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German Chocolate Cheesecake: A Decadent Delight
Let's create a cheesecake that's a symphony of rich chocolate and nutty coconut: German Chocolate Cheesecake. This creamy, decadent dessert features a smooth German chocolate filling, a gooey coconut pecan topping, and a classic Oreo crust. It's an out-of-this-world treat that's perfect for any special occasion. I'm excited to share this extraordinary recipe with you.
Ingredient Essentials
- Coconut-Pecan Topping:
- Egg Yolks:
- Egg yolks thicken the topping as it cooks.
- Evaporated Milk:
- Evaporated milk adds richness.
- Vanilla Extract:
- Vanilla extract enhances the other flavors.
- Sugar:
- Sugar sweetens the topping.
- Unsalted Butter:
- Unsalted butter adds richness.
- Sweetened Shredded Coconut:
- Sweetened shredded coconut adds texture and flavor.
- Chopped Pecans:
- Chopped pecans add a nutty crunch.
- Chocolate Ganache (Optional):
- Chocolate ganache adds a decadent touch.
- Crust:
- Oreo Crumbs:
- Oreo crumbs create a classic and flavorful crust.
- Unsalted Butter:
- Unsalted butter binds the crust together.
- Filling:
- Cream Cheese:
- Room-temperature cream cheese creates a smooth filling.
- Sugar:
- Sugar sweetens the filling.
- All-Purpose Flour:
- All-purpose flour thickens the filling.
- Natural Unsweetened Cocoa Powder:
- Cocoa powder enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Sour Cream:
- Sour cream adds tanginess and creaminess.
- Vanilla Extract:
- Vanilla extract enhances the other flavors.
- German Chocolate:
- German chocolate adds a unique flavor to the filling.
- Eggs:
- Room-temperature eggs bind the ingredients together.
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Crafting Your Cheesecake
- Coconut-Pecan Topping Preparation:
- Combine egg yolks, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, sugar, and butter in a saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Stir in shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and salt.
- Chill in the refrigerator.
- Crust Preparation:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and grease the sides.
- Combine Oreo crumbs and melted butter.
- Press into the bottom and up the sides of the pan.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes. Cool completely.
- Wrap the outside of the pan with aluminum foil.
- Filling Preparation:
- Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (150°C).
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, flour, and cocoa powder until smooth.
- Stir in sour cream and vanilla extract.
- Stir in melted German chocolate in two parts.
- Add eggs one at a time.
- Cheesecake Assembly and Baking:
- Spread 1 cup of filling over the crust.
- Spread 1 1/2 cups of coconut pecan topping over the filling.
- Spread the remaining filling over the topping.
- Place the pan in a water bath and bake for 1 hour 25-30 minutes.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool gradually.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 5-6 hours or overnight.
- Topping and Serving:
- Transfer the chilled cheesecake to a serving plate.
- Spread the remaining coconut pecan topping over the top.
- Drizzle with chocolate ganache (optional).
You Must Know
- This cheesecake is a decadent combination of chocolate, coconut, and pecan flavors.
- It requires careful preparation and chilling to achieve the best results.
- Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
I love the rich and creamy texture of this cheesecake. The combination of German chocolate and coconut pecan topping is truly irresistible. The Oreo crust adds a delightful crunch that complements the other textures perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this German Chocolate Cheesecake chilled. It's perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.
Flavorful Variations
Use different types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate or dark chocolate, instead of German chocolate. Add chopped nuts to the filling or topping.
Storage and Freezing
Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze for longer storage.
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Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room-temperature cream cheese and eggs for a smooth filling.
- Mix the filling on low speed to prevent cracks.
- Don't skip the water bath.
- Don't overbake the cheesecake.
- Cool the cheesecake gradually to prevent cracks.
This German Chocolate Cheesecake is a decadent and impressive dessert that's perfect for any celebration. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful cheesecake as much as I do.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different crust?
- Yes, you can use graham cracker crumbs or another cookie crumb crust.
- → How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?
- Use a water bath and allow the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven.
- → Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
- Yes, it's best made a day ahead to allow it to set properly.
- → What's the best way to melt the German chocolate?
- Melt it slowly over a double boiler or in the microwave in short bursts.
- → Can I skip the coconut pecan topping?
- Yes, but the topping adds a signature flavor to the German Chocolate Cheesecake.