German Chocolate Cheesecake

Prep: 30 min Cook: 70 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: German

German Chocolate Cheesecake combines rich, creamy cheese with the deep flavor of chocolate and a hint of coconut from the topping, resulting in a decadent dessert perfect for special occasions or chocolate lovers seeking a luscious, indulgent treat that balances sweetness with a smooth, velvety texture.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups chocolate wafers or cracker crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 3 tablespoons margarine, melted
  • 3 packages (8 oz) cream cheese
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla

Instructions

  1. Press the chocolate wafers or cracker crumbs mixed with sugar and melted margarine evenly into an ungreased spring-form pan to form the crust.
  2. Bake the crust at 350°F for 10 minutes and then set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Beat the cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth.
  4. Gradually add sugar and cocoa powder to the cream cheese, mixing well.
  5. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
  6. Pour in vanilla extract and mix until combined.
  7. Pour the cream cheese mixture into the prepared crust.
  8. Bake at 300°F until the center is firm, approximately 1 hour.
  9. Remove from oven, cover, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to set.
  10. Prepare the topping (not detailed in the original) and spread it over the chilled cheesecake.
  11. Loosen the sides of the pan and carefully remove the spring-form to serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, use high-quality chocolate wafers or consider making your own crumb crust with Oreos. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese. To easily remove the cheesecake from the pan, run a knife around the edge before loosening the spring-form. If you're short on time, you can skip the topping and serve with whipped cream instead.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your German Chocolate Cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added indulgence. It pairs beautifully with a Fresh Fruit Bowl for a refreshing contrast. For a complete dessert experience, consider serving it alongside a cup of coffee or tea, enhancing the flavors of the cheesecake.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving, and enjoy it cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of German Chocolate Cheesecake contains roughly 649 calories, with 14g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (97% of the Daily Value), iron (63% of the Daily Value), and potassium (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. It also contributes 27g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

649 kcal 32% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 13.9g 28% DV
Total Fat 42.6g 55% DV
Carbs 52.4g 19% DV
Fiber 27.1g 97% DV
Sugar 2.1g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 238mg 10% DV
Potassium 2018.3mg 43% DV
Cholesterol 14.5mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3.6mcg
Vitamin C 13.6mg 15% DV
Calcium 115mg 9% DV
Iron 11.3mg 63% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use for the topping if I want something simple?

If you're looking for a quick topping, a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or crushed nuts can add a nice touch. Alternatively, a simple drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can enhance the dessert without much effort.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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