Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of white chocolate, coconut, and pecans offers a fresh take on the traditional German chocolate cake.
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Moist and Tender Crumb: The use of buttermilk and pudding mix ensures a moist and tender cake that melts in your mouth.
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Elegant Presentation: The white chocolate ganache drizzle adds a touch of elegance, making it suitable for special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
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1 package white cake mix
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1 cup buttermilk
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1/3 cup vegetable oil
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3 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 (4-ounce) package white chocolate pudding mix
For the Frosting:
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1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
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1 cup evaporated milk
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3/4 cup butter, cubed
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4 large egg yolks
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
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2 cups chopped pecans
For the White Chocolate Ganache:
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4 ounces white chocolate, chopped
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1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Prepare the Pans:
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Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
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Line the bottoms with parchment paper circles for easy removal.
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Make the Cake Batter:
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In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, buttermilk, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and white chocolate pudding mix.
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Beat on low speed for 30 seconds to combine the ingredients.
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Increase the speed to medium and beat for an additional 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well-mixed.
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Divide the Batter:
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Evenly distribute the batter among the three prepared cake pans.
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Use a spatula to smooth the tops for even baking.
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Bake the Cakes:
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Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes.
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To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cakes; it should come out clean.
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Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and allow the cakes to cool in the pans on wire racks for 10 minutes.
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After 10 minutes, remove the cakes from the pans and place them directly on the wire racks to cool completely.
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Prepare the Frosting:
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In a large saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and egg yolks.
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Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens and turns a golden brown color. This process should take about 12 minutes.
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Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat.
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Add Coconut and Pecans:
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To the warm mixture, stir in the vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans.
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Mix until all components are evenly distributed.
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Allow the frosting to cool until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
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Make the White Chocolate Ganache:
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Place the chopped white chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
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In a small saucepan, heat the heavy whipping cream over medium heat until it just begins to boil.
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Pour the hot cream over the chopped white chocolate.
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Let the mixture sit for 1 minute to allow the chocolate to soften.
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After 1 minute, stir the mixture until it becomes smooth and glossy.
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Assemble the Cake:
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Place one of the cooled cake layers on a serving plate or cake stand.
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Spread 1/3 of the prepared frosting over the top of this layer.
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Place the second cake layer on top of the first and spread another 1/3 of the frosting over it.
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Top with the third cake layer.
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Frost and Decorate:
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Spread the remaining 1/3 of the frosting over the top of the third cake layer.
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Drizzle the prepared white chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a decorative effect.
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Refrigerate and Serve:
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Place the assembled cake in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
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This chilling time allows the frosting and ganache to set properly.
White German Chocolate Cake
This White German Chocolate Cake is a unique twist on the classic, featuring moist white cake layers, a rich coconut-pecan frosting, and a creamy white chocolate ganache drizzle. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions, this decadent cake is sure to impress!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 package white cake mix
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (4 oz) package white chocolate pudding mix
For the Frosting:
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- ¾ cup butter, cubed
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 2 cups chopped pecans
For the White Chocolate Ganache:
- 4 oz white chocolate, chopped
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
Preheat the Oven & Prepare Pans:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- Line with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, mix:
- Cake mix, buttermilk, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and white chocolate pudding mix.
- Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
3. Bake the Cakes:
- Evenly divide the batter between the three pans.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Make the Frosting:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine:
- Sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and egg yolks.
- Stir constantly until thickened and golden brown (about 12 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans.
- Let cool until spreadable.
5. Make the White Chocolate Ganache:
- Place chopped white chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
- Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to boil.
- Pour over white chocolate, let sit 1 minute, then stir until smooth.
6. Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
- Spread ⅓ of the frosting over the cake.
- Repeat with the second and third layers.
7. Decorate & Chill:
- Drizzle the white chocolate ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Substitutes for Buttermilk? Use 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar.
- Want More Flavor? Add ½ teaspoon almond extract to the batter.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Cake layers can be baked & frozen for up to 2 months.
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