The Best German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe For Sweet Bliss

Decadent layers of moist chocolate cake infused with German chocolate poke cake recipe promise a delightful dessert adventure.

Rich, creamy coconut-pecan frosting seeps into every crevice of this classic treat.

chocolate lovers rejoice as each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.

The cake signature moistness comes from a strategic poking technique that allows delicious filling to penetrate deep into the crumb.

Velvety smooth and incredibly indulgent, this dessert transforms an ordinary cake into an extraordinary experience.

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a recipe that’s sure to become a cherished favorite at any gathering.

You’ll want to savor every single delectable forkful of this irresistible confection.

How to Store German Chocolate Cake

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep the cake covered at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving soon. Use a cake dome or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For best texture, let the cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the frosting.

FAQs

• What makes this cake different from a traditional German chocolate cake?

This poke cake version adds a modern twist by creating holes in the cake and filling them with caramel sauce, making it extra moist and indulgent compared to the classic layered cake.

• Do I need any special baking skills to make this recipe?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly and uses a cake mix as the base, which makes it simple and foolproof for home bakers of all skill levels.

• Can I substitute any ingredients if I don't have exactly what the recipe calls for?

You can swap vegetable oil for canola oil, use different nuts like walnuts instead of pecans, and even use a different flavor of caramel sauce if needed. The recipe is quite flexible.

What Makes German Chocolate Poke Cake So Delicious

• This German Chocolate Poke Cake offers a decadent dessert experience with minimal baking skills required, perfect for both novice and experienced home bakers.
• Packed with rich caramel, creamy frosting, crunchy pecans, and sweet coconut, this cake guarantees to wow family and friends at gatherings, potlucks, or special celebrations.
• Easily adaptable for various occasions like birthdays, holidays, or weekend treats, this recipe transforms a simple cake mix into an impressive, gourmet-style dessert that looks professionally made.

Must-Have Ingredients for German Chocolate Cake

• Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides the foundation for the cake's texture and flavor.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the cake.
• Water: Helps create the right consistency for the cake batter.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains moist and tender.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk, Caramel Sauce: Create a rich, sweet layer that soaks into the cake's holes for extra moisture and flavor.

• Butter: Provides a creamy base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Milk: Helps achieve the right frosting consistency.
• Pecans, Shredded Coconut: Add texture and traditional German chocolate cake flavor to the topping.

Tools for Baking German Chocolate Poke Cake

• 9×13 inch baking pan: Essential for baking the cake with the right dimensions.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining cake ingredients and mixing batter.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for poking holes in the cake after baking.
• Medium mixing bowl: Great for preparing the caramel sauce mixture.
• Electric mixer: Helps beat butter and create smooth, creamy frosting.
• Toothpick: Crucial for checking cake doneness.
• Whisk: Helps blend caramel sauce and condensed milk evenly.
• Spatula: Useful for spreading frosting and smoothing cake surface.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.

Step-by-Step German Chocolate Poke Cake Guide

Step 1: Prepare Baking Pan

Warm up the oven to 350F.

Grab a 9×13 inch pan and coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Cake Batter

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs.

Whip the ingredients together until the mixture looks smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 4: Cool the Cake

Remove the cake from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes at room temperature.

Step 5: Create Caramel Mixture

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Caramel sauce

Blend until the mixture looks silky and combined.

Step 6: Poke Holes

Take the handle end of a wooden spoon and create holes across the cake surface, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

Step 7: Drizzle Caramel

Slowly pour the caramel mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes evenly.

Step 8: Prepare Frosting

In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy.

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Remaining caramel sauce

Whip until the frosting looks smooth and fluffy.

Step 9: Add Nutty Texture

Gently fold chopped pecans and shredded coconut into the frosting.

Step 10: Frost the Cake

Spread the frosting across the entire cake surface, creating an even layer.

Step 11: Chill and Set

Place the cake in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to allow flavors to meld and frosting to set.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Slice and serve this decadent German Chocolate Poke Cake to delighted guests!

Pro Tips for Rich, Moist Chocolate Poke Cake

• Create evenly spaced holes throughout the cake to ensure the caramel sauce penetrates deeply and distributes flavor uniformly.
• Let butter sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before beating to achieve a smoother, more spreadable frosting consistency.
• Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet before adding to the frosting to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch.
• Allow the cake to rest in the refrigerator for the full 2 hours to let flavors meld and achieve a more set texture.
• Use room temperature caramel sauce for easier mixing and more even distribution throughout the cake's surface.

Flavor Variations for German Chocolate Cake Fans

• Gluten-Free German Chocolate Poke Cake: Replace regular cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Vegan German Chocolate Poke Cake: Substitute eggs with applesauce or flax eggs, use coconut milk instead of sweetened condensed milk, and replace butter with vegan margarine to create a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar German Chocolate Poke Cake: Use a sugar-free cake mix, swap caramel sauce with sugar-free caramel syrup, and replace sweetened coconut with unsweetened coconut to reduce overall sugar content for diabetic-friendly option.

Serving German Chocolate Poke Cake with Style

• Tropical Vacation Twist: Garnish with fresh pineapple chunks and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for a Hawaiian-inspired dessert experience that transports your taste buds.
• Decadent Chocolate Lover's Dream: Drizzle extra melted chocolate over each slice and add chocolate shavings on top to intensify the rich chocolate flavor for serious cocoa enthusiasts.
• Elegant Party Presentation: Serve individual slices on decorative dessert plates with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a light dusting of powdered sugar for a sophisticated touch.
• Caramel Crunch Bonus: Sprinkle crushed caramel candies or toffee bits around the edges of the cake for an added crunch and extra layer of sweet, buttery flavor.

German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Rich German chocolate poke cake delights dessert enthusiasts with layers of moist chocolate cake, creamy coconut frosting, and caramel drizzle. Chocolate lovers will savor each indulgent bite of this classic Southern-style sweet treat.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 box German chocolate cake mix
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Liquid and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup caramel sauce
• 1/4 cup milk

Topping and Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure easy cake removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend the cake mix with water, vegetable oil, and eggs until the batter becomes smooth and homogeneous.
3. Transfer the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly, and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for approximately 5 minutes, creating small gaps for the topping to penetrate.
5. Whisk together sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce in a medium bowl until the mixture becomes uniform and glossy.
6. Using a wooden spoon handle, create systematic holes across the cake surface at 1-inch intervals, ensuring even distribution.
7. Carefully pour the caramel mixture over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes and create a rich, moist texture.
8. Cream the butter until light and fluffy, then gradually incorporate powdered sugar, milk, and remaining caramel sauce until the frosting reaches a smooth consistency.
9. Gently fold chopped pecans and shredded coconut into the frosting, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
10. Generously spread the frosting over the entire cake surface, ensuring complete and even coverage.
11. Refrigerate the cake for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to set firmly.
12. Slice and serve the chilled German Chocolate Poke Cake, revealing its decadent layers and inviting texture.

Notes

• Select a high-quality chocolate cake mix for richer flavor and better texture.
• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to create a smoother cake batter.
• Use a wooden spoon handle with a rounded end to make clean, consistent holes in the cake for even caramel absorption.
• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the frosting.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular cake mix with a gluten-free alternative and check all ingredient labels.
• Reduce sugar content by using sugar-free caramel sauce and a low-sugar cake mix for a lighter dessert option.
• Make the cake ahead of time and refrigerate overnight to let flavors meld and develop a more intense taste profile.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg