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German Chocolate Cheesecake: A Decadent Dessert Twist

German Chocolate Cheesecake

A decadent cheesecake made with a chocolate-cookie crust, German’s sweet chocolate filling, and traditional coconut-pecan topping. Chill thoroughly for clean slices and the best texture.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 6 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients
  

Chocolate Crust
  • 1 1/2 cups Chocolate wafer or chocolate sandwich-cookie crumbs
  • 1/4 cup Unsalted butter, melted
Chocolate Cheesecake
  • 3 8-ounce packages Full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup Granulated sugar
  • 3 eggs Large eggs
  • 4 ounces German’s sweet baking chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup Sour cream
Coconut-Pecan Topping
  • 1 12-ounce can Evaporated milk
  • 1 cup Granulated sugar
  • 3 yolks Large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 1 1/3 cups Sweetened flaked coconut
  • 1 cup Finely chopped pecans

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and wrap the outside with heavy-duty foil if using a water bath.
  2. Stir the chocolate-cookie crumbs with the melted butter, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes and cool the crust.
  3. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F. Beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated.
  4. Blend in the melted, slightly cooled German’s sweet chocolate, vanilla, and sour cream. Avoid overmixing so you do not add excess air.
  5. Pour the filling over the cooled crust. Bake for approximately 55–65 minutes, preferably in a water bath, until the edges are set and the center has a slight wobble.
  6. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake rest inside for about 30 minutes. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  7. For the topping, combine the evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 8–12 minutes, until visibly thickened and able to coat a spoon.
  8. Remove the topping from the heat and stir in the vanilla, coconut, and pecans. Cool it to room temperature before spreading it over the chilled cheesecake, then refrigerate briefly before slicing.

Notes

Use room-temperature cream cheese and eggs for a smooth filling. German’s sweet chocolate is sweeter and milder than semisweet chocolate, so do not substitute unsweetened baking chocolate without adjusting the sugar. Store the covered cheesecake in the refrigerator.