Cheesecake Center Prep
Beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth.
Add eggs one at a time and vanilla extract (optional). Mix again but avoid overmixing.
Pour the cheesecake mixture into a round pan lined with parchment paper.
Freeze for 2 hours and make it solid.
Make the White German Chocolate Cake Layers
Melt Chocolate: Use a double boiler or microwave in 15-second intervals, stir in between.
Dry Mix: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
Cream Butter & Sugar: Beat butter and sugar for 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add egg yolks one at a time.
Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture and buttermilk into the creamed butter mixture. Fold in melted chocolate.
Incorporate Egg Whites: Whip egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold them into the batter without deflating.
Bake: Divide batter into two greased cake pans and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.
Assemble and Bake the Cake
Layer Assembly: Place one cake layer in a 9-inch springform pan.
Add Cheesecake Layer: Unmold the frozen cheesecake disc and place it on the first cake layer.
Top Cake Layer: Place the second cake layer on top of the cheesecake.
Water Bath: Set the springform pan in a roasting pan with 1 inch of hot water.
Bake at 325°F for 45 minutes.
Cool: Let it cool in the oven with the door slightly open for 1 hour.