Sweet German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe Everyone Will Love

Sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen dance through my german chocolate poke cake, promising pure delight in every single bite.

Creamy coconut and rich chocolate swirl together in a decadent dessert that melts hearts instantly.

Layers of moist cake absorb silky caramel, creating a magical texture that surprises with each forkful.

Pecans add a delightful crunch, complementing the smooth, velvety filling that seeps into every delicate crevice.

Drizzled with homemade chocolate sauce, this treat becomes more than just a dessert, it’s an experience of comfort and joy.

Weekend gatherings or quiet afternoons call for this indulgent masterpiece that connects generations through one incredible slice.

Why German Chocolate Poke Cake Is Beloved

• Savor the Simplicity: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe a breeze for bakers of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, and celebrations where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Sweet Twist on Tradition: Classic German chocolate flavors transformed into a moist, caramel-infused poke cake that offers a delightful modern dessert experience.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows for personal touches like extra caramel drizzle or different nut variations to suit individual preferences.

What’s Inside German Chocolate Poke Cake

• Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides the essential structure and flavor for the cake.
• Water: Helps to create a smooth and consistent cake batter.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and helps to create a tender cake texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide richness to the cake.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a rich, sweet base for the caramel mixture.
• Caramel Sauce: Adds deep, sweet caramel flavor and helps to moisten the cake.

• Butter: Provides a creamy base for the frosting and adds richness.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Milk: Helps to achieve the right consistency for the frosting.
• Pecans, Shredded Coconut: Add texture, crunch, and traditional German chocolate cake flavor.

How to Make German Chocolate Poke Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350F. Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Base

• Cake mix
• Water
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs

Whisk the ingredients until the batter becomes smooth and lump-free.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan.

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

Step 4: Create the Caramel Infusion

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Caramel sauce

Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform.

Step 5: Perforate the Cake

After removing the cake from the oven, let it cool for 5 minutes.

Using the handle of a wooden spoon, create holes across the cake surface at 1-inch intervals.

Step 6: Drench with Caramel

Slowly pour the caramel mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into every hole for maximum flavor absorption.

Step 7: Whip Up the Frosting

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Remaining caramel sauce

Mix until the frosting becomes silky and spreadable.

Step 8: Add Crunchy Goodness

• Chopped pecans
• Shredded coconut

Distribute evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 9: Frost with Flair

Spread the frosting generously over the entire cake surface, creating a smooth and even layer.

Step 10: Chill and Delight

Refrigerate the cake for 1-2 hours to allow flavors to meld and frosting to set. Slice, serve, and savor every decadent bite!

Tips for Better German Chocolate Poke Cake

• Ensure your cake mix is at room temperature for smoother blending and consistent texture.
• Create deeper holes in the cake for more caramel absorption, using a fork or the handle of a wooden spoon.
• Toast pecans before adding to the frosting for enhanced nutty flavor and crunchier texture.
• Check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick in multiple spots to guarantee even baking.
• Refrigerate cake for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and frosting to set perfectly.

Ideas to Twist German Chocolate Poke Cake

• Gluten-Free German Chocolate Poke Cake: Replace traditional cake mix with a gluten-free alternative, ensuring those with celiac disease can enjoy this sweet treat.
• Dairy-Free Chocolate Poke Cake: Swap sweetened condensed milk with coconut milk and use dairy-free butter alternatives for a lactose-intolerant friendly version.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Poke Cake: Utilize sugar-free cake mix, replace caramel sauce with sugar-free caramel syrup, and use stevia or monk fruit sweetener in frosting.
• Vegan German Chocolate Poke Cake: Substitute eggs with applesauce, use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and replace condensed milk with coconut cream for a completely plant-based dessert.

Top Pairings for German Chocolate Poke Cake

• Pair with Creamy Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop a generous portion of rich, velvety vanilla bean ice cream alongside each slice to complement the cake's caramel and chocolate flavors.
• Complement with Robust Coffee: Brew a strong, dark roast coffee or espresso that cuts through the cake's sweetness and enhances its deep chocolate notes.
• Match with Caramel Liqueur: Serve a small glass of smooth caramel liqueur to echo the cake's caramel undertones and provide a luxurious adult beverage pairing.
• Enhance with Toasted Pecans: Sprinkle additional toasted pecan pieces around the plate to intensify the nutty dimension and provide a delightful textural contrast.

Best Way to Store 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 entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Cut individual slices, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.

Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to restore optimal texture and flavor.

FAQs

• Is this an authentic German chocolate cake?

No, this is an American-style adaptation inspired by German chocolate cake flavors, which traditionally features a coconut-pecan frosting created by an American baker named Sam German.

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

Yes, you can substitute with a homemade chocolate cake batter. Just ensure the liquid measurements are similar to maintain the right cake consistency.

• What if I don't have caramel sauce?

You can make a simple caramel sauce at home using sugar, butter, and cream, or substitute with dulce de leche for a similar sweet, rich flavor.

• How do I know how deep to poke the holes in the cake?

Use the end of a wooden spoon and poke holes about 1-2 inches apart, going almost to the bottom of the cake but not piercing through completely.

German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 53 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent German Chocolate Poke Cake brings rich coconut and chocolate layers dancing together in a sweet symphony. Chocolate drizzles and creamy frosting create a dessert that promises pure comfort with each delectable bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base:

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

Caramel and Filling Ingredients:

• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 1/2 cups caramel sauce (1 cup for mixture, 1/2 cup for frosting)

Topping and Frosting Ingredients:

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

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Blend cake mix with water, vegetable oil, and eggs using an electric mixer until the batter appears smooth and uniform.
3. Transfer cake mixture into prepared pan, ensuring even distribution, and bake for approximately 33 minutes until a test skewer emerges clean.
4. During baking, whisk sweetened condensed milk with caramel sauce in a separate bowl until the mixture becomes silky and well-integrated.
5. Allow cake to rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven, then create systematic holes using a wooden spoon handle at consistent intervals.
6. Gradually drizzle caramel-condensed milk mixture across cake surface, encouraging liquid to seep into created perforations.
7. Cream butter until light and fluffy, then incrementally incorporate powdered sugar, additional caramel sauce, and milk to develop a spreadable frosting consistency.
8. Gently fold chopped pecans and shredded coconut into prepared frosting, distributing ingredients evenly.
9. Meticulously spread frosting across entire cake surface, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
10. Refrigerate cake for 1-2 hours to allow flavors to meld and frosting to set before serving chilled.

Notes

• Make sure to let the cake cool slightly before poking holes to prevent crumbling and ensure even caramel absorption.
• For a lighter version, substitute vegetable oil with applesauce and use low-fat sweetened condensed milk to reduce calories.
• Toast the pecans and coconut beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the cake’s overall taste profile.
• Create a gluten-free option by using a gluten-free cake mix and ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 33 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 485 kcal
• Sugar: 45 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg