German Chocolate Poke Cake

If you’re a fan of rich, chocolatey desserts, then German Chocolate Poke Cake is going to be your new best friend. This dessert combines the decadent, moist layers of a chocolate cake with a creamy coconut-pecan frosting that’s out of this world. It’s everything you love about a German Chocolate Cake—just easier and quicker to make. The “poke” part? It allows the rich frosting to seep into the cake, creating an ultra-moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Imagine biting into soft, chocolatey cake, followed by sweet, creamy coconut-pecan goodness. If that doesn’t sound irresistible, I don’t know what does! Trust me, you’re going to want to make this one again and again.

Why You’ll Love German Chocolate Poke Cake

This German Chocolate Poke Cake isn’t just delicious, it’s the perfect combination of ease and indulgence. Here’s why it’ll be your new go-to dessert:

• Super Easy to Make: No fancy techniques here! This cake is quick, simple, and foolproof. Perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just need a sweet treat for a family dinner, this cake fits the bill.
• Moist and Flavorful: Thanks to the “poke” method, the frosting soaks into the cake, creating a perfectly moist, flavorful dessert that’s sure to impress.
• Crowd-Pleasing: It’s one of those desserts that disappears fast. Kids and adults alike will be lining up for seconds (and thirds!).
• Can Be Made Ahead: The cake keeps really well, so you can bake it a day in advance and still have it taste fresh and delicious.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible German Chocolate Poke Cake:

For the Cake:

• German Chocolate Cake Mix: The shortcut to an easy, delicious base! You can use any quality German chocolate cake mix, or make your own from scratch if you prefer.
• Eggs: To bind everything together and give the cake its fluffy texture.
• Vegetable Oil: To keep the cake moist.
• Water: To thin the batter and help the cake bake evenly.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This adds a rich, creamy sweetness to the cake, making it extra indulgent.

For the Frosting:

• Coconut Flakes: The classic coconut flakes give that sweet, chewy texture to the frosting.
• Pecans: These roasted nuts add crunch and a lovely flavor that pairs perfectly with the coconut and chocolate.
• Butter: For a rich, buttery flavor that helps bind the frosting together.
• Evaporated Milk: Adds creaminess and smoothness to the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla brings everything together.
• Sugar: To sweeten the frosting and balance out the richness of the cake.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into how to make this indulgent German Chocolate Poke Cake:

1. Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish. Prepare the cake mix according to the instructions on the box—usually, this involves mixing the cake mix, eggs, oil, and water until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes.

2. Poke the Cake

Once the cake has cooled slightly, use a fork or the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Be sure to poke all the way down to the bottom, so the frosting can really seep in.

3. Make the Frosting

While the cake is cooling, make the frosting. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, evaporated milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir occasionally until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved. Once the mixture begins to simmer, add in the coconut flakes and chopped pecans. Stir until everything is well combined and the mixture thickens. Let it cook for 3–5 minutes.

4. Pour the Frosting

Pour the warm frosting over the cooled cake, making sure to fill the holes you created with the frosting. Let it settle in the holes and spread out evenly over the surface. The frosting will soak into the cake, making it extra moist.

5. Let It Set

Allow the cake to cool completely before serving. This will give the frosting time to set and the flavors to meld together. You can even refrigerate it for a few hours if you want a cooler, denser texture.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Cut into squares and serve! You’ll get a rich, moist cake with a delightful coconut-pecan topping in every bite. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 360
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrates: 47g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 33g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin D: 2%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 10%
Potassium: 180mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve German Chocolate Poke Cake

German Chocolate Poke Cake is perfect as a stand-alone dessert, but if you want to take it up a notch, try serving it with:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of a warm piece of cake is an irresistible combination.
• Whipped Cream: For an added touch of sweetness, serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
• Fresh Berries: Add a fresh burst of flavor and color with a few strawberries or raspberries on the side.
• Coffee: This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee for the perfect afternoon treat.

Additional Tips

• Cake Mix Substitution: If you prefer, you can make the cake from scratch using a homemade German chocolate cake recipe, but the box mix makes this recipe super quick and easy!
• Let It Cool: Be sure to let the cake cool slightly before poking holes in it to avoid the frosting running off.
• Make it Your Own: Feel free to experiment with the frosting—add more pecans for extra crunch or try adding a bit of cocoa powder to the frosting for an even more chocolatey flavor.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cake will actually get better as it sits!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A1: Yes! This cake stores well, and it’s actually best when it’s made ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld. Make it a day or two before you plan to serve it.

Q2: Can I use regular chocolate cake mix instead of German chocolate?
A2: While it won’t have the same distinctive flavor, you can substitute with regular chocolate cake mix. Just keep in mind the flavor of the frosting is what makes it “German Chocolate.”

Q3: How can I make the frosting thicker?
A3: If you want a thicker frosting, cook it a bit longer until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also reduce the amount of evaporated milk.

Q4: Can I freeze German Chocolate Poke Cake?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftover cake in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep it covered to preserve the moisture and flavor.

Q6: Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?
A6: Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds can be used as a substitute for pecans. The flavor will vary a bit, but it will still be delicious.

Q7: Can I make this cake without coconut?
A7: If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can omit it and simply make a pecan frosting instead. The cake will still be delicious!

Q8: Can I use sweetened coconut flakes instead of unsweetened?
A8: Yes, you can, but just keep in mind that it will add extra sweetness to the frosting, so you may want to reduce the amount of sugar in the frosting slightly.

Q9: What’s the best way to serve this cake?
A9: Serve it chilled or at room temperature. It’s best served after being allowed to sit for a while so the frosting has time to soak into the cake fully.

Q10: Can I double this recipe?
A10: Yes, you can double the recipe! Just use a larger baking dish (like a 10×15-inch pan) and adjust the baking time as needed. You may need to bake a little longer to accommodate the extra batter.

Conclusion

This German Chocolate Poke Cake is a total showstopper with its rich chocolate flavor and luscious coconut-pecan frosting. It’s super easy to make and always a hit at gatherings. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just because, this cake is sure to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. Make it once, and I guarantee you’ll be asked to make it again and again! Enjoy!

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