GERMAN CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE SQUARES

German Chocolate Cheesecake Squares image

When people ask about my all-time favorite recipe, I have a hard time deciding. But this recipe is definitely tops among sweet.-Jerry Minerich, Westminster, Colorado

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h10m

Yield 3 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 21

Ingredients

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 to 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
FILLING:
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup baking cocoa
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
TOPPING:
1/2 cup sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/4 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Steps:

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add sugar, salt, egg, butter and 1 cup of flour; beat until smooth. Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. , Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 3-5 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rest for 20 minutes., Punch dough down. Press onto the bottom and up the sides of a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth; gradually add cocoa and sugar. Beat until fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla. Pour into crust. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until crust is golden brown; cool. , In a saucepan, combine first four topping ingredients; cook over low heat until thick, about 8-10 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla, coconut and nuts. Spread over cooled cake. Chill at least 1 hour. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 157 calories, Fat 9g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 48mg cholesterol, Sodium 107mg sodium, Carbohydrate 17g carbohydrate (11g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.