Introduction:
For those who relish the divine combination of creamy cheesecake and rich chocolate, this German Chocolate Cheesecake is a culinary masterpiece. A fusion of traditional German chocolate flavors and the velvety texture of cheesecake, this dessert promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a sweet delight, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture onto the bottom of the prepared springform pan to form the crust. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the sour cream until well combined.
- Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the sweetened condensed milk, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans.
- Spread the coconut-pecan mixture evenly over the cheesecake batter in the pan.
- Pour the remaining cheesecake batter over the coconut-pecan layer.
- Sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips over the top of the cheesecake.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the oven door closed for 1 hour.
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and run a knife around the edges to loosen it from the pan.
- Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight, before serving.
- Once chilled, slice and serve your German Chocolate Cheesecake and enjoy the heavenly flavors!
Conclusion:
Indulge in the luxurious taste of German Chocolate Cheesecake with this easy-to-follow recipe. Whether it’s for a special celebration or a delightful treat for yourself, this decadent dessert is sure to be a hit. With its creamy cheesecake layer, crunchy coconut-pecan topping, and hints of chocolate throughout, each bite is a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that’s as delightful to make as it is to savor.
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serving Suggestions:
- Allow the cheesecake to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before slicing. This helps to achieve cleaner slices.
- Garnish each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
- Serve alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk to complement the richness of the cheesecake.
- Storage Instructions:
- Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container or cover the springform pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
- Properly stored, the cheesecake will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
- To freeze the cheesecake, first, place it in the freezer unwrapped until firm. Once firm, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen cheesecake can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
- When ready to enjoy frozen cheesecake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor of the dessert.
- Reheating Instructions:
- If you prefer your cheesecake slightly warmed, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds on medium power.
- Alternatively, you can place the whole cheesecake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your German Chocolate Cheesecake remains fresh, delicious, and ready to enjoy whenever the craving strikes. Whether serving it for a special occasion or enjoying it as a sweet treat during the week, this decadent dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
- Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?
- Yes, you can customize the crust according to your preference. While the recipe calls for chocolate cookie crumbs, you can substitute them with graham cracker crumbs or even shortbread cookies for a different flavor profile.
- Can I omit the coconut or nuts from the recipe?
- Absolutely! If you have a preference or allergy concerns, feel free to omit the shredded coconut or chopped pecans. You can replace them with other mix-ins or simply leave them out for a smoother texture.
- How do I prevent cracks from forming on the surface of the cheesecake?
- To minimize the risk of cracks, make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. Additionally, avoid overmixing the batter and be careful not to overbake the cheesecake. The water bath method can also help regulate the temperature and prevent cracking.
- Can I make this cheesecake in advance?
- Yes, this cheesecake is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare it up to two days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. In fact, cheesecake often tastes even better after a day or two of chilling as the flavors have more time to meld together. Just be sure to allow it to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture.
German Chocolate Cheesecake
This luscious cheesecake features a smooth chocolate filling atop a crisp Oreo crust, crowned with a traditional German chocolate cake topping of sweetened coconut and pecans. It’s a delightful fusion of cheesecake and German chocolate cake that will impress any dessert lover.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 8 hours (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 28 Oreo cookies
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 32 ounces (four 8-ounce packages) cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 5 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
For the Coconut-Pecan Topping:
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- â…” cup sweetened shredded coconut
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
-
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a food processor, pulse the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs.
- Combine the crumbs with melted butter and a pinch of salt, mixing until well combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
-
Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the granulated sugar and mix until combined.
- Blend in the sour cream and vanilla extract.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until just combined.
- Sift in the cocoa powder and mix until incorporated.
- Gently fold in the melted semi-sweet chocolate until the batter is smooth.
-
Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
- Place the springform pan on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips.
- Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour.
- Remove from the oven and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
-
Prepare the Coconut-Pecan Topping:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the evaporated milk, granulated sugar, egg yolk, and butter.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans.
- Allow the topping to cool to room temperature.
-
Finish the Cheesecake:
- Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, remove it from the springform pan and place it on a serving platter.
- Spread the coconut-pecan topping evenly over the top of the cheesecake.
- For an extra touch, drizzle with chocolate ganache or syrup if desired.
-
Serve:
- Slice and enjoy this indulgent dessert.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before beginning to achieve a smooth cheesecake batter.
- To prevent cracks, avoid overmixing the batter and consider baking the cheesecake in a water bath.
- Toasting the pecans before adding them to the topping can enhance their flavor.