Elegant White German Chocolate Cake Recipe

Luscious White German Chocolate Cake Recipe For Sweet Tooths

Sweet layers of decadence meet creamy white german chocolate cake in this irresistible dessert.

Rich, velvety textures promise a delightful experience that melts in your mouth.

Chocolate lovers will swoon over the delicate balance of flavors and smooth frosting.

Silky white chocolate creates a luxurious backdrop for this classic cake that feels both nostalgic and elegant.

Each slice delivers a perfect blend of sweetness and sophisticated taste.

The recipe combines simple ingredients with expert techniques to produce a show-stopping dessert.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 2 hours

Calories: 460 kcal

Servings: 11

What You’ll Use In White German Chocolate Cake

For Cake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The structural foundation that provides tender crumb and delicate texture for the cake.
  • Baking Powder: Essential leavening agent ensuring light and fluffy cake with perfect rise.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness in the cake.
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, creamy base and adds luxurious moisture to the cake.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to cake's soft, delicate structure.
  • Egg Whites: Adds airiness and helps create a lighter, more delicate cake texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth, enhancing the cake's overall flavor profile.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create smooth, consistent cake batter.
For Coconut-Pecan Filling:
  • Granulated Sugar: Creates sweet, caramelized base for the filling.
  • Evaporated Milk: Provides creamy, rich consistency to the filling.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and smooth texture to the filling.
  • Egg Yolks: Helps thicken and stabilize the filling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, complex flavor to the filling.
  • Shredded Coconut: Brings tropical texture and nutty sweetness.
  • Chopped Pecans: Adds crunch and rich, toasted flavor to the filling.
For Decoration:
  • White Chocolate Shavings: Creates elegant, decorative finish.
  • Extra Pecans: Provides additional crunch and visual appeal.
  • Toasted Coconut: Adds attractive texture and enhanced nutty flavor.

Tools Needed To Bake White German Chocolate Cake

  • Electric mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar, and beating egg whites to fluffy perfection.
  • Medium bowls (2): One for dry ingredients, another for mixing wet ingredients.
  • 9-inch round cake pans (2): Standard size for creating perfect cake layers.
  • Whisk: Perfect for combining dry ingredients smoothly.
  • Parchment paper or cooking spray: Helps prevent cake from sticking to pans.
  • Wire rack: Crucial for cooling cakes evenly after baking.
  • Medium saucepan: Needed for preparing the coconut-pecan filling.
  • Spatula: Great for spreading filling and smoothing cake layers.
  • Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness by testing for moist crumbs.
  • Serving plate or cake stand: Ideal for presenting and serving the finished cake.

How To Bake White German Chocolate Cake At Home

  • Oven Preparation

Warm up the oven to a cozy 350 degrees. Gently coat two round cake pans with butter and a light dusting of flour to prevent sticking.

  • Cake Batter Creation

In one bowl, blend dry ingredients smoothly. In another, whip butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud. Gently incorporate egg whites and vanilla, creating a silky mixture. Slowly fold in flour and milk, alternating with delicate strokes until everything combines perfectly.

  • Baking Magic

Pour the batter evenly into prepared pans. Let the cakes bake for about 30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow cakes to rest in pans for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

  • Luxurious Filling

In a saucepan, mix sugar, milk, butter, and egg yolks. Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture transforms into a rich, golden cream. Remove from heat and fold in vanilla, coconut, and pecans. Let the filling cool completely.

  • Cake Assembly

Place the first cake layer on a beautiful serving plate. Spread half the dreamy filling across the surface. Gently position the second cake layer and cover with remaining filling.

  • Final Touches

Sprinkle white chocolate shavings or toasted coconut on top. Slice and serve this decadent dessert. Refrigerate any leftovers in a sealed container.

Tips And Add-Ins For White German Chocolate Cake

  • Baking Brilliance: Expert Tips for White German Chocolate Cake
  • Room Temperature Magic: Ensure all ingredients like eggs, butter, and milk are at room temperature for smoother mixing and a more even cake texture.
  • Egg White Perfection: Whip egg whites until they form soft peaks to create a lighter, fluffier cake with better volume and delicate crumb.
  • Precise Measuring Matters: Use exact measurements for flour and other dry ingredients, gently spooning them into measuring cups and leveling with a knife for accuracy.
  • Filling Consistency Check: Cook the coconut-pecan filling until it's thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  • Delightful Variations
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend to make the cake suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Dairy-Free Twist: Replace milk with almond or coconut milk, and use dairy-free butter alternatives for a lactose-free version.
  • Chocolate Lover's Dream: Add a layer of white chocolate ganache between cake layers for extra richness and decadent flavor.
  • Nutty Alternatives: Substitute pecans with toasted almonds or walnuts for a different nutty profile while maintaining the cake's classic texture.

Best Ways To Serve White German Chocolate Cake

  • Elegant Dessert Showcase: Arrange each slice on a pristine white porcelain plate to highlight the cake's beautiful layers and texture.
  • Pairing Paradise: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a warm cup of medium-roast coffee to complement the cake's rich coconut and pecan flavors.
  • Festive Presentation: Dust the cake with powdered sugar and add fresh edible flowers or mint leaves for an unexpected and elegant touch that elevates the visual appeal.
  • Holiday Hosting Hero: Perfect for special occasions like birthdays, weddings, or holiday gatherings where guests will appreciate a sophisticated and indulgent dessert that looks as amazing as it tastes.

Storage Tips For White German Chocolate Cake

  • Refrigerator Rhythm: Store the cake in an airtight container, keeping the delicate layers moist and fresh for up to 5 days. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap for easy grab-and-go treats.
  • Freezing Magic: Safely freeze unfrosted cake layers by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Enjoy within 2-3 months for maximum flavor and texture preservation.
  • Room Temperature Tips: Allow refrigerated cake to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving, helping the filling soften and flavors bloom beautifully.
  • Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare cake layers and filling up to 2 days in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator. Assemble just before serving to maintain optimal taste and texture.
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Elegant White German Chocolate Cake Recipe

Elegant White German Chocolate Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Luxurious White German Chocolate Cake celebrates classic dessert traditions with rich cream layers and coconut-pecan frosting. Delicate chocolate notes and creamy textures invite sweet moments of pure indulgence you will savor completely.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (240 ml/8 fl oz) whole milk
  • 4 large egg whites
  • 2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups (120 g) sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup (120 g) chopped pecans
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240 ml/8 fl oz) evaporated milk
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
  • 2 ½ tsps baking powder
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp salt
  • white chocolate shavings or curls
  • extra toasted pecans or coconut

Instructions

  1. Cake Batter Preparation: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until uniformly blended. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
  2. Wet Ingredient Integration: Gently fold egg whites and vanilla extract into the butter mixture, creating a smooth, fragrant base. Alternately add flour mixture and milk, mixing carefully to maintain a silky consistency without overmixing.
  3. Pan Setup and Baking: Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper. Distribute batter evenly, creating level surfaces. Bake in a preheated 350F (175C) oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  4. Cake Cooling: Rest cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Allow complete cooling before further preparation.
  5. Coconut-Pecan Filling Creation: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, stirring consistently until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and fold in vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Cool completely.
  6. Cake Assembly: Place first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half the coconut-pecan filling evenly. Position the second cake layer on top, covering with remaining filling.
  7. Finishing Touches: Optionally garnish with white chocolate shavings, toasted pecans, or sprinkled coconut. Slice and serve immediately. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

  • Prevent Dry Cake: Avoid overmixing batter to maintain moisture and tender crumb, stopping mixer just when ingredients are incorporated.
  • Maximize Egg White Volume: Ensure egg whites are at room temperature and use clean, grease-free bowl for optimal whipping and maximum volume.
  • Perfect Filling Consistency: Continuously stir coconut-pecan mixture while cooking to prevent scorching and achieve smooth, thick texture without burning.
  • White Chocolate Variation: Replace traditional chocolate with white chocolate chips or melted white chocolate for a lighter, more delicate flavor profile and elegant appearance.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: German

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 460
  • Sugar: 44 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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