Description

The German Chocolate Poke Cake is a rich, decadent dessert that combines the flavors of a classic German chocolate cake with the indulgent texture of a poke cake. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or holidays, this cake is the ultimate choice. The chocolate cake base is poked and soaked with a sweet, caramel-coconut filling, making every bite moist and flavorful. Topped with a luscious whipped chocolate frosting, this cake offers layers of indulgence in every slice.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients List

For the best results, use fresh ingredients and measure everything carefully. Here’s what you’ll need for each component of the German Chocolate Poke Cake:

For the Cake:

1 box German chocolate cake mix (or use a homemade chocolate cake recipe)
1 ¼ cups water
½ cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs

For the Filling:

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 jar (12 oz) caramel sauce
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup chopped pecans

For the Frosting:

1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
½ cup heavy cream

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Instructions

Step-by-step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create the ultimate German Chocolate Poke Cake. Each step ensures that the cake comes out moist, flavorful, and perfectly frosted.

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the German chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Bake according to the package instructions or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30-35 minutes.

Step 2: Poke the Cake

Once the cake is baked and still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes all over the cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart. The holes should go all the way to the bottom to allow the filling to penetrate the entire cake.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce until fully combined.
Slowly pour the filling over the warm cake, making sure it fills the holes. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly across the top of the cake.
Sprinkle the shredded coconut and chopped pecans evenly over the cake.

Step 4: Let the Cake Set

Allow the cake to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This step helps the filling soak into the cake and sets the structure before frosting.

Notes

Additional Tips and Notes

Serving Ideas: For a polished presentation, garnish your German Chocolate Poke Cake with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a drizzle of chocolate ganache. You can also add a few whole pecans or coconut flakes on top to highlight the flavors inside.
Chilling the Cake: While this cake is delicious at room temperature, chilling it in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight allows the flavors to meld and the filling to set, making it even more enjoyable.
Customizing the Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings. Consider adding a layer of cream cheese frosting, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a layer of caramel sauce for an extra decadent treat.