German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

Irresistible German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Indulging in a decadent german chocolate poke cake promises a sweet adventure that will melt your taste buds.

Layers of moist chocolate delight await with each carefully crafted bite.

Coconut and pecans dance across the surface, creating a symphony of rich flavors.

Creamy caramel seeps into tender cake pockets, promising an irresistible dessert experience.

Comfort and nostalgia blend perfectly in this classic treat that speaks to home baking traditions.

Chocolate lovers will find themselves enchanted by the intricate balance of textures and tastes.

You won’t be able to resist cutting a generous slice and savoring every delightful moment.

German Chocolate Poke Cake Delights

  • Enjoy Crowd-Pleasing Decadence: Savor a dessert that transforms ordinary cake into an extraordinary treat with layers of caramel, coconut, and pecan goodness.
  • Conquer Simple Baking: Master this recipe with basic baking skills, requiring minimal kitchen expertise and standard ingredients anyone can find easily.
  • Create Impressive Dessert: Wow family and friends with a stunning cake that looks professionally made but takes minimal effort to prepare, perfect for gatherings and special occasions.
  • Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adjusting coconut or pecan quantities, or experiment with different caramel sauce brands to match personal taste preferences.

Ingredients For German Chocolate Poke Cake

Cake Base:
  • Cake Mix: A convenient base for creating a moist and delicious chocolate cake.
  • Water: Helps to create a smooth and consistent cake batter.
  • Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and helps to create a tender cake texture.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cake ingredients together.
Caramel Sauce Filling:
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a rich and creamy filling that seeps into the cake.
  • Caramel Sauce: Adds a sweet and decadent flavor to the cake.
Frosting and Topping:
  • Butter: Forms the creamy base of the frosting.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a smooth frosting texture.
  • Milk: Helps to thin and smooth out the frosting.
  • Pecans, Coconut: Add a classic German chocolate cake texture and traditional flavor profile.

How To Make German Chocolate Poke Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Coat a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Cake Batter

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Whisk the ingredients until the batter becomes smooth and free of lumps.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 4: Create Poke Holes

Allow the cake to cool for 5 minutes. Take the handle of a wooden spoon and create evenly spaced holes across the entire cake surface.

Step 5: Prepare Caramel Filling

In a medium bowl, blend:
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Caramel sauce

Whisk the mixture until well combined.

Step 6: Add Caramel Filling

Slowly pour the caramel mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes and spreads evenly.

Step 7: Make Frosting

In a large bowl, cream the butter until smooth. Gradually incorporate:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Remaining caramel sauce

Mix until the frosting reaches a creamy consistency.

Step 8: Add Topping Ingredients

Gently fold into the frosting:
  • Chopped pecans
  • Shredded coconut

Step 9: Frost the Cake

Spread the frosting generously over the entire cake surface, creating an even layer.

Step 10: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cake for 1-2 hours to allow flavors to meld and frosting to set. Slice and serve chilled.

Tips For German Chocolate Poke Cake

  • Poke with Precision: Use the end of a wooden spoon to create uniform holes across the cake, ensuring even caramel sauce distribution.
  • Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool for at least 5 minutes before adding caramel sauce to prevent soggy texture and maintain structural integrity.
  • Prevent Dry Edges: Cover the cake loosely with foil while baking to keep the edges moist and prevent overcooking.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast pecans before adding to frosting to intensify their nutty flavor and provide a richer taste profile.
  • Chill for Best Results: Refrigerate the cake for the full 1-2 hours to let flavors meld and allow frosting to set perfectly, creating a more delectable dessert experience.

Variations For German Chocolate Poke Cake

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace sweetened condensed milk with coconut milk and use dairy-free butter alternative for frosting.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional cake mix with gluten-free cake mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Nutless Version: Eliminate pecans completely or substitute with toasted sunflower seeds for similar crunch and texture.
  • Chocolate Lover's Remix: Add extra chocolate chips into cake batter and drizzle additional chocolate sauce over finished cake for intense chocolate experience.

Pairing Suggestions For German Chocolate Poke Cake

  • Elevate Sweet Beverage Companion: Rich, smooth cold milk creates the perfect counterpoint to the decadent German Chocolate Poke Cake, cutting through its sweet intensity and refreshing the palate.
  • Complementary Wine Selection: Choose a medium-bodied dessert wine like Moscato d'Asti, whose subtle sweetness and light effervescence beautifully harmonizes with the cake's caramel and coconut notes.
  • Espresso Pairing Magic: A shot of robust espresso or strong black coffee balances the cake's sweetness, providing a bold contrast that enhances the dessert's rich chocolate and nutty flavors.
  • Gourmet Garnish Boost: Sprinkle extra toasted pecans or a light dusting of cocoa powder alongside the cake to intensify its textural complexity and add an elegant finishing touch.

Storage Advice For German Chocolate Poke Cake

  • Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Keep the cake at room temperature for up to 2 days if covered with a cake dome or plastic wrap. Ensure it's in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. For best texture, let the cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the frosting.

FAQs On German Chocolate Poke Cake

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

This recipe is a modern twist that transforms the classic cake into a poke cake, allowing caramel and condensed milk to soak into the cake, creating a more moist and flavorful dessert.

  • Can I use a homemade cake mix instead of a boxed mix?

Yes, you can use a homemade chocolate cake batter, but ensure the consistency is similar to a boxed mix for the best results.

  • Is this cake too sweet?

The combination of caramel, condensed milk, and frosting can be quite sweet. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of caramel sauce or use unsweetened coconut.

  • How can I make this cake gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure all other ingredients like caramel sauce are gluten-free certified.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes to 2 hours
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent german chocolate poke cake promises a delightful journey through rich, chocolatey layers infused with sweet caramel. Creamy coconut frosting and nutty pecans crown this irresistible dessert, ensuring pure bliss with each delectable bite you savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 box German chocolate cake mix
  • 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) water
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs

Filling and Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 can (14 ounces/396 grams) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) caramel sauce
  • 1 cup (100 grams) chopped pecans
  • 1 cup (80 grams) sweetened shredded coconut

Frosting Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480 grams) powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs until the batter is smooth and well-integrated.
  3. Transfer cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly, and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
  4. Remove cake from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes, maintaining slight warmth.
  5. Create caramel-condensed milk mixture by whisking sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce until uniformly combined.
  6. Using a wooden spoon handle, puncture systematic holes across the cake surface at consistent 1-inch intervals.
  7. Carefully pour caramel mixture over cake, ensuring even distribution into all created holes.
  8. In a separate mixing bowl, cream butter until light and fluffy, then gradually incorporate powdered sugar, milk, and remaining caramel sauce.
  9. Gently fold chopped pecans and shredded coconut into the frosting mixture.
  10. Spread frosting comprehensively across the entire cake surface, covering all areas evenly.
  11. Refrigerate cake for 1-2 hours to allow flavors to meld and frosting to set.
  12. Slice and serve chilled, enjoying the rich, decadent German Chocolate Poke Cake.

Notes

  • Ensure cake mix is at room temperature for smoother batter consistency.
  • Poke holes carefully and consistently to allow caramel sauce to penetrate evenly throughout the cake.
  • Use unsalted butter for better control of frosting sweetness and prevent over-salting.
  • For gluten-free version, swap regular cake mix with gluten-free alternative and check ingredient compatibility.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 460 kcal
  • Sugar: 40 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star