Why You’ll Love This Recipe
German Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake is a show-stopping dessert that brings together three beloved elements into one unforgettable treat. A rich, fudgy brownie base forms the foundation, topped with a smooth, creamy cheesecake layer, and finished with a classic coconut pecan topping inspired by traditional German chocolate cake. I love this recipe because it feels indulgent and celebratory, yet each layer complements the others perfectly rather than overwhelming them. The brownie layer adds deep chocolate intensity, the cheesecake brings balance and creaminess, and the coconut pecan topping adds texture and nostalgic sweetness. This dessert is ideal for holidays, birthdays, and special occasions when you want something truly impressive. Despite its elegant appearance, the recipe is approachable when broken down into steps, and the results are well worth the effort.
Print
German Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake: The Ultimate Triple-Layer Dessert
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes plus chilling
- Yield: 12 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
An indulgent German Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake featuring a fudgy brownie base, rich chocolate cheesecake layer, and classic coconut-pecan German chocolate topping—an ultimate triple-layer dessert.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for cheesecake)
- 2 large eggs (for cheesecake)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 oz German sweet chocolate, melted
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for topping)
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Mix melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until combined.
- Stir in cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Spread batter into prepared pan.
- Bake brownie layer for 15 minutes.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then sour cream and melted chocolate.
- Pour cheesecake batter over brownie layer.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes until center is just set.
- Cool completely, then refrigerate at least 4 hours.
- For topping, cook evaporated milk, brown sugar, butter, and egg yolks over medium heat until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans.
- Spread topping over chilled cheesecake before serving.
Notes
- Chill overnight for best slicing.
- Use room-temperature ingredients for a smooth cheesecake.
- Store refrigerated up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Brownie mix or homemade brownie batter creates a dense, fudgy base that supports the layers above.
Eggs provide structure and richness to both the brownie and cheesecake layers.
Butter adds moisture and deep flavor to the brownie layer.
Cream cheese forms the smooth, tangy cheesecake center.
Granulated sugar sweetens the cheesecake while keeping it balanced.
Vanilla extract enhances flavor and adds warmth to the cheesecake.
Sour cream adds creaminess and helps prevent cracking.
Sweetened shredded coconut creates the signature texture of the topping.
Chopped pecans add crunch and nutty depth.
Brown sugar sweetens the coconut pecan topping with caramel notes.
Evaporated milk creates a smooth, cohesive topping sauce.
Egg yolks help thicken the coconut pecan topping.
Salt balances sweetness across all layers.
Directions
Begin by preparing the brownie layer. Preheat the oven and grease a springform pan. Prepare the brownie batter according to instructions or recipe, then spread it evenly in the bottom of the pan. Bake partially until just set but not fully cooked.
While the brownie layer bakes, prepare the cheesecake filling. Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add sugar and vanilla extract. Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by sour cream, until the mixture is creamy and lump-free.
Pour the cheesecake batter gently over the partially baked brownie layer. Return the pan to the oven and bake until the cheesecake is set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely, then refrigerate until fully chilled.
For the coconut pecan topping, cook evaporated milk, brown sugar, egg yolks, butter, and salt over medium heat until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in shredded coconut and chopped pecans. Allow the topping to cool slightly, then spread it evenly over the chilled cheesecake.
Refrigerate until ready to serve. Slice with a clean, sharp knife for neat layers.
Equipment needed
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 12 people. Preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, baking time is about 60 minutes, and chilling time is at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
Storage/reheating
Store German Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to five days. This dessert is best served chilled and should not be reheated.
Variations and Customizations
German Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake can be customized to suit your preferences. For an even richer chocolate base, use a dark chocolate brownie recipe or add chocolate chips to the batter. If you prefer a lighter cheesecake layer, reduce the sugar slightly and increase the sour cream.
I tested this recipe with toasted coconut, and it added a deeper, nuttier flavor that paired beautifully with the pecans. You can also substitute walnuts for pecans if desired.
For easier serving at parties, this dessert can be made in a square pan and sliced into bars. These variations keep the recipe flexible while preserving its signature triple-layer appeal.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein (g) | 8 |
| Carbs (g) | 48 |
| Fat (g) | 34 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 18 |
| Fiber (g) | 3 |
| Sugar (g) | 38 |
| Sodium (mg) | 320 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Partial bake the brownie
This prevents overbaking once the cheesecake is added.
Room temperature ingredients
This ensures a smooth, lump-free cheesecake layer.
Cool completely before topping
Chilling helps the layers set cleanly.
Clean knife between slices
This creates sharp, professional-looking layers.
FAQs
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, it is best made a day in advance to allow proper chilling.
Can I freeze German Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake?
Yes, freeze without the topping, then add it after thawing.
Why did my cheesecake crack?
Overbaking or rapid temperature changes can cause cracks.
Can I use a boxed brownie mix?
Yes, boxed brownie mix works very well for this recipe.
Is this dessert very sweet?
It is rich and sweet, but the cheesecake layer balances it well.
What occasions is this best for?
It is perfect for holidays, birthdays, and special celebrations.
Conclusion
German Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake is a decadent, triple-layer dessert that delivers rich chocolate flavor, creamy cheesecake texture, and classic coconut pecan sweetness in every bite. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress, this recipe is indulgent, memorable, and truly worthy of its title as the ultimate dessert.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!