White German Chocolate Cake

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

A luscious and decadent White German Chocolate Cake that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with a delightful coconut and pecan frosting.

Holly James

Created by

Holly James

Last updated on 2025-12-18T13:35:30.577Z

This White German Chocolate Cake is a delightful twist on the classic German chocolate cake. The combination of white chocolate and coconut creates a unique flavor profile that is perfect for any occasion.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh coconut and pecans
  • Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
  • Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

The History of German Chocolate Cake

German Chocolate Cake, despite its name, actually has roots in the United States. The term 'German' refers to Samuel German, an American chocolatier who developed a dark-baking chocolate for Baker's in 1852. This cake has since evolved, becoming a beloved dessert that combines layers of rich chocolate cake with a sweet coconut and pecan frosting. Over the years, it has captured the hearts of many, transforming into various adaptations, including the delightful White German Chocolate Cake featured in this recipe.

White German Chocolate Cake is a modern twist on the classic version, appealing to those who prefer a lighter, creamier flavor profile. The use of white chocolate adds a unique sweetness that pairs beautifully with the textured coconut and crunchy pecans, making it a standout dessert for any occasion. This cake is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight, making it a perfect centerpiece for celebrations.

Perfect Occasions for White German Chocolate Cake

This luscious White German Chocolate Cake is ideal for a variety of celebrations. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, an anniversary, or a holiday gathering, this cake is sure to impress your guests. Its rich chocolate flavor and unique frosting make it a standout dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Moreover, this cake can also serve as a delightful indulgence for a cozy afternoon tea or a special dessert to enjoy after dinner. Its creamy texture and sweet toppings make it a comforting choice, ensuring that it will be a hit no matter the occasion. Don't hesitate to whip it up just for yourself; you deserve a little sweetness in your life!

Tips for Baking Success

To achieve the best results when making your White German Chocolate Cake, be sure to use high-quality ingredients. Opt for premium white chocolate, as it significantly enhances the cake’s flavor. Additionally, make sure that your butter is at room temperature to ensure a smooth and fluffy batter when creaming with sugar.

Another key tip is to measure your flour correctly. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife rather than scooping directly from the bag, which can lead to using too much flour. This will ensure your cake is light and airy, rather than dense and dry.

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup white chocolate, melted
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix the Batter

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 melted white chocolate and vanilla.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Prepare Frosting

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and cool completely on wire racks. In the meantime, prepare the frosting by whipping the heavy cream and folding in coconut, pecans, powdered sugar, and vanilla.

Assemble the Cake

Once cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread half of the frosting on top, then place the second layer and frost the top and sides.

Serve

Slice and serve your delicious White German Chocolate Cake!

Enjoy your cake with a cup of coffee or tea!

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once you've baked your White German Chocolate Cake, you may be wondering how to store any leftovers. To keep the cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it, where it can last for up to a week. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

For serving, consider pairing your cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the flavors. Fresh berries can also add a lovely touch of tartness that complements the sweetness of the cake beautifully.

Customization Ideas

Feel free to customize your White German Chocolate Cake to suit your preferences. You can experiment with different nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, instead of pecans for a unique twist. Additionally, incorporating a layer of raspberry or strawberry jam between the cake layers can add a delightful fruity contrast to the coconut frosting.

If you're looking for a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just ensure that the blend you choose is suitable for baking to achieve the desired cake texture. These simple modifications can make your cake even more special!

Secondary image

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?

Yes, but it will change the flavor profile of the cake.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and frost them just before serving.

→ Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

White German Chocolate Cake

A luscious and decadent White German Chocolate Cake that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with a delightful coconut and pecan frosting.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Holly James

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 granulated sugar
  3. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  4. 1 cup milk
  5. 2 large eggs
  6. 1 cup white chocolate, melted
  7. 1 tsp baking powder
  8. 1/2 tsp baking soda
  9. 1/4 tsp salt
  10. 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting

  1. 1 cup heavy cream
  2. 1 cup shredded coconut
  3. 1 cup pecans, chopped
  4. 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  5. 1 tsp vanilla extract

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 02

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 melted white chocolate and vanilla.

Step 03

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 04

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.

Step 05

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 06

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and cool completely on wire racks. In the meantime, prepare the frosting by whipping the heavy cream and folding in coconut, pecans, powdered sugar, and vanilla.

Step 07

Once cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread half of the frosting on top, then place the second layer and frost the top and sides.

Step 08

Slice and serve your delicious White German Chocolate Cake!

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