Dreamy German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe: Sweet Indulgence

German chocolate poke cake converts ordinary dessert into a decadent culinary adventure that tantalizes taste buds with rich, multilayered complexity.

chocolate enthusiasts find themselves drawn to this indulgent treat that combines moist cake textures with luxurious fillings.

Sweet coconut and caramel notes weave through each delectable slice, creating a sensory experience beyond traditional baking.

Bakers appreciate how this recipe elevates simple ingredients into an extraordinary dessert that impresses friends and family.

The unique method of poking holes allows delicious sauces to penetrate deep within the cake core, ensuring maximum flavor absorption.

Intricate layers promise a symphony of taste that celebrates chocolate magnificent potential.

Creamy, smooth, and irresistibly tempting, you’ll want to master this showstopping dessert.

German Chocolate Poke Cake That’s Decadent and Full of Surprise

• Create Creamy Flavor Explosion: This German Chocolate Poke Cake delivers rich, decadent layers of caramel, coconut, and chocolate that melt together perfectly in every single bite.
• Simplify Dessert Magic: Using a boxed cake mix and easy techniques transforms an ordinary cake into a spectacular dessert with minimal effort, making even novice bakers look like professional pastry chefs.
• Customize Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: The versatile recipe allows personal touches like extra chocolate drizzle or different nut variations, ensuring everyone gets their ideal sweet treat for potlucks, family gatherings, or weekend celebrations.

Items Needed to Build a Rich Poke Cake

• German Chocolate Cake Mix: Classic boxed mix for an easy and delicious chocolate cake base, perfect for creating a rich dessert.
• Eggs: Provides structure and helps bind the cake ingredients together.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and tenderness in the cake.
• Water: Helps activate cake mix and create smooth batter.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk, Caramel Sauce: Creates a sweet, rich filling that seeps into cake holes for extra moisture and flavor, with caramel adding depth.
• Chocolate Chips: Optional drizzle ingredient that adds extra chocolate decadence to the cake.

• Shredded Coconut, Chopped Pecans: Provides crunchy texture and nutty flavor, toasted to enhance their natural sweetness.
• Cool Whip or Whipped Topping: Light and creamy layer that adds a smooth, airy finish to the cake.
• Chocolate Chips (Optional): Extra chocolate drizzle for added richness and visual appeal.

How to Bake, Poke, and Frost German Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Awaken The Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter and flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Magic Cake Batter

Follow cake mix package instructions. Combine eggs, oil, and water in a large mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly.

Step 3: Bake To Perfection

Slide pan into preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean from cake’s center.

Step 4: Create Delicious Holes

Allow cake to cool for 10 minutes. Use wooden spoon handle to poke numerous holes across cake’s surface.

Step 5: Prepare Luscious Filling

Mix sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce in a bowl until perfectly blended.

Step 6: Fill Cake Cavities

Slowly pour filling over cake, ensuring mixture seeps into every hole. Use spatula to distribute evenly.

Step 7: Chill And Set

Refrigerate cake for minimum 2 hours, allowing filling to settle and flavors to mingle.

Step 8: Toast Nutty Topping

Lightly toast shredded coconut and chopped pecans in skillet until golden and fragrant. Let cool completely.

Step 9: Decorate With Delight

Spread cool whip across chilled cake. Sprinkle toasted coconut and pecans. Optional: Drizzle melted chocolate chips.

Step 10: Slice And Serve

Cut into generous squares. Serve chilled and watch smiles bloom!

Tips to Layer Flavor into Every Bite

• Create Perfect Holes: Use a chopstick or the handle of a wooden spoon to make uniform, deep holes that allow the caramel and sweetened condensed milk to penetrate evenly throughout the cake.
• Toast Nuts and Coconut Carefully: Watch the coconut and pecans closely while toasting to prevent burning, stirring frequently and removing from heat the moment they turn golden brown and release a nutty aroma.
• Chill Thoroughly: Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight to ensure the filling completely sets and flavors meld together, resulting in a more decadent dessert experience.
• Even Sauce Distribution: Slowly pour the caramel and condensed milk mixture, using a spatula to help it seep into all the holes, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare this cake a day in advance to allow the flavors to develop and for easier serving at gatherings or special occasions.

Storage Tips to Keep the Poke Cake Moist

• Refrigerate: Store the German Chocolate Poke Cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep it covered to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Cover Carefully: Gently place plastic wrap or aluminum foil directly on the cake's surface to maintain moisture and protect the whipped topping and coconut-pecan garnish.
• Reheat Gently: Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to prevent the whipped topping from becoming runny and losing its texture.

Drinks and Desserts to Serve with German Chocolate Poke Cake

• Pair with Creamy Caramel Coffee: A rich, smooth caramel latte perfectly complements the cake's sweet and nutty profile, enhancing the dessert's decadent caramel and chocolate notes.
• Match with Bourbon Vanilla Milkshake: The smooth, boozy undertones of a bourbon-infused vanilla milkshake create a luxurious contrast to the cake's rich textures and sweet coconut topping.
• Serve with Hazelnut Espresso: A strong, nutty espresso shot balances the cake's sweetness, while its robust flavor echoes the toasted pecans and chocolate elements in the dessert.
• Accompany with Salted Caramel Martini: This sophisticated cocktail mirrors the cake's caramel undertones, adding a sophisticated adult twist to the dessert experience.

Delicious Variations for Coconut-Chocolate Cake Lovers

• Tropical Paradise Cake: Swap shredded coconut with toasted macadamia nuts and add crushed pineapple between the cake layers for a Hawaiian-inspired version.
• Nutty Chocolate Caramel Delight: Replace pecans with roasted almonds and incorporate a rich chocolate ganache drizzle instead of melted chocolate chips for extra decadence.
• Espresso Lovers' Version: Mix strong brewed coffee into the condensed milk filling and sprinkle chocolate-covered espresso beans on top for an intense coffee-chocolate experience.
• Berry Chocolate Crunch: Layer fresh raspberries between the cake holes and add dark chocolate shavings for a sophisticated, fruity chocolate combination.

German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent German chocolate poke cake brings classic dessert magic to your table. Rich chocolate layers infused with coconut-pecan caramel create a moist, irresistible treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base:

• 1 box German chocolate cake mix
• 3 eggs
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water

Filling:

• 1 can (14 ounces/397 grams) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 jar (12 ounces/340 grams) caramel sauce

Topping:

• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 container (8 ounces/227 grams) whipped topping
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) melted chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat a rectangular baking dish with cooking spray and light flour dusting.
2. Create the chocolate cake mixture following package guidelines, carefully blending liquid components until smooth and uniform.
3. Transfer the silky batter into the prepared baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
4. Bake the cake for approximately 27-33 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a thin wooden pick into the center.
5. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to rest for roughly 8-12 minutes, maintaining its warmth.
6. Using a wooden utensil handle or thin skewer, puncture systematic holes across the cake’s surface, maintaining consistent spacing.
7. Whisk together sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce until completely integrated.
8. Gently cascade the creamy mixture over the perforated cake, enabling liquid to infiltrate each carefully created opening.
9. Utilize a flexible spatula to distribute the filling evenly, guaranteeing comprehensive coverage.
10. Refrigerate the cake for a minimum of 2-3 hours, allowing the filling to solidify and flavors to meld.
11. In a dry skillet, carefully toast coconut and pecan fragments over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
12. Once ingredients are golden and fragrant, remove from heat and permit cooling.
13. Spread a generous layer of whipped topping across the chilled cake’s surface.
14. Sprinkle the toasted coconut and pecan mixture uniformly over the cream layer.
15. Optional: Drizzle melted chocolate chips in artistic patterns across the cake’s surface.
16. Slice into neat portions and serve thoroughly chilled for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Elevate your baking game with this decadent German Chocolate Poke Cake that transforms a simple box mix into a show-stopping dessert.
• Poke technique ensures every bite is infused with rich caramel and sweetened condensed milk, creating a supremely moist and indulgent texture.
• Toasting coconut and pecans before sprinkling adds a deep, nutty flavor and crunchy contrast to the creamy cake layers.
• Refrigeration is crucial for allowing the filling to set and flavors to meld, making this an ideal make-ahead dessert for parties or gatherings.
• Cool Whip provides a light, fluffy topping that perfectly balances the rich caramel and chocolate components of the cake.
• Optional chocolate drizzle adds a final touch of decadence, transforming this cake from delicious to absolutely irresistible.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg