White German Chocolate Cake

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Indulge in the sweetness of this White German Chocolate Cake, a delightful twist on the classic recipe that combines rich flavors with a fluffy texture.

Olivia Hayes

Created by

Olivia Hayes

Last updated on 2025-12-18T13:42:28.549Z

This White German Chocolate Cake is a decadent dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy frosting and rich chocolate flavor, it's sure to impress your guests!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A unique twist on a classic favorite
  • Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy coconut and pecans
  • Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special celebration

A Sweet Twist on Tradition

This White German Chocolate Cake is a delightful variation of the traditional German chocolate cake, known for its rich and decadent flavors. While the classic cake features dark chocolate, this recipe uses a lighter and fluffier approach, making it perfect for those who enjoy a sweeter, more delicate dessert. The combination of coconut and pecans adds a delightful crunch and creaminess, elevating the overall taste experience.

The cake's moist texture and fluffy layers are achieved through a careful balance of ingredients, ensuring that each bite melts in your mouth. This recipe not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also offers a unique flavor profile that will surprise and delight your guests at any celebration.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you're celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or just want to treat yourself and your loved ones, this White German Chocolate Cake is an ideal choice. It's elegant enough to impress at formal gatherings yet simple enough for casual get-togethers. The visual appeal of the cake, with its creamy frosting and decorative coconut and pecan topping, makes it a showstopper on any dessert table.

Additionally, this cake can be made ahead of time, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your event. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve, ensuring that it stays fresh and delicious.

Baking Tips for Success

To ensure your White German Chocolate Cake turns out perfectly, pay close attention to the baking time. Overbaking can result in a dry cake while underbaking may leave it too gooey. Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean with just a few crumbs attached. Also, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you begin mixing, as this helps to create an even batter and improves the cake's texture.

When preparing the frosting, be patient while cooking the mixture over low heat. Stirring constantly will help prevent the egg yolks from scrambling and ensure a smooth, creamy consistency. Allow the frosting to cool completely before spreading it on the cake to avoid melting the layers.

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting

  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Gather all ingredients before starting for a smoother baking experience.

Instructions

Prepare the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.

Combine the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk, and mix just until combined.

Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the sugar, egg yolks, and heavy cream. Stir constantly until thickened, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, then stir in coconut and pecans.

Let cool before frosting the cake.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top, then place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake. Enjoy!

Slice and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!

Storage and Leftovers

If you have any leftover cake, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Alternatively, for longer storage, refrigerate it, and it will last for about a week. Make sure to cover the cake well to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors from the fridge.

For those who want to enjoy this delicious cake later, consider freezing it. You can freeze individual slices or the entire cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It will maintain its quality for about two to three months in the freezer. Just remember to let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

Serving Suggestions

To enhance the experience of your White German Chocolate Cake, consider pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess will complement the cake's rich flavors beautifully, making each bite even more indulgent. You can also drizzle some chocolate sauce on top for an extra touch of decadence.

For a festive touch, garnish the cake with additional toasted coconut and pecans right before serving. This not only adds a beautiful visual appeal but also enhances the texture and flavor, making it even more inviting to your guests.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature.

→ Can I substitute the buttermilk?

Yes, you can use regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute for buttermilk.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are well wrapped.

White German Chocolate Cake

Indulge in the sweetness of this White German Chocolate Cake, a delightful twist on the classic recipe that combines rich flavors with a fluffy texture.

Prep Time30 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time60 minutes

Created by: Olivia Hayes

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 servings

What You'll Need

For the Cake

  1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 cup sugar
  3. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  4. 1 cup buttermilk
  5. 4 large eggs
  6. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  7. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  8. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  9. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting

  1. 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  2. 1 cup chopped pecans
  3. 1 cup heavy cream
  4. 1/2 cup sugar
  5. 4 large egg yolks
  6. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 02

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk, and mix just until combined.

Step 03

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Step 04

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the sugar, egg yolks, and heavy cream. Stir constantly until thickened, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, then stir in coconut and pecans. Let cool before frosting the cake.

Step 05

Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top, then place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake. Enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g