Fudge-Filled German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

Sweet & Dreamy German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

Crafting a delectable german chocolate poke cake transports you to a world of rich, moist indulgence.

Sweet layers whisper promises of culinary delight with every carefully pierced surface.

Chocolate lovers will swoon over this decadent dessert that blends traditional flavors in unexpected ways.

Coconut and pecan accents create a symphony of textures that dance across your palate.

Each forkful tells a story of comfort and celebration, inviting you to savor every bite.

Prepare to embark on a delightful baking adventure that promises to become your new favorite dessert.

You won’t be able to resist the temptation of this irresistible cake.

Why German Chocolate Poke Cake Stands Out

  • Savor Luxurious Layers: Dive into a dessert that combines multiple textures and flavors, creating a rich and indulgent experience with every single bite.
  • Master Simple Baking: This recipe transforms a basic chocolate cake mix into a gourmet-style dessert with minimal extra effort, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, and special celebrations, this German Chocolate Poke Cake guarantees smiles and second helpings from everyone at the table.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust toppings to match personal preferences, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable for different tastes and dietary needs.

What You’ll Need For German Chocolate Poke Cake

For the Cake Base:
  • Chocolate Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides a rich chocolate foundation for the poke cake.
  • Eggs: Add structure and moisture to the cake batter.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist and tender cake texture.
  • Water: Helps to blend the cake mix ingredients smoothly.
For the Milk Mixture:
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk, Coconut Milk: Create a rich, creamy liquid that soaks into the cake, adding intense moisture and flavor.
For the Toppings:
  • Pecans, Shredded Coconut: Provide a classic German chocolate cake texture with nutty crunch and tropical sweetness.
  • Caramel Sauce: Adds a golden, sweet drizzle that complements the cake's rich flavors.
For the Chocolate Frosting:
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates a smooth, creamy base for the frosting.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve the right frosting consistency.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor to the frosting.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the frosting.
  • Heavy Cream, Vanilla Extract: Add richness and depth to the chocolate frosting.

Steps To Make German Chocolate Poke Cake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350°F and give a generous butter massage to your 9×13-inch baking pan.

Step 2: Mix The Chocolate Base

Toss chocolate cake mix into a big mixing bowl with:
  • Eggs
  • Vegetable oil
  • Water

Whisk everything until the batter looks smooth and silky.

Step 3: Bake The Cake Layer

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it with a spatula. Slide into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 4: Create Cake Channels

Pull the cake out and let it rest for 10 minutes. Grab a wooden spoon handle and create even holes across the entire cake surface.

Step 5: Drench With Creamy Goodness

Whisk together:
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Coconut milk

Gently pour this liquid treasure over the warm cake, watching it seep into every delicious hole.

Step 6: Add Crunchy Toppings

Sprinkle over the cake:
  • Chopped pecans
  • Shredded coconut

Press these delightful bits gently into the milky surface.

Step 7: Drizzle Caramel Magic

Stream caramel sauce across the cake, letting it flow into the holes and coat the nuts and coconut.

Step 8: Craft Chocolate Frosting

In a stand mixer, cream unsalted butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Cocoa powder
  • Salt

Step 9: Finish Frosting

Pour in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Vanilla extract

Beat until the frosting becomes smooth and spreadable.

Step 10: Frost The Cake

Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the top.

Step 11: Chill And Set

Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to let flavors mingle and frosting firm up.

Step 12: Serve And Enjoy

Remove from refrigerator 15 minutes before serving. Slice and savor this decadent German Chocolate Poke Cake.

Tips For German Chocolate Poke Cake

  • Prep Pan Perfectly: Grease the baking pan thoroughly to prevent cake from sticking and ensure easy removal.
  • Mix Batter Smoothly: Whisk cake mix ingredients until completely smooth, eliminating any lumps for a consistent texture.
  • Create Moisture Magic: Poke holes while cake is warm to allow milk mixture to penetrate deeply, creating a rich, moist dessert.
  • Drizzle with Care: Pour milk and caramel sauce slowly, ensuring even distribution throughout the cake for maximum flavor.
  • Chill for Perfection: Refrigerate cake for at least an hour to let flavors meld and frosting set, enhancing overall taste and texture.

Creative Twists On German Chocolate Poke Cake

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Replace the chocolate cake mix with a gluten-free alternative, using a blend of rice flour, almond flour, and cocoa powder to maintain the rich chocolate flavor.
  • Vegan Coconut Dream: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and replace sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream and maple syrup for a plant-based version.
  • Nutty Almond Variation: Substitute pecans with sliced almonds and add almond extract to the cake batter and frosting for an intensified nutty profile.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use a sugar-free cake mix, replace caramel sauce with a sugar-free alternative, and sweeten the frosting with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a diabetic-friendly dessert.

What To Serve With German Chocolate Poke Cake

  • Brew Bold Coffee Companion: Pair this decadent German Chocolate Poke Cake with a rich, dark roast coffee that complements the chocolate's deep flavors and cuts through the cake's sweetness.
  • Elevate with Sweet Wine: Select a dessert wine like Port or a late-harvest Riesling to match the cake's caramel and coconut notes, creating a luxurious dessert experience.
  • Refresh with Creamy Counterpoint: Serve a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cake, allowing its cool, smooth texture to balance the cake's rich, warm flavors and provide a delightful temperature contrast.
  • Nutty Bourbon Sidekick: Pour a smooth bourbon with hints of caramel and vanilla that echoes the cake's flavor profile, enhancing the pecan and coconut elements with its warm, complex character.

Storing German Chocolate Poke Cake Made Easy

  • Store the cake in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring the cake stays moist and fresh.
  • Wrap individual slices or the entire cake in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, preserving its delicious flavor and texture.
  • Remove the cake from the refrigerator 15 minutes before serving. Let it sit at room temperature to soften slightly, maintaining its creamy consistency.
  • Transfer frozen cake to the refrigerator overnight. Allow it to defrost completely before serving, ensuring the best taste and texture.

German Chocolate Poke Cake Questions Answered

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

This poke cake version transforms the classic layer cake into an easier, more moist dessert by adding milk mixtures directly into the cake’s holes, creating a richer, more decadent texture.

  • Can I use a different type of cake mix for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the chocolate cake mix with yellow or devil’s food cake mix. Just ensure the mix quantity remains the same and follow the same preparation steps.

  • How do I know if I've added enough holes to the cake?

Poke holes about 1 inch apart across the entire cake surface, using the handle of a wooden spoon. Ensure the holes are evenly distributed to allow the milk mixture to soak thoroughly.

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Fudge-Filled German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

Fudge-Filled German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x
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Description

Indulgent german chocolate poke cake promises a delightful journey through rich, moist layers infused with caramel and coconut. Chocolate lovers will savor each spoonful of this classic dessert that brings comfort and pure satisfaction to the table.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base:

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

Filling and Topping:

  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce

Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it thoroughly.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix with eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Whisk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
  3. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  4. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly across the entire surface of the warm cake.
  5. Whisk together sweetened condensed milk and coconut milk in a bowl. Slowly pour the mixture over the warm cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
  6. Sprinkle chopped pecans and shredded coconut over the cake, pressing them gently into the milk-soaked surface.
  7. Drizzle caramel sauce evenly across the cake, allowing it to flow into the holes and coat the nuts and coconut.
  8. For the frosting, cream unsalted butter in a stand mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
  9. Pour in heavy cream and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
  10. Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the top, covering the pecan and coconut layer.
  11. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to set.
  12. Before serving, let the cake sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to soften slightly. Slice and enjoy the rich, decadent German Chocolate Poke Cake.

Notes

  • Swap cake mix for gluten-free version to accommodate dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delectable dessert.
  • Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the cake’s texture.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for smoother batter and more even cake consistency, preventing potential lumps or uneven mixing.
  • Experiment with different milk alternatives like coconut or almond milk for unique flavor variations and potential dairy-free adaptation.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 540
  • Sugar: 58 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 65 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg

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Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.

Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

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