Irresistible German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen dance through my mind when I think about this decadent german chocolate poke cake that always brings smiles.

Chocolatey layers promise pure comfort and deliciousness waiting to surprise you.

Moist cake infused with rich caramel and creamy coconut creates a dessert that feels like a warm hug.

Condensed milk seeps into every delightful crevice, making each bite more irresistible than the last.

Coconut pecan frosting adds a luxurious touch that turns an ordinary cake into something extraordinary.

Home bakers love how simple yet impressive this recipe becomes with just a few clever techniques.

Prepare to experience a dessert that will make everyone ask for seconds and beg for your secret.

Everything You’ll Need For German Chocolate Poke Cake

• Yellow Cake Mix: A convenient base that ensures a consistent and fluffy cake texture.
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the cake batter.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and helps create a tender cake crumb.
• Water: Helps blend the cake mix ingredients smoothly.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a rich, sweet layer that soaks into the cake.
• Caramel Sauce: Adds a deep, buttery sweetness to the cake.
• Shredded Coconut, Chopped Pecans: Provide a traditional German chocolate cake texture and nutty flavor.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a smooth, creamy base for the chocolate frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps stabilize the frosting.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers a rich chocolate flavor to the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the frosting.

How To Put Together German Chocolate Poke Cake

Step 1: Prepare Cake Batter and Bake

Mix all cake ingredients in a large mixing bowl until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.

• Cake mix
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Water

Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 2: Create Poke Cake Texture

Let the cake cool for 10 minutes. Use the handle of a wooden spoon to create deep, even holes across the entire surface of the cake.

Step 3: Soak and Layer Cake

Slowly pour sweetened condensed milk over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Drizzle caramel sauce generously across the milk-soaked cake.

Step 4: Add Coconut and Pecan Topping

Sprinkle an even layer of shredded coconut and chopped pecans over the cake.

Step 5: Prepare Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy and well combined. Gradually add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 6: Frost and Chill the Cake

Spread the chocolate cream cheese frosting evenly over the cake, completely covering the coconut and pecan layer. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and the cake to set.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the chilled German chocolate poke cake and serve, savoring its rich and decadent flavors.

Tips To Make German Chocolate Poke Cake Even Better

• Prevent Dry Cake: Ensure precise mixing of ingredients and avoid overbaking to maintain moisture in your cake.
• Maximize Flavor Absorption: Poke holes generously and slowly pour sweetened condensed milk to help cake soak up maximum flavor.
• Select Quality Ingredients: Use fresh eggs, high-quality cocoa powder, and real vanilla extract for a rich, authentic taste.
• Perfect Frosting Technique: Beat cream cheese and butter until ultra-smooth to prevent lumpy frosting consistency.
• Chill for Best Results: Allow cake to refrigerate for at least 2 hours, enabling flavors to blend and texture to set perfectly.

Tasty Twists For German Chocolate Poke Cake

• Tropical Paradise Edition: Replace caramel sauce with passion fruit syrup, swap pecans for macadamia nuts, and add toasted coconut flakes for extra crunch.
• Mocha Lovers' Version: Mix espresso powder into cake batter, use coffee-flavored condensed milk, drizzle chocolate ganache instead of caramel, and sprinkle dark chocolate shavings on top.
• Salted Caramel Crunch: Incorporate sea salt into caramel drizzle, add crushed toffee bits between layers, and use salted caramel cream cheese frosting for an indulgent upgrade.
• Nutty Chocolate Blast: Mix chopped almonds and hazelnut liqueur into cake batter, use Nutella as additional drizzle, and garnish with chocolate-covered hazelnuts for intense flavor complexity.

Top Matches For German Chocolate Poke Cake

• Pair Rich Cocoa with Bold Coffee: Select a strong, dark roast coffee with nutty undertones that complements the cake's chocolate and caramel layers, cutting through the sweetness while enhancing the dessert's deep flavor profile.
• Create Sweet Wine Harmony: Choose a late-harvest Riesling or a port wine, which offers honeyed notes that beautifully match the cake's coconut and caramel elements, providing a luxurious drinking experience.
• Match Creamy Textures with Smooth Beverages: Serve cold milk or a creamy bourbon-based cocktail to balance the cake's rich frosting and provide a velvety counterpoint to its dense, decadent texture.

How To Store German Chocolate Poke Cake The Right Way

• Place cooled cake in an airtight container, covering top completely with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Keep cake refrigerated for up to 5 days, maintaining its moisture and delicious flavor profile by storing in the original baking pan with tight plastic wrap.
• Wrap individual cake slices or entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for storage up to 3 months.
• Transfer frozen cake to refrigerator 24 hours before serving, allowing slow and gentle defrosting to preserve texture and prevent moisture loss.

German Chocolate Poke Cake Questions Answered

• What is a poke cake?

A poke cake is a dessert where holes are made in a baked cake and then filled with various sauces, milks, or puddings to create extra moisture and flavor throughout the cake.

• Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, you can substitute the chocolate cake mix with other flavors like yellow or white cake mix, but the overall taste will change slightly from the traditional German chocolate version.

• How do I know if I'm poking the holes correctly?

Use the handle of a wooden spoon to create deep, even holes across the entire cake surface. The holes should be about 1/2 inch apart and go almost to the bottom of the cake.

• Is this recipe difficult for beginner bakers?

No, this recipe is quite simple and straightforward.

Why German Chocolate Poke Cake Is A Fan Favorite

• Craft Dessert Easily: This German chocolate poke cake transforms baking into a simple, stress-free experience for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Impress Guests Instantly: The luxurious layers of caramel, condensed milk, coconut, and pecans create a stunning dessert that looks professionally made with minimal effort.
• Customize Your Celebration: Perfect for potlucks, birthdays, family gatherings, or weekend treats, this cake adapts to any social occasion with its crowd-pleasing flavor profile.
• Maximize Flavor Potential: Deep holes in the cake allow sweetened condensed milk and caramel to penetrate every bite, guaranteeing a moist, rich dessert that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Treasure German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Rich German chocolate poke cake delivers a decadent twist on classic dessert traditions. Moist chocolate layers infused with caramel and coconut create a luxurious experience you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base:

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

Filling and Topping:

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 jar (16 oz) caramel sauce
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Frosting:

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly.
2. Combine cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water in a large mixing bowl, blending until smooth and uniform.
3. Pour cake batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Remove cake from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
6. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke deep holes evenly across the entire cake surface.
7. Slowly pour sweetened condensed milk over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
8. Drizzle caramel sauce generously over the milk-soaked cake.
9. Sprinkle shredded coconut and chopped pecans across the top, creating an even layer.
10. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy and well combined.
11. Gradually add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract, mixing until frosting is smooth.
12. Spread frosting evenly over the cake, covering the coconut and pecan layer completely.
13. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and cake to set.
14. Slice and serve chilled, enjoying the rich, decadent German chocolate poke cake.

Notes

• Toasting pecans beforehand intensifies their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the cake’s texture.
• Ensure cake is completely cooled before poking holes to prevent structural breakdown and maintain perfect moisture absorption.
• Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for smoother, lump-free frosting that spreads effortlessly across the cake surface.
• Consider using gluten-free cake mix and swap regular milk for coconut milk to create a delicious gluten-free and dairy-free version of this indulgent dessert.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 45 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg