German Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake: The Ultimate Triple-Layer Dessert

Thank you for being here — truly. This German Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake is not an everyday dessert, and that’s exactly what makes it special. It’s the kind of cake you bake when you want to celebrate, impress, or simply spoil the people you love. Each layer brings its own magic: dense brownie, silky cheesecake, and that classic coconut-pecan topping that tastes like nostalgia.

I still remember the first time I layered a brownie under cheesecake — I wondered why I hadn’t done it sooner. Add German chocolate topping, and suddenly it’s a dessert that disappears slice by slice. If you love bold, bakery-style desserts, don’t forget to subscribe by email so you never miss a recipe from my kitchen to yours

Overview of Recipe Content

What Is German Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake?

It’s a triple-layer dessert featuring:

1. A fudgy chocolate brownie base
2. A creamy vanilla cheesecake layer
3. A traditional German chocolate coconut-pecan topping

All baked together into one unforgettable cake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Three distinct, indulgent layers
• Rich yet balanced flavors
• Perfect for holidays and celebrations
• A true bakery-style dessert at home

What Does It Taste Like?

Deep chocolate richness from the brownie, smooth and lightly tangy cheesecake, and a sweet, nutty coconut-pecan topping — every bite is layered perfection.

Ingredients

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Brownie Base

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder

Cheesecake Layer

• 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

German Chocolate Coconut-Pecan Topping

• ½ cup evaporated milk
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup sweetened shredded coconut
• ½ cup chopped pecans

Optional Chocolate Drizzle

• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ¼ cup heavy cream

Tools Needed

• 9-inch springform pan
• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Saucepan
• Spatula

How to Make German Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake

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Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and line a 9-inch springform pan.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Base

Whisk melted butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. Stir in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Spread batter evenly in pan and bake 15 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Layer

Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, then eggs one at a time. Mix in vanilla and sour cream. Pour over brownie base.

Step 4: Bake

Bake cheesecake 45–50 minutes, until center is just set. Cool completely, then chill at least 4 hours.

Step 5: Make Coconut-Pecan Topping

Cook evaporated milk, brown sugar, egg yolks, and butter over medium heat until thick. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans. Cool.

Step 6: Assemble

Spread topping over chilled cheesecake. Add chocolate drizzle if desired.

What to Serve with This Cheesecake

• Hot coffee or espresso
• Unsweetened whipped cream
• Fresh berries
• A quiet moment — it’s rich!

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Use room-temperature ingredients
• Don’t overbake the cheesecake
• Chill fully before topping
• Slice with a warm knife

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate covered up to 5 days
• Freeze slices up to 2 months
• Thaw overnight in the fridge

General Information

Despite its name, German chocolate cake isn’t from Germany — it’s named after Samuel German, who developed a sweet baking chocolate. The coconut-pecan topping is what gives this dessert its signature flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?

Yes — it’s even better the next day.

Is this very sweet?

Rich, but balanced by cheesecake tang.

Can I skip the drizzle?

Absolutely — the topping shines on its own.

Can I use boxed brownies?

Homemade is best, but boxed works in a pinch.

Conclusion

This German Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake is bold, indulgent, and unforgettable — the kind of dessert people talk about long after the plates are cleared. If you love layered desserts like this, try:

• Chocolate Sheet Cake
• Vanilla Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Interactive Elements

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Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	520
Fat	32g
Saturated Fat	18g
Carbs	52g
Sugar	40g
Protein	8g

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