German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe
Get ready to fall head over heels for German Chocolate Poke Cake! Imagine everything you love about traditional German chocolate cake: deep, tender chocolate layers, creamy coconut-pecan frosting, and a surprise luscious filling oozing with chocolate and caramel flavors—that’s what this cake delivers, but with the ease and fun of a poke cake. It’s the ultimate dessert for anyone who enjoys rich chocolate cake with delightfully gooey surprises in every bite, and it’s perfect for sharing at gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy after-dinner treat at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of pantry staples and a few decadent ingredients come together to create something truly magical. Each ingredient in the German Chocolate Poke Cake has a special role, whether it’s providing a fluffy base, sweet richness, or that signature crunchy finish. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each one matters:
- Chocolate cake mix: This time-saving base makes it possible for anyone to whip up a moist, flavorful cake without fuss. Choose your favorite blend for a personalized touch.
- Water: Adds the necessary moisture to transform your cake mix into a tender, luscious batter.
- Vegetable oil: Ensures a soft, moist crumb and helps the cake stay fresh for days.
- Eggs: The key to structure and richness that keeps every bite decadent and satisfying.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This makes the cake ultra-moist and delivers that signature sticky-sweet filling that makes every poke magical.
- Hot fudge topping: Intensifies the chocolate presence and helps the sauce seep into every nook and cranny.
- Coconut pecan frosting: The classic topping that sets a German Chocolate Poke Cake apart: creamy, nutty, and wonderfully textured.
- Chopped pecans: Bring irresistible crunch and a toasty, buttery flavor to every forkful.
- Mini chocolate chips: Sprinkling these over the top means an extra chocolate burst in each bite and a playful visual pop.
How to Make German Chocolate Poke Cake
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350° F. A little trick I love is using a nonstick spray with flour in it—this ensures your cake releases effortlessly with crisp, clean edges every time. Spray your 9×13-inch baking dish well, covering every corner for best results.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
Grab a mixing bowl and add your chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix everything together on medium speed for about 2 minutes, just until the batter is luxuriously smooth and everything is fully combined. Resist the urge to overmix; a gentle touch keeps the cake tender.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the velvety batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake the cake on the middle rack for 30–38 minutes, but check at the 30-minute mark by inserting a toothpick; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, you’re ready to move on.
Step 4: Cool the Cake Completely
Patience is key here! Let the cake cool completely in the pan. This not only helps it firm up for poking, but it also means your filling will soak in perfectly, rather than running straight through a warm cake.
Step 5: Poke the Cake
Take the handle of a wooden spoon or something similarly round and gently poke rows of holes all over the cooled cake, spacing them about an inch apart. This is where all that yummy filling hides, so don’t be shy—poke plenty of them!
Step 6: Mix and Pour the Filling
In a small bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and hot fudge topping until fully blended. Pour this decadent mixture evenly over the cake, aiming for the holes so it sinks in deep, saturating each bite with sweetness and chocolate decadence. Use a spatula to spread, ensuring the sauce seeps down for maximum flavor.
Step 7: Frost the Cake
Carefully spread the coconut pecan frosting all over the top of the cake, right up to the edges. This iconic frosting makes the German Chocolate Poke Cake uniquely irresistible and brings tons of texture and flavor.
Step 8: The Final Touches
Finish by scattering the chopped pecans and mini chocolate chips across the top. Not only do these add crunch and a pop of chocolate in every bite, but they also make your cake look absolutely bakery-worthy and totally inviting.
How to Serve German Chocolate Poke Cake
Garnishes
For that extra wow factor, try garnishing each slice with a little extra drizzle of hot fudge, a dollop of whipped cream, or a maraschino cherry on top. The final sprinkle of pecans or mini chocolate chips really makes each serving look festive and irresistible.
Side Dishes
This cake is a showstopper on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, or even a hot cup of coffee. These classic accompaniments help balance out the rich, chocolatey flavors and give your dessert table a touch of nostalgic comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make your German Chocolate Poke Cake extra special for a party or potluck, try cutting it into squares and serving each on cupcake liners for easy grabbing. You can also layer cake cubes, frosting, and extra filling in individual parfait glasses for a fun twist on a trifle—perfect for entertaining!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
German Chocolate Poke Cake actually gets even better after a night in the fridge—the flavors meld, and the cake becomes even more lush and decadent. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to five days. Just be sure to keep it well-sealed so it doesn’t dry out or absorb other fridge odors.
Freezing
To freeze, slice the cake into individual portions and wrap each tightly with plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. The cake will keep lovely for up to three months—perfect for future cravings. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving to preserve its moist texture.
Reheating
Although this cake is amazing cold, if you prefer a warm treat, just microwave a slice for 10–15 seconds. The chocolate filling will get gooey and the frosting a little runny, making it taste like a straight-from-the-oven indulgence.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade chocolate cake instead of a boxed mix?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite scratch chocolate cake recipe, feel free to use it here. Just make sure it’s suitable for a 9×13-inch pan so the poke-and-fill technique works perfectly.
Is it possible to make German Chocolate Poke Cake dairy-free?
Yes, there are great non-dairy alternatives! Use a dairy-free boxed cake mix, swap in your favorite plant-based milk for the condensed milk (coconut condensed milk is delicious here), and choose vegan-friendly fudge topping and frosting. The flavor will still shine!
What’s the best way to poke holes in the cake?
A wooden spoon handle is classic, but you can also use a butter knife, chopstick, or even the end of a thick straw. Just make sure the holes are large enough for the filling to really soak in and saturate the cake.
Can I make this cake ahead for a party?
Actually, German Chocolate Poke Cake is even tastier when made a day in advance! Prepare and assemble the whole cake, then cover and chill in the fridge overnight to let the flavors develop and the filling fully infuse the cake.
Do I have to use coconut pecan frosting, or can I substitute something else?
The coconut pecan frosting gives this cake its classic character, but if you’re not a fan, a simple chocolate buttercream or whipped ganache works well, too. Try experimenting to find your family’s new favorite version!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy, show-stopping dessert that combines gooey chocolate, tender cake, and irresistible coconut-pecan magic, this German Chocolate Poke Cake is guaranteed to impress. It’s a tried-and-true favorite in my kitchen, and I hope you’ll love it as much as I do. So gather your ingredients, invite over some friends, and let the compliments roll in—happy baking!
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German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of this German Chocolate Poke Cake. A moist chocolate cake filled with a sweet and gooey chocolate sauce, topped with coconut pecan frosting, chopped pecans, and mini chocolate chips.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (German Chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or Devil’s Food)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
Toppings:
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (11.75 ounce) jar hot fudge topping
- 1 tub coconut pecan frosting
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the cake: Combine cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix for 2 minutes.
- Bake: Pour batter into the baking dish and bake for 30-38 minutes.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Poke holes: Use a spoon to poke holes in the cake.
- Prepare chocolate sauce: Mix sweetened condensed milk and hot fudge topping in a bowl.
- Pour sauce: Pour the chocolate sauce over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes.
- Add frosting: Spread coconut pecan frosting over the cake.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle chopped pecans and mini chocolate chips on top.
- Serve: Slice and serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: German Chocolate Poke Cake, Chocolate Cake, Dessert, German Cuisine
