German Chocolate Poke Cake

Introduction

When I first made this German Chocolate Poke Cake, I knew I had found something truly special. This cake is rich, decadent, and the perfect combination of chocolate, caramel, and coconut. The sweetened condensed milk poured over the warm cake creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is both indulgent and comforting. The frosting, made with caramel sauce, butter, powdered sugar, and the crunch of pecans and coconut, adds a creamy finish that takes this cake to the next level. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, yet it tastes like something from a professional bakery. When I served it to my family, they were in awe. Every bite was filled with layers of flavor, and the cake quickly became a new favorite in our home. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s sure to wow your guests, this German Chocolate Poke Cake is a must-try!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 box of German chocolate cake mix
• 1 1/2 cups of water
• 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs

For the Caramel Sauce Mixture:

• 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup of caramel sauce

For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup of butter, softened
• 4 cups of powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup of milk
• 1/2 cup of caramel sauce
• 1 cup of chopped pecans
• 1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. In a large mixing bowl, combine the German chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat the mixture until it is well combined and smooth.
2. Bake the Cake:
   Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and bake it for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Once done, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes.
3. Prepare the Caramel Sauce Mixture:
   While the cake is cooling, in a medium mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and 1/2 cup of caramel sauce. Whisk the mixture together until smooth and well combined.
4. Poke Holes in the Cake:
   Using the end of a wooden spoon or a similar tool, poke holes in the cake at 1-inch intervals. Make sure to poke deep enough to allow the caramel mixture to seep into the cake.
5. Pour the Caramel Sauce Mixture Over the Cake:
   Slowly pour the caramel sauce mixture over the cake, making sure to spread it evenly so that it soaks into all the holes. Allow the cake to absorb the caramel mixture for a few minutes.
6. Prepare the Frosting:
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it is creamy and smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, milk, and the remaining 1/2 cup of caramel sauce. Continue mixing until the frosting is smooth and well combined.
7. Add the Pecans and Coconut:
   Fold in the chopped pecans and shredded coconut into the frosting mixture. This adds a nice crunch and texture to the cake.
8. Frost the Cake:
   Spread the frosting evenly over the cake, making sure to cover it completely. The frosting should be thick and creamy, so don’t worry if it’s a bit messy—it’ll look delicious no matter what!
9. Chill the Cake:
   Place the cake in the refrigerator and let it chill for 1-2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes the cake easier to slice.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
    After chilling, slice the cake and serve it. Enjoy the rich, decadent flavors of this German Chocolate Poke Cake!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Servings: 12
• Calories per serving: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 45 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: 12 servings

How to Serve

• As a Dessert for Dinner Parties:
  This German Chocolate Poke Cake is perfect for serving at dinner parties, family gatherings, or potlucks. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser and will have everyone asking for the recipe!
• With Ice Cream:
  For an extra indulgent treat, serve each slice of cake with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The creaminess of the ice cream pairs beautifully with the rich, caramel-infused cake.
• For Afternoon Tea or Coffee:
  Enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee or tea for a mid-afternoon treat. The combination of caramel, coconut, and pecans will elevate your coffee break to a whole new level.
• With Whipped Cream:
  If you want to add an extra layer of indulgence, top each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or whipped topping. This makes the cake even creamier and more delightful.

Additional Tips

1. Ensure the Cake is Fully Cooled:
   Let the cake cool for at least 5 minutes before poking the holes. If the cake is too hot, the caramel sauce may not soak in properly.
2. Make Sure to Use Sweetened Condensed Milk:
   Use sweetened condensed milk in this recipe—not evaporated milk. The sweetness of the condensed milk is what makes the cake so deliciously moist.
3. Use Room Temperature Ingredients:
   For the best texture, make sure the cream cheese and butter for the frosting are softened to room temperature. This will help the frosting come together smoothly without lumps.
4. Add Extra Caramel Sauce:
   If you love caramel, feel free to drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top of the cake before serving. This extra touch will make the cake even richer and more flavorful.
5. Make It Ahead of Time:
   This cake actually gets better the longer it sits. You can make it the day before and refrigerate it overnight. The flavors will meld together beautifully, and it will be even more delicious when served the next day.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Poke Cake:
  If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute the German chocolate cake mix with regular chocolate cake mix for a delicious chocolate poke cake.
• Add More Toppings:
  Add a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of hot fudge over the frosting for extra flavor and texture.
• Nuts-Free Version:
  If you or your guests have nut allergies, you can omit the pecans and still have a delicious, crunchy topping with the coconut and caramel.
• Coconut-Free Version:
  If you’re not a fan of coconut, feel free to omit it from the frosting and use extra chopped pecans or even crushed graham crackers instead.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Cup of Coffee or Tea:
  The rich and sweet flavors of this cake go perfectly with a cup of coffee, espresso, or a hot cup of tea.
• On Special Occasions:
  Serve this cake at birthdays, holidays, or any celebration. Its decadent flavor and beautiful appearance make it the perfect treat for special occasions.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing Leftovers:
  You can freeze leftover cake for up to 2-3 months. Slice the cake and wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Storing in the Refrigerator:
  If you have leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure it’s well covered to maintain its moisture and freshness.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different cake mix for this recipe?
   Yes, you can use a regular chocolate cake mix, but German chocolate cake mix gives it a unique flavor that complements the caramel and coconut toppings.
2. Can I make the frosting without butter?
   The frosting relies on butter for texture and flavor. If you need a dairy-free option, you could try using a dairy-free butter substitute.
3. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
   Yes, you can use a gluten-free cake mix to make this cake gluten-free. Be sure to check that the other ingredients, such as the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce, are also gluten-free.
4. How can I make the cake more caramel-flavored?
   For a more pronounced caramel flavor, add extra caramel sauce into the cake mix or drizzle it on top of the finished cake.
5. Can I use homemade caramel sauce?
   Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce works wonderfully in this recipe. Just ensure that it’s smooth and pourable for the best results.
6. Is there a substitute for sweetened condensed milk?
   If you don’t have sweetened condensed milk, you can try making a homemade version by simmering regular milk with sugar until thick

ened, though it may not be as sweet.

7. How do I prevent the cake from cracking?
   Be sure to bake the cake gently and allow it to cool slowly. The water bath helps to prevent cracking in the cake, and letting it rest with the oven door cracked open will also help.
8. Can I make this cake in advance?
   Yes, this cake is even better the next day. You can make it ahead of time, chill it overnight, and it will be ready to serve when you need it.
9. How do I serve the cake?
   Slice the cake into squares and serve it chilled. It’s even better with extra caramel sauce or whipped cream on top.
10. Can I add fruit to this cake?
    Yes, you can add fresh fruit such as sliced bananas, strawberries, or raspberries as a topping for a fresh contrast to the rich caramel flavor.

Conclusion

German Chocolate Poke Cake is a rich, indulgent dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its combination of moist chocolate cake, creamy caramel, crunchy pecans, and coconut, it’s a dessert that’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Easy to make yet full of flavor, this cake is a winner every time. Whether you’re serving it for a special celebration or as a weeknight treat, this German Chocolate Poke Cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

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