Irresistible German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe for Sweet Fans

Indulge in a delectable german chocolate poke cake that promises pure dessert bliss!

Sweet layers of moist chocolate delight await your taste buds.

Creamy coconut and pecan frosting seeps into every delightful hole, creating a magical texture.

Rich chocolate cake becomes an irresistible canvas for decadent flavors.

Unexpected bursts of sweetness will dance across your palate with each delightful bite.

Layers of complexity make this dessert a true crowd-pleaser that everyone will adore.

You can transform an ordinary afternoon into a celebration of pure deliciousness.

Dive right in and experience a slice of heavenly chocolate magic!

Key Ingredients for German Chocolate Poke Cake

• German Chocolate Cake Mix: A classic chocolate cake mix that forms the foundation of this delightful dessert.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: A rich, sweet milk that seeps into the cake holes, adding moisture and creamy sweetness.
• Caramel Sauce: A smooth, golden sauce that adds a decadent layer of flavor and richness to the cake.

• Whipped Topping: A light and fluffy cream that provides a cool and creamy layer on top of the cake.
• Pecans, Shredded Coconut: Crunchy nuts and sweet coconut that add texture and traditional German chocolate cake flavor to the dessert.

How to Bake German Chocolate Poke Cake

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Dream

Whip up the German chocolate cake mix following the guidelines on the package. Let the cake transform in the oven until it’s perfectly golden and tempting.

Step 2: Create Magical Holes

After the cake has cooled for about 10 minutes, grab a wooden spoon handle and playfully poke holes throughout the entire cake surface. Make sure the holes are evenly distributed to capture all the delicious upcoming layers.

Step 3: Drench in Sweet Liquid Gold

Gently pour sweetened condensed milk across the cake, ensuring every single hole gets filled with creamy goodness. Watch as the milk seeps into the cake’s crevices.

Step 4: Drizzle Caramel Waterfall

Stream caramel sauce over the entire cake, spreading it carefully to create a luxurious golden layer that complements the milk-soaked base.

Step 5: Crown with Fluffy Clouds

Spread a generous layer of whipped topping across the entire cake surface, creating a soft, pillowy blanket that hints at the deliciousness underneath.

Step 6: Sprinkle Crunchy Treasure

Scatter chopped pecans and shredded coconut over the top, adding a delightful textural contrast and nutty flavor that will make each bite exciting.

Step 7: Chill and Anticipate

Slide the cake into the refrigerator and let it rest for at least one hour. This waiting period allows all the flavors to mingle and the cake to set perfectly.

Pro Tips for Moist and Flavorful Cake

• Ensure cake mix is at room temperature for even baking and best texture.
• Poke holes generously and evenly to allow condensed milk and caramel to seep deeply into the cake.
• Use full-fat sweetened condensed milk for richer, more decadent flavor profile.
• Toast pecans before sprinkling to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch.
• Chill cake for at least 2 hours for optimal flavor melding and easier slicing.

Variations to Mix Up German Chocolate Poke Cake

• Tropical Paradise Cake: Replace pecans with toasted macadamia nuts and add crushed pineapple between cake layers for a Hawaiian-inspired version.
• Chocolate Hazelnut Dream: Swap caramel sauce with Nutella and garnish with chopped hazelnuts for a rich, nutty flavor profile.
• Salted Caramel Sensation: Drizzle additional salted caramel sauce and sprinkle sea salt flakes for an enhanced sweet-salty experience.
• Berry Chocolate Bliss: Top the cake with fresh raspberries or strawberries and a chocolate ganache drizzle for a fruity chocolate combination.

Pairing Ideas for German Chocolate Poke Cake

• Elevate Chocolate Richness: Pair this decadent German Chocolate Poke Cake with a robust port wine that complements its deep, sweet flavor profile and enhances the caramel and chocolate notes.
• Match Nutty Textures: Select a smooth hazelnut liqueur like Frangelico, which will beautifully accentuate the pecan and coconut toppings while providing a complementary nutty undertone.
• Cleanse Palate Perfectly: Serve alongside a strong black coffee or espresso, cutting through the cake's sweetness and offering a refreshing contrast that highlights the dessert's rich layers.
• Balance Sweet Intensity: Choose a creamy vanilla bean ice cream as a side, creating a cool, smooth counterpoint to the warm caramel and dense chocolate cake texture.

Storage Recommendations for Poke Cake

• Keep the German Chocolate Poke Cake covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. Store in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual cake slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature to avoid overheating and maintain cake's moisture.
• Remove cake from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly and enhance flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions on German Chocolate Poke Cake

• What makes a poke cake different from a regular cake?

A poke cake is unique because holes are deliberately poked into the cake after baking, allowing sauces and fillings to seep deep into the cake, creating extra moisture and intense flavor.

• Can I use homemade caramel sauce instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce can enhance the cake’s flavor and give it a more personal touch. Just ensure the sauce is smooth and at the right consistency for pouring.

• Is it necessary to use pecans and coconut?

While pecans and coconut are traditional toppings for German chocolate cake, you can customize the topping based on your preferences. If you don’t like nuts or have allergies, you can skip them or replace with chocolate chips or other toppings.

• How do I know when to stop poking holes in the cake?

Why German Chocolate Poke Cake Is a Treat

• Customize Your Dessert: Transform a simple cake mix into a decadent, gourmet-style treat with minimal extra steps, creating a wow-worthy dessert that looks and tastes like you spent hours baking.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and parties where you need a delicious dessert that feeds many without complicated preparation techniques.
• Sensational Texture Experience: Enjoy an incredible combination of moist cake, creamy condensed milk, rich caramel, fluffy topping, and crunchy pecans that creates an irresistible multi-layered dessert experience.
• No-Stress Baking: Requires basic baking skills and uses convenient ingredients like prepared cake mix and pre-made toppings, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent German chocolate poke cake blends rich chocolate layers with creamy coconut-pecan frosting, creating a dessert that whispers sweet nostalgia. Moist cake channels traditional German baking techniques, promising delightful surprises with each decadent bite you savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 box German chocolate cake mix
• 1 can (14 ounces / 397 grams) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 jar (16 ounces / 454 grams) caramel sauce

Cake Mix Additional Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water

Topping and Garnish:

• 1 container (8 ounces / 226 grams) whipped topping
• 1 cup (100 grams) chopped pecans
• 1 cup (85 grams) sweetened shredded coconut

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Instructions

1. Prepare the German chocolate cake mix precisely following the package guidelines, ensuring a moist and fluffy texture.
2. Allow the freshly baked cake to cool for approximately 10 minutes at room temperature.
3. Create systematic holes across the entire cake surface using the rounded end of a wooden spoon, spacing them evenly.
4. Gently drizzle sweetened condensed milk over the cake, carefully allowing it to seep into each carefully crafted hole.
5. Cascade caramel sauce uniformly across the cake’s surface, ensuring complete and even coverage.
6. Generously layer whipped topping, spreading it smoothly from edge to edge.
7. Artfully scatter chopped pecans and delicate shredded coconut across the whipped topping, creating a visually appealing and textured finish.
8. Chill the assembled cake in the refrigerator for a minimum of 60 minutes to allow flavors to meld and topping to set.
9. Remove from refrigerator and serve chilled for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

• Toast the pecans lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the cake.
• Use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping for a fresher, more authentic taste that elevates the dessert.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the regular cake mix with a gluten-free German chocolate cake mix to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Create a lower-sugar option by using sugar-free caramel sauce and a reduced-sugar cake mix, which can help make the dessert more diet-friendly without compromising on deliciousness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg