Hello, cake lovers! If you’re looking for an irresistible, rich, and decadent dessert, you’ve come to the right place! This German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe is loaded with gooey caramel, sweetened condensed milk, a crunchy coconut-pecan topping, and melted chocolate. Each bite is a heavenly combination of textures and flavors that will leave everyone begging for more. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into this indulgent, crowd-pleasing cake!

Introduction

The German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe is inspired by the traditional German chocolate cake but takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness. With its rich chocolate base, creamy filling, and crunchy topping, this cake is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. It’s called a “poke cake” because you poke holes in the cake after baking and fill them with sweetened condensed milk and caramel, making the cake extra moist and flavorful.

This cake is a delightful twist on a classic, combining the signature elements of a German chocolate cake—pecans, coconut, and chocolate—with the easy, fun poke cake method. Not only is it easy to make, but it also looks impressive when served, making it a fantastic dessert for family gatherings, parties, or any special event.

Ingredients

To prepare this comforting German Chocolate Poke Cake, you’ll need:

For the Cake:

1 box of German chocolate cake mix
1 1/3 cups water
½ cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs

the Filling:

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 jar (12 ounces) caramel topping

For the Topping:

1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
½ cup unsalted butter
3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

How to Make German Chocolate Poke Cake

Follow these steps to create your own delicious German Chocolate Poke Cake:

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
Prepare the Cake Batter:
In a large bowl, combine the German chocolate cake mix, water, oil, and eggs. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until smooth.
Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes.
Poke Holes in the Cake:
Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake. These holes will allow the filling to seep in and make the cake super moist.
Make the Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the sweetened condensed milk and caramel topping. Pour the mixture evenly over the cake, making sure it fills all the holes.
Prepare the Coconut-Pecan Topping:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the evaporated milk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, and egg yolks. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 10-12 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and turns a light golden brown. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut.
Add the Topping:
Spread the coconut-pecan mixture evenly over the top of the cake, creating a delicious, crunchy layer.
Add the Chocolate Chips:
While the cake is still warm, sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the top. Allow the chocolate to melt slightly, then spread it out to create a smooth, glossy layer of chocolate.
Cool and Serve:
Let the cake cool completely before serving. Slice into squares and enjoy this indulgent, chocolatey dessert!

Helpful Tips

Poke Cake Tip: When poking holes in the cake, make sure the holes go all the way to the bottom to ensure the filling gets evenly distributed throughout the cake.
Filling Tip: To make the cake even more decadent, you can drizzle extra caramel or chocolate sauce over the top before serving.
Chocolate Chips: For a richer flavor, you can use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. Alternatively, you can mix white chocolate chips with the semi-sweet ones for a bit of contrast.
Nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, feel free to substitute them with walnuts or leave the nuts out entirely if preferred.

Cooking Tips

Baking: Always check the cake for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is done.
Consistency: Stir the topping constantly while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the pan or burning. The mixture should thicken to a spreadable consistency after 10-12 minutes of cooking.
Chilling: If you’re in a hurry, you can pop the cake in the fridge for 20 minutes to speed up the cooling process before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe is delicious on its own, but if you’re looking to elevate it further, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The combination of warm cake and cold ice cream is irresistible!

For a more elegant presentation, garnish each slice with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of extra pecans or coconut. If you’re serving this cake at a party, you can also cut it into bite-sized squares and serve them as individual portions.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional information for this decadent cake:

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 480
Carbohydrates: 58g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
Monounsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 110mg
Sodium: 320mg
Potassium: 150mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 45g
Vitamin A: 10% of daily value
Vitamin C: 0% of daily value
Calcium: 10% of daily value
Iron: 12% of daily value

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigerate:
Store any leftover German Chocolate Poke Cake in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 5 days. The cake tastes even better as the flavors meld together!

Freeze:
You can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. To thaw, simply place the cake in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use homemade caramel instead of jarred?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade caramel, feel free to use it in place of the jarred caramel topping. It will add an extra level of richness and flavor.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake is actually even better when made a day ahead because the flavors have more time to meld. Just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free chocolate cake mix in place of the German chocolate cake mix to make this dessert gluten-free.

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed this German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe, you’ll love these other delicious desserts:

Conclusion

This rich and indulgent German Chocolate Poke Cake is a chocolate lover’s dream come true. With layers of moist cake, gooey filling, crunchy topping, and melted chocolate, each bite is packed with flavor and texture. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, birthday, or just because, this cake is sure to impress.

We hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every delicious bite! Feel free to share your thoughts or any variations you tried. Happy baking!