Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This German Chocolate Heaven Cheesecake takes everything you love about the classic German chocolate cake and transforms it into a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth cheesecake. The combination of a chocolatey crust, velvety cheesecake filling, and the irresistible coconut-pecan topping is simply divine. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or as an everyday indulgence, this dessert is sure to impress everyone at the table.

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs
• ¼ cup melted butter

For the filling:

• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted
• 3 large eggs

For the topping:

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. For the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.
3. For the filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add the melted chocolate and mix until well combined.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Pour the filling over the prepared crust.
5. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set. The cheesecake should still have a slight jiggle when you shake the pan gently.
6. Remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature.
7. For the topping: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped pecans, shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream. Spread the mixture evenly over the cooled cheesecake.
8. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the topping.
9. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or overnight, before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 servings
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Storage/Reheating

To store any leftovers, keep the cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. For the best taste and texture, enjoy the cheesecake chilled. There’s no need to reheat it, as it’s meant to be served cold.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes, this cheesecake can be made a day or two in advance. It actually tastes better when it has had time to chill and set in the fridge.

2. Can I use a different type of nut for the topping?

While pecans are traditional, you can easily substitute with other nuts like walnuts or almonds if preferred.

3. Can I use a store-bought crust instead of making my own?

Absolutely! You can use a pre-made chocolate cookie crust if you want to save time.

4. What if I don’t like coconut? Can I leave it out?

Yes, you can leave out the coconut if you’re not a fan. You could substitute with more chopped pecans or just stick to the pecans alone.

5. How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake?

To prevent cracks, make sure to bake the cheesecake at a lower temperature and avoid opening the oven door too often while it’s baking.

6. Can I freeze this cheesecake?

Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months in the freezer.

7. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust to make this recipe gluten-free.

8. Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semisweet?

You can substitute milk chocolate chips for semisweet, but it will make the cheesecake sweeter. Adjust the sugar level accordingly.

9. How can I make the topping more flavorful?

Try adding a pinch of sea salt to the topping or a dash of cinnamon to enhance the flavor of the coconut and pecans.

10. Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake in a larger springform pan or divide it between two pans. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

This German Chocolate Heaven Cheesecake is a show-stopping dessert that combines the best of both worlds—rich chocolate cheesecake and the delightful coconut-pecan topping. It’s an easy, indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you're making it for a celebration or as a special treat for yourself, this cheesecake will definitely leave a lasting impression!

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