Irresistible German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

Decadent layers of moist chocolate cake infused with German chocolate flavor create a dessert that’ll make taste buds dance with pure delight.

Rich, creamy coconut and pecan frosting seeps into every delicious pocket of this irresistible treat.

Each slice promises a symphony of textures and sweetness that melts in your mouth.

The classic German chocolate poke cake brings traditional flavors to a modern dessert format.

Velvety chocolate mingles with nutty pecans and silky caramel-like coconut topping.

Simple ingredients transform into an extraordinary confection that sparks joy at first bite.

This recipe turns an ordinary afternoon into a celebration of pure indulgence.

Dive into a slice and let the magic of this decadent dessert sweep you off your feet.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including chilling)

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 13

German Chocolate Poke Cake Ingredients

• German Chocolate Cake Mix: Provides rich, chocolatey foundation with deep cocoa notes; choose a high-quality mix for best flavor complexity.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and create smooth texture; select fresh, room-temperature eggs for optimal cake structure.
• Oil: Ensures moisture and tenderness; use neutral vegetable oil for consistent results.
• Water: Helps blend dry and wet ingredients smoothly.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds creamy sweetness and helps create luscious, saturated texture; look for smooth, consistent brand.
• Caramel Sauce: Introduces rich, golden flavor and additional moisture; select thick, smooth caramel for best penetration.

• Shredded Coconut: Brings tropical crunch and textural contrast; toast for enhanced nutty flavor.
• Chopped Pecans: Provides delightful crunch and earthy undertones; select fresh, crunchy nuts.
• Cool Whip: Creates light, airy topping layer; choose full-fat version for richer mouthfeel.
• Chocolate Chips: Optional drizzle for extra decadence; use dark or milk chocolate based on preference.

Tools to Make German Chocolate Poke Cake

• Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining cake mix ingredients.
• 9×13-inch Baking Pan: Perfect for baking the entire cake.
• Wooden Spoon or Skewer: Critical for poking holes in the cake.
• Spatula: Helps spread fillings and toppings evenly.
• Saucepan: Used for toasting coconut and pecans.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
• Toothpick: Checks cake doneness during baking.

German Chocolate Poke Cake Instructions

Sweet Chocolate Paradise

• Cake Base Preparation

Grab your German chocolate cake mix and whip up a delicious batter following package guidelines. Pour the silky mixture into a greased pan and bake until golden and perfectly cooked.

• Magical Holes

After the cake cools slightly, transform it with playful holes using a wooden spoon handle. These little pockets will soon become flavor tunnels.

• Luscious Liquid Layer

Blend sweetened condensed milk with rich caramel sauce. Generously pour this dreamy mixture over the cake, allowing it to seep into every single hole, creating a moist wonderland.

• Chilling Time

Tuck the cake into the refrigerator for a few hours, letting all those incredible flavors mingle and settle.

• Crunchy Topping Adventure

Toast coconut and pecans until they release a heavenly aroma. Spread creamy whipped topping across the cake’s surface and sprinkle these toasted treasures on top.

• Final Flourish

For extra decadence, drizzle melted chocolate over the cake. Slice and serve this divine dessert chilled, ready to transport taste buds to chocolate heaven.

Flavor Twists for German Chocolate Poke Cake

• Enhance the flavor and texture by carefully toasting shredded coconut and pecans in a dry skillet until golden brown, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
• Prepare this cake a day in advance to allow flavors to meld and filling to set completely, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for gatherings.
• Experiment with different caramel variations like salted caramel or chocolate caramel sauce to add a unique flavor profile to the classic recipe.
• Swap the regular cake mix with a gluten-free German chocolate cake mix to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
• Transform the cake's appearance by using dark, milk, or white chocolate for drizzling, creating a stunning visual and flavor contrast.

Serving German Chocolate Poke Cake Creatively

• Tropical Paradise Picnic: Pack this cake for an outdoor gathering, nestled in a cooler with ice packs to keep it perfectly chilled. Friends will adore the surprise sweet treat after a day of sunshine and fun.
• Dessert Wine Pairing: Complement the rich cake with a glass of tawny port or sweet Riesling. The nutty, caramel notes of the wine will beautifully enhance the cake's decadent flavors.
• Family Celebration Centerpiece: Make this cake the star of birthdays, anniversaries, or holiday gatherings. Its luxurious layers and stunning topping will have everyone requesting seconds and asking for the recipe.
• Midnight Indulgence Moment: Slice a piece late at night with a cold glass of milk. The combination of chocolate, caramel, and toasted nuts creates a dreamy dessert that satisfies even the most intense sweet cravings.

Store and Plan Around German Chocolate Poke Cake

• Fridge-Friendly Storage: Keep the cake covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cool temperature helps maintain its creamy texture and prevents topping from getting soggy.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire cake one day before serving. This allows flavors to meld together and creates a more intense taste experience. Toppings will stay fresh and crisp when added just before serving.
• Slice and Freeze Strategy: Cut individual portions, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Frozen cake slices stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for a perfect dessert anytime.
• Potluck Perfect Transport: Use a cake carrier with a secure lid to prevent topping from sliding. Keep the cake chilled during transport by placing it in a cooler with ice packs. This ensures the cake arrives looking as delightful as when it was first prepared.

Luscious German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including chilling)
• Yield: 13 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Indulgent german chocolate poke cake marries rich chocolate with coconut-pecan frosting in a moist, layered dessert. Creamy filling seeps through cake holes, creating a luxurious treat that delights taste buds and invites you to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 box German chocolate cake mix
• 3 large eggs
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (240 ml) water
• 1 can (14 oz/397 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 jar (12 oz/340 g) caramel sauce
• 1 container (8 oz/227 g) whipped topping
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• ¼ cup (60 ml) melted chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare rectangular baking dish with cooking spray and light flour coating.
2. Cake Mixing: Combine chocolate cake mixture according to package instructions, blending liquid ingredients until smooth and uniform.
3. Baking Process: Pour batter into prepared dish, ensuring even distribution, and bake for 27-33 minutes until a wooden pick inserted comes out clean.
4. Cake Perforation: After resting 8-12 minutes, create systematic holes across cake surface using a wooden utensil handle or thin skewer.
5. Filling Infusion: Whisk sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce, then gently pour over perforated cake, allowing liquid to penetrate each opening.
6. Chilling Phase: Refrigerate cake for 2-3 hours, enabling filling to set and flavors to harmonize.
7. Topping Preparation: Lightly toast coconut and pecan fragments in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring to prevent burning, until golden and aromatic.
8. Final Assembly: Cover chilled cake with whipped topping, sprinkle toasted coconut and pecans evenly, and optionally drizzle melted chocolate chips in decorative patterns.
9. Serving: Slice into neat portions and serve thoroughly chilled for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

• Precise Hole Creation: Make consistent, evenly spaced holes about 1 inch apart using a wooden skewer or chopstick for optimal sauce absorption.
• Temperature Precision: Allow cake to cool slightly before adding liquid filling to prevent structural breakdown and ensure even penetration.
• Toasting Technique: Watch coconut and pecans carefully during toasting; stir constantly to prevent burning and achieve rich, nutty flavor without bitterness.
• Chill for Success: Refrigerate cake for at least 2-3 hours to allow flavors to develop and filling to set completely, enhancing overall taste and texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg