Irresistible German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe For Sweet Tooths

Sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen dance through my mind whenever german chocolate poke cake appears on the table.

Creamy coconut and rich chocolate layers promise a delightful dessert adventure.

Soft cake punctured with decadent filling creates an irresistible texture that melts in your mouth.

Chocolate lovers will swoon over this classic southern treat that combines traditional flavors with modern baking techniques.

Pecans and coconut frosting add delightful crunch and complexity to each delectable bite.

Simple ingredients come together to craft a memorable dessert that sparks conversation and brings smiles.

Prepare to indulge in a slice of pure comfort that will have everyone asking for seconds.

How To Store German Chocolate Poke Cake Right

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to prevent drying out and absorbing other fridge odors.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep the cake covered at room temperature for 1-2 days maximum. Ensure it's in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Cut individual slices and wrap separately in plastic wrap for easy grab-and-go portions. Store in the refrigerator for convenient snacking.

Popular Questions On German Chocolate Poke Cake

A poke cake is a dessert where you bake a cake and then poke holes in it to allow extra ingredients like milk, caramel, or other sauces to seep into the cake, making it extra moist and flavorful.

• Why use sweetened condensed milk in this recipe?

Sweetened condensed milk adds richness, moisture, and a creamy sweetness that helps the cake become more decadent and prevents it from drying out.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake actually tastes better when made in advance. Refrigerating for at least 4 hours allows the flavors to blend and the cake to absorb all the delicious toppings.

What’s Special About German Chocolate Poke Cake

• Unlock Indulgent Flavors: Dive into a decadent dessert that combines rich German chocolate cake with creamy caramel and sweet condensed milk, creating a mouthwatering symphony of tastes.
• Simplify Baking Experience: Use a boxed cake mix and minimal ingredients to transform an ordinary dessert into an extraordinary treat that looks and tastes like a professional bakery creation.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and celebrations, this cake impresses guests with its stunning presentation and irresistible combination of textures and flavors.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert in advance and let it chill, allowing the flavors to meld together, making it a stress-free option for busy hosts who want a delicious dessert without last-minute preparation.

Must-Have Items For German Chocolate Poke Cake

• German Chocolate Cake Mix: A classic chocolate cake mix with rich cocoa flavor that forms the foundation of this dessert.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk, Caramel Topping: These sweet liquids seep into the cake, creating a moist and decadent texture that enhances the overall flavor.

• Whipped Topping, Shredded Coconut, Chopped Pecans: These ingredients add a creamy, tropical, and nutty dimension to the cake, providing a delightful contrast in texture and taste.

Steps To Make German Chocolate Poke Cake

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake

Mix and bake the German chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions. Use a rectangular baking pan to ensure even cooking and easy serving later.

Step 2: Create Cake Holes

Once the cake comes out of the oven, let it cool slightly until warm. Use the handle end of a wooden spoon to poke evenly spaced holes across the entire surface of the cake. Make sure the holes are deep enough to allow liquid to penetrate.

Step 3: Drench with Creamy Milk

Slowly pour sweetened condensed milk over the warm cake, ensuring the liquid seeps into every hole. The warm cake will help absorb the milk, creating a rich and moist texture.

Step 4: Add Caramel Goodness

Drizzle caramel topping generously over the cake, allowing it to flow into the holes. The combination of condensed milk and caramel will create a decadent, gooey interior.

Step 5: Layer with Fluffy Topping

Carefully spread whipped topping across the entire cake surface. Use a spatula to create an even, smooth layer that covers all the previous additions.

Step 6: Sprinkle Delightful Toppings

• Shredded coconut
• Chopped pecans

Distribute the toppings evenly to ensure each slice gets a perfect mix of textures and flavors.

Step 7: Chill and Set

Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. This resting time allows the flavors to blend and the cake to absorb all the delicious liquid, creating a moist and irresistible dessert.

Tips For German Chocolate Poke Cake Perfection

• Create perfectly even holes by using the handle end of a wooden spoon, pressing gently to avoid tearing the cake.
• Select full-fat sweetened condensed milk for maximum richness and a more decadent flavor profile.
• Keep cake refrigerated for up to 3 days, ensuring it stays moist and delicious by covering with plastic wrap.
• For gluten-free version, swap regular cake mix with gluten-free German chocolate cake mix and check all topping ingredients.
• Toast coconut and pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add an extra layer of depth to the dessert.

Fun Takes On German Chocolate Poke Cake

• Tropical Paradise Cake: Replace caramel topping with pineapple sauce and swap pecans for toasted macadamia nuts, creating a Hawaiian-inspired dessert.
• Chocolate Mocha Lover's Cake: Substitute sweetened condensed milk with coffee liqueur and sprinkle chocolate-covered espresso beans on top for intense coffee flavor.
• Salted Caramel Dream Cake: Drizzle additional salted caramel sauce over whipped topping and add crushed toffee bits for extra crunch and rich caramel notes.
• Berry Chocolate Fusion Cake: Pour raspberry sauce into holes instead of caramel, top with fresh berries and white chocolate shavings for a fruity chocolate experience.

Pairing German Chocolate Poke Cake With Treats

• Savor Complementary Flavor Pairings
• Elevate Coconut Coffee Companion: Brew a rich, medium-roast Colombian coffee with hints of chocolate to mirror the cake's tropical and nutty undertones, creating a harmonious taste experience.
• Match Dessert Wine Delight: Select a sweet Pedro Ximénez sherry from Spain, which offers deep caramel notes and intense sweetness that beautifully complements the cake's rich layers and caramel drizzle.
• Enhance Nutty Liqueur Pairing: Pour a smooth amaretto liqueur with its almond essence, perfectly echoing the pecan and coconut textures while adding a subtle warmth to each delectable bite.

German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet layers of German chocolate cake invite indulgence with rich pudding and coconut frosting. Chocolate lovers discover a dreamy dessert that whisks you through delightful textures and classic flavor combinations.

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Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients:

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

Filling and Topping Ingredients:

• 1 can (14 ounces / 397 grams) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 jar (about 12 ounces / 340 grams) caramel ice cream topping
• 1 container (8 ounces / 226 grams) whipped topping

Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded coconut
• 1 cup (100 grams) chopped pecans

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Instructions

1. Mix and bake the German chocolate cake at recommended temperature according to package instructions.
2. Once the cake emerges from the oven while still warm, methodically create numerous holes across the entire surface using the rounded end of a wooden spoon.
3. Gently cascade sweetened condensed milk over the cake, ensuring the liquid penetrates completely into the prepared holes.
4. Drizzle caramel topping generously, allowing it to seep deeply into the cake’s punctured landscape.
5. Carefully spread a smooth, even layer of whipped topping across the entire cake surface, covering the milk and caramel layers.
6. Artfully scatter shredded coconut and roughly chopped pecans over the whipped topping, creating a textured and visually appealing finish.
7. Transfer the cake to the refrigerator and allow it to chill for a minimum of 4 hours, enabling the flavors to harmonize and the texture to stabilize before serving.

Notes

• Ensure cake is slightly warm when poking holes to maximize liquid absorption and enhance flavor penetration.
• Select high-quality sweetened condensed milk and caramel topping for richer, more indulgent taste profile.
• Create dairy-free version by substituting whipped topping with coconut cream and using alternative milk-based condensed milk.
• Toast pecans and coconut beforehand to intensify nutty, caramelized undertones and add extra crunch to the dessert.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg