What's the Secret Ingredient in This White German Chocolate Cake?

A delicious slice of white German chocolate cake, served with fresh berries and creamy whipped topping.

When it comes to Christmas desserts, we often turn to traditional treats like gingerbread, fruitcake, or spiced pumpkin pie. But if you're looking for something that’s both indulgent and unique, why not try a White German Chocolate Cake? This twist on the classic German Chocolate Cake features a creamy, light white chocolate flavor, complemented by the same delicious coconut-pecan frosting we all know and love, making it the perfect addition to your holiday spread.

The White German Chocolate Cake combines the rich, velvety flavors of white chocolate with the sweet, nutty layers of coconut and pecans. It’s a cake that looks stunning on the table, with its pale golden hues and glistening frosting, and it's sure to be a hit with everyone who loves a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth dessert.

If you’re craving something special this Christmas, give this light, yet decadent cake a try. It’s perfect for those who want to indulge in the rich flavors of German chocolate cake, but with a more delicate, festive twist!

Ingredients:

For the White Chocolate Cake:

·       1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour

·       1 1/2 tsp baking powder

·       1/4 tsp salt

·       1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature

·       1 tsp vanilla extract

·       1 cup (240ml) strong brewed coffee or water (cooled)

·       1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened

·       1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar

·       4 large eggs, room temperature

·       6 oz (170g) white chocolate, melted and cooled

·       1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil

For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:

·       1 1/2 cups (150g) sweetened shredded coconut

·       1 1/2 cups (180g) chopped pecans

·       1 cup (240ml) heavy cream

·       1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

·       3 large egg yolks

·       1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter

·       1 tsp vanilla extract

For the White Chocolate Ganache (Optional):

·       4 oz (120g) white chocolate, chopped

·       1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers

1.      Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper circles.

2.      Melt the white chocolate: Chop the white chocolate into small pieces and place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.

3.      Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

4.      Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and cooled coffee or water. Set aside.

5.      Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. You can use an electric mixer on medium speed for this step.

6.      Add eggs and chocolate: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the melted white chocolate and mix until smooth.

7.      Alternate adding dry ingredients and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

8.      Pour the batter into the pans: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.

9.      Bake the cakes: Place the pans in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Coconut-Pecan Frosting

1.      Cook the frosting mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, sugar, egg yolks, and butter. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, about 8-10 minutes.

2.      Add coconut and pecans: Once the mixture has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract. Let the frosting cool completely before spreading it onto the cake.

Step 3: Make the White Chocolate Ganache (Optional)

1.      Heat the cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.

2.      Pour over white chocolate: Place the chopped white chocolate in a heatproof bowl and pour the hot cream over it. Let it sit for a few minutes to melt the chocolate, then whisk until smooth.

3.      Cool slightly: Let the ganache cool for 10 minutes before drizzling it over the frosted cake.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1.      Level the cake layers: If necessary, level the tops of the cooled cake layers to make them flat and even.

2.      Spread frosting: Place one layer of the cake on a serving platter. Spread a generous amount of the coconut-pecan frosting on top.

3.      Add second layer: Place the second layer of cake on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining coconut-pecan frosting.

4.      Optional Ganache Drizzle: Drizzle the cooled white chocolate ganache over the top of the frosted cake for an extra touch of luxury. You can allow some ganache to drip down the sides for a stunning presentation.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the cake to set for about 30 minutes to let the frosting firm up before slicing. The cake is best served at room temperature, so be sure to allow it to come to the perfect serving temperature before enjoying!

Why White German Chocolate Cake Is Perfect for Christmas

This White German Chocolate Cake is an ideal choice for your holiday celebrations for several reasons:

1.      A Festive Twist on a Classic: While the classic German Chocolate Cake is beloved for its rich, chocolatey flavor and coconut-pecan frosting, the white chocolate version gives a lighter, more delicate flavor that’s perfect for Christmas.

2.      Stunning Appearance: The pale white chocolate cake, paired with the golden coconut-pecan frosting, makes for a beautiful presentation, perfect for your holiday dinner table. A drizzle of white chocolate ganache gives it a polished, luxurious finish.

3.      A Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of rich, creamy frosting with a moist, tender cake is a crowd favorite. Whether you're serving it to family, friends, or as a festive treat for a holiday party, it’s sure to be a hit.

4.      Indulgent Yet Light: White chocolate provides the perfect balance of sweetness and richness without being overwhelming. This lighter take on the traditional German chocolate cake is the perfect indulgence during the holiday season, where you want to enjoy something delicious but not too heavy.

Tips and Variations:

·       Add some holiday spice: To make this cake even more festive, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter. It will complement the coconut and pecan flavors beautifully.

·       Coconut and Pecan Substitutes: If you don't like pecans, feel free to swap them out for other nuts, such as walnuts or macadamia nuts. You can also make a nut-free version by leaving the pecans out of the frosting.

·       Make Ahead: Both the cake and frosting can be made a day in advance. Store the cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature, and store the frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just assemble the cake on the day you plan to serve it.

This White German Chocolate Cake is a fantastic way to elevate your Christmas dessert game this holiday season. It’s a beautiful, delicious, and indulgent treat that combines the best of both worlds—classic German chocolate cake flavors with a lighter, more festive twist. Whether you're baking it for a family dinner or serving it at a holiday party, this cake is sure to make your Christmas celebrations extra special.

So, grab your ingredients and get baking—this delicious cake is ready to impress your guests and become a new holiday tradition!

Happy Holidays and Happy Baking!