There’s something magical about a poke cake, isn’t there? They’re the ultimate dessert for carefree gatherings, and they have a touch of nostalgia that takes me back to summer picnics and family reunions. I still remember my Aunt June bringing her famous German Chocolate Poke Cake to each holiday party. I’d sneak slices when I thought no one was watching, indulging in that rich chocolate flavor combined with a sweet, creamy coconut pecan frosting. It was bliss! And today, I’m thrilled to share that love with you through this easy and delightful German Chocolate Poke Cake recipe.
This cake is a showstopper, boasting layers of flavor, texture, and, let’s be honest, sheer deliciousness. It’s super easy to make and perfect for any occasion—from birthday parties to cozy get-togethers. So, grab your apron, and let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: You won’t need any fancy techniques or tools—just a few simple steps!
- Perfectly Moist: Poke cakes are well-known for their incredible moisture, and this cake is no exception.
- Decadent Flavors: A heavenly combination of chocolate cake, creamy frosting, and a delightful coconut pecan topping that will wow your taste buds.
- Perfect for Sharing: It’s a dessert that’s meant to be enjoyed with family and friends, perfect for gatherings.
- Make Ahead: This cake gets better with time, making it ideal for prepping the day before an event.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this luscious German Chocolate Poke Cake:
- For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) German Chocolate Cake Mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- For the Filling:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, but oh-so-good!)
- For the Topping:
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Note: For an extra kick, feel free to add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cake mix for added flavor. And remember, fresh pecans are always better than pre-chopped when you can get your hands on them!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s dive right in with these simple steps to create your own German Chocolate Poke Cake:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure your oven racks are positioned in the center. Nothing worse than an uneven bake!
- Prepare Your Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the German chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until well combined, but be careful not to overmix. Just blend until the ingredients come together—this will help ensure your cake stays light and fluffy!
- Bake the Cake: Pour your batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Place it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. The aroma of chocolate will fill your kitchen—breathe it in!
- Cool and Poke: Once your cake is done, take it out and let it cool for about 15 minutes. Then, using the handle of a wooden spoon or similar tool, poke holes all over the cake. Make sure to poke deep enough to let the filling seep in!
- Prepare the Filling: In a saucepan over low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips. Stir until the chocolate chips are melted and the mixture is smooth. Pour this luscious filling over the cake, making sure to get it into the holes you’ve created.
- Let it Soak: Allow the cake to cool completely and let the filling soak in. This is essential for that rich, moist texture you crave!
- Make the Topping: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until everything is toasted and fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in the powdered sugar until well combined.
- Top Your Cake: Spread the coconut-pecan topping over the cooled cake evenly. This is the part where it really transforms from good to WOW!
- Chill: For the best results, cover the cake and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours—overnight is even better!
Pro Tips & Variations
Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s talk about a few fun twists and things to keep in mind!
- Flavor Variations: If you want to get adventurous, try adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the cake mix for a rich, mocha flavor.
- Nut Allergies: If you want to make this nut-free, you can simply leave out the pecans and substitute with sunflower seeds or more chocolate!
- Coconut Lovers: Add more shredded coconut to the topping if you really enjoy that coconut flavor—go wild!
- Whipped Topping: You can also top it with whipped cream for a different texture if you prefer something lighter.
- Gluten-Free Option: If you need a gluten-free option, look for a gluten-free chocolate cake mix!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving, I love to enjoy my German Chocolate Poke Cake with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy ice cream perfectly contrasts the rich cake, creating that dreamy combination we all love. You could even dress it up with a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence. Picture this: your friends gathered around, laughter filling the room, and you proudly placing that glorious cake on the table—can you hear the oohs and aahs already?
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? No worries here! This cake can last in the refrigerator for up to a week, and honestly, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just make sure to cover it well to avoid it drying out. To freeze, slice the cake into individual portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container. It should hold up in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just let it thaw in the fridge overnight—simple as that!
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely! While German chocolate cake mix gives this poke cake its signature flavor, feel free to experiment with other chocolate cake mixes. Just remember, it might alter the final taste a bit!
Do I have to refrigerate the cake?
Yes, I highly recommend refrigerating the cake, especially because of the sweetened condensed milk filling. It helps keep everything fresh and prevents any spoilage.
Can I prepare this cake ahead of time?
You bet! This cake is perfect for making a day or two ahead. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator, and it’ll be ready to impress when your guests arrive.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe typically serves about 12-15 people, depending on how generous your slices are. Trust me, it’s hard to resist going back for seconds!
What can I do if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?
If you find yourself without sweetened condensed milk, you can substitute it with a DIY version by simmering regular milk with sugar until it thickens. However, the texture and sweetness may vary slightly from the original, so keep that in mind.
Conclusion
And there you have it—your very own German Chocolate Poke Cake! As you dive into this incredibly moist, luscious dessert, let the flavors transport you back to those sweet memories, and make new ones in the process. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you, so feel free to leave a comment below! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or just how much you savored every bite. Happy baking, my friends!
Print
Delicious German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe for Ultimate Indulgence
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in a decadent German chocolate poke cake a sweet treat perfect for any occasion Try this ultimate recipe for a delightful dessert experience
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A deliciously moist German Chocolate Poke Cake filled with sweetened condensed milk and topped with a rich coconut pecan frosting. Perfect for gatherings!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12-15 servings
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30 grams
- Fat: 15 grams
- Carbohydrates: 50 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 5 grams
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