperature before storing to avoid condensation and potential soggy texture.
• Preserve Freshness: Keep the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The filling contains dairy, so refrigeration is crucial to maintain its quality and prevent spoilage.
• Reheat Gently: Bring the cake to room temperature before serving by removing it from the refrigerator 30-45 minutes prior to enjoying. For a slightly warm slice, microwave individual pieces for 10-15 seconds on low power.

Delicious Pairings with White German Chocolate Cake

• Pair with Creamy Caramel Coffee: A rich, smooth caramel latte perfectly complements the sweet and nutty flavors of the white German chocolate cake. The warm coffee highlights the cake's coconut and pecan notes, creating a delightful taste experience.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cake. Its cool, smooth texture contrasts beautifully with the cake's warmth, while the subtle vanilla enhances the cake's delicate white chocolate undertones.
• Serve with Toasted Almond Champagne: A crisp, light champagne with toasted almond hints brings out the nuttiness of the pecans. The bubbly, elegant drink cuts through the cake's richness, providing a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
• Enjoy with Hazelnut Liqueur: A small glass of smooth hazelnut liqueur adds depth to the cake's flavors. Its nutty warmth creates a luxurious pairing that elevates the dessert's complexity and indulgence.

White German Chocolate Cake Variations to Try

• Tropical Paradise Cake: Swap traditional pecans for macadamia nuts and add crushed pineapple to the filling for a Hawaiian-inspired version that transports taste buds to a sunny beach.
• Nutty Almond Chocolate Cake: Replace pecans with toasted almonds and incorporate almond extract into the batter for a rich, nutty flavor profile that elevates the classic recipe.
• Raspberry White Chocolate Cake: Layer between cake rounds with fresh raspberry preserves and garnish with white chocolate curls and fresh raspberries for a fruity, elegant interpretation.
• Salted Caramel Coconut Cake: Drizzle salted caramel sauce between layers and over the top, sprinkle sea salt flakes for a decadent sweet-salty combination that adds complexity to the dessert.

White German Chocolate Cake Questions and Answers

• What makes this White German Chocolate Cake different from traditional German chocolate cake?

The key difference is the use of white cake instead of chocolate cake, creating a lighter, more delicate flavor profile while keeping the classic coconut-pecan filling that’s signature to German chocolate cakes.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake layers up to two days in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. The filling can also be prepared a day before assembling the cake.

• Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

This cake requires some baking skills but is manageable for intermediate bakers. The most crucial steps are properly creaming the butter and sugar, and carefully folding in the flour mixture to maintain a light texture.

• Can I substitute any ingredients if I don't have them?

For the milk, you can use buttermilk for extra richness. If you’re out of pecans, walnuts work well as a substitute in the filling. Always ensure ingredient measurements remain consistent for the best results.

White German Chocolate Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent white German chocolate cake offers a luxurious twist on classic desserts, blending rich coconut-pecan frosting with delicate white chocolate layers. Sweet memories of Southern baking traditions come alive, tempting you to savor each heavenly slice.

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Ingredients

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Cake Dry Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Cake Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
• 4 large egg whites
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240 milliliters/8 fluid ounces) whole milk

Coconut-Pecan Filling:

• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240 milliliters/8 fluid ounces) evaporated milk
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups (120 g) sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup (120 g) chopped pecans

Garnish (Optional):

• White chocolate shavings or curls
• Extra toasted pecans or coconut

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cake foundation by meticulously mixing dry ingredients in a medium bowl, whisking flour, baking powder, and salt until uniformly blended. In a separate spacious mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar using an electric mixer until achieving a cloud-like, aerated texture.
2. Gradually incorporate egg whites into the butter mixture, ensuring thorough integration after each addition. Gently fold in vanilla extract, creating a smooth, fragrant base.
3. Alternately introduce flour mixture and milk into the batter, beginning and concluding with flour. Blend carefully to maintain a silky, consistent texture without overmixing.
4. Prepare cake pans by generously greasing and flouring two 9-inch round vessels or lining with parchment paper. Distribute batter evenly between pans, creating level surfaces.
5. Position pans in a preheated 350F (175C) oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick emerges clean, indicating perfect doneness.
6. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then delicately transfer to a wire cooling rack. Permit complete cooling before further preparation.
7. Craft the coconut-pecan filling by combining sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and egg yolks in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring consistently until the mixture transforms into a thick, luxurious consistency.
8. Remove filling from heat, incorporating vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Allow the mixture to cool completely, developing rich, complex flavors.
9. Assemble the cake by positioning the first layer on a elegant serving plate. Spread half the coconut-pecan filling evenly across the surface.
10. Carefully place the second cake layer atop the first, crowning it with remaining filling. Ensure smooth, even coverage.
11. Embellish the cake with optional garnishes like delicate white chocolate shavings, additional toasted pecans, or sprinkled coconut for visual and textural intrigue.
12. Slice and serve immediately. Store any remaining cake in an airtight container within the refrigerator, preserving freshness for up to 5 days.

Notes

• Achieve a light, fluffy texture by carefully separating egg whites and beating them until soft peaks form before gently folding into the batter.
• Prevent dry cake by not overmixing the batter and checking doneness early, as each oven can vary slightly in temperature and baking time.
• Customize the cake by substituting almond milk for dairy milk to make it lactose-free, or use gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Enhance the filling’s richness by toasting pecans and coconut beforehand, which will intensify their nutty, caramelized flavors and add depth to the dessert.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 569
• Sugar: 60 g
• Sodium: 172 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 72 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 91 mg