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If there’s a dessert that gets our family buzzing with excitement, it’s this German Chocolate Poke Cake. Honestly, it’s like a hug in cake form—rich chocolate cake soaked in a sweet coconut-pecan frosting that’s so good you’d want to take a bath in it (but maybe just stick to eating it).
I whip this up for birthdays, random Tuesday nights, or whenever I need a quick pick-me-up, and it never fails to bring smiles and fork clinking to the table. Plus, the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make, which means I can save my sanity while still being the cool mom with the dessert game on point! Serve it up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got a simple yet decadent treat that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This German Chocolate Poke Cake
Brace yourselves, dessert lovers, because this German Chocolate Poke Cake is about to steal the spotlight at your next family gathering! Here’s why you absolutely need to make this cake:
Decadent Layers of Flavor: This cake isn’t just your average chocolate dessert. With rich chocolate cake soaked in luscious coconut-pecan frosting, it’s like a party in your mouth. Every bite is a generous hug of sweetness!
Effortlessly Simple: Don’t let the fancy name fool you—this cake is as easy as it gets. We’re talking about boxed cake mix coming to the rescue! Just poke, fill, and frost—no culinary degree required!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, a holiday, or just a Thursday that needs a little cheering up, this German Chocolate Poke Cake fits the bill. Trust me, everyone will want a slice (or two… who am I kidding?).
Make-Ahead Magic: You can prep this cake ahead of time. Just let it chill in the fridge until you’re ready to serve, which is a total lifesaver for busy nights. I like to whip it up after dinner and let it work its magic overnight!
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: My kids (including the picky one) couldn’t resist this cake. It’s a guaranteed hit that will have everyone going back for seconds—Max even tried to sneak a bite!
So grab that boxed cake mix and let’s get poking! This German Chocolate Poke Cake is about to become your new go-to sweet treat.
Ingredients for German Chocolate Poke Cake
Ready to whip up a delightful German chocolate poke cake? Grab these simple ingredients that’ll have your taste buds dancing in no time!
- German chocolate cake mix: The base of our cake and a total time-saver! Just follow the package instructions—because who has extra time for scratch baking?
- Eggs: Essential for binding everything together and giving the cake that lovely structure. Usually, you’re looking at 3 large eggs.
- Water: Just enough to keep the batter at that perfect consistency. It’s super important—don’t skip it!
- Oil: A little vegetable or canola oil adds moisture and richness. No one wants a dry cake, am I right?
- Sweetened condensed milk: This is your secret weapon! Poking holes in the cake and pouring this over gives that amazing gooey texture. Trust me, it’s dreamy.
- Coconut flakes: Go for sweetened for that chewy texture and tropical twist. They’re pretty essential for that classic German chocolate flavor!
- Chopped pecans: Crunch factor alert! These add a nice bite and a whole lot of nutty goodness to balance the sweetness.
- Caramel sauce: Drizzling this over the top is what takes your poke cake from great to mind-blowing. Store-bought is totally fine—no judgment here!
- Chocolate frosting: You can use store-bought or whip up your own. Either way, it’s the perfect finishing touch to make everything feel indulgent and fabulous.
Pro Tip: If you’re feeling lazy (or need to save time), feel free to swap the chocolate frosting for whipped cream or even vanilla ice cream on top! Because who doesn’t love a little scoop of ice cream with cake? Enjoy this sweet adventure!
How to Make German Chocolate Poke Cake
This German chocolate poke cake is one of those desserts that sounds impressive but is honestly a breeze to make. It’s rich, decadent, and oh-so-chocolatey, perfect for birthdays or any occasion where you just want to put a huge smile on someone’s face (including your own!). Plus, it’s super fun poking holes in the cake—trust me, your kids will love this part!
Let’s get baking:
- Bake the cake. Start with a box of chocolate cake mix—no judgment here! Prepare it according to the package instructions in a 9×13 inch pan, and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes.
- Poke the holes. Grab a fork and gently poke holes all over the top of the warm cake. Be generous here; you want those delicious filling flavors to seep in!
- Prepare the caramel mixture. In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk and 1 cup of chocolate syrup. Stir until it’s all nice and combined—this is your sticky, sweet filling that’s going to make the cake amazing.
- Pour the filling. Slowly drizzle the caramel mixture over the poked cake, making sure it seeps into all those holes. Let it soak for about 30 minutes so the flavors really meld together—the cake will thank you!
- Make the topping. While the cake is soaking, whip up the topping. In a mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup of heavy cream and 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Frost it up. Once the cake has cooled and soaked up the caramel goodness, spread your whipped cream topping evenly across the top of the cake.
- Garnish and chill. Sprinkle shredded coconut and chopped pecans over the whipped topping for that classic German chocolate cake vibe. Pop the whole thing in the fridge to chill for at least an hour—it’ll help all those flavors develop, and believe me, it just gets better with time!
- Slice and serve. After it’s had a chance to chill, cut yourself a big slice (or two) and enjoy the ultimate chocolate experience. Just don’t forget to let your family have some—sharing is caring, right?
And there you have it! This German chocolate poke cake is not only super easy but also incredibly satisfying. Just remember, it won’t last long around your family—so if you want leftovers, maybe hide a piece in the back of the fridge! 🍰
What to Serve with German Chocolate Poke Cake
Okay, let’s talk about this decadent German chocolate poke cake—rich, gooey, and totally satisfying! It’s the kind of dessert that makes everyone instantly happy and calls for a good old-fashioned celebration (even if it’s just a Tuesday). Now, to make this sweet moment even better, consider pairing it with these delightful sides:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Because, seriously, what goes better with chocolate than a scoop of velvety vanilla? The creamy texture melts wonderfully over the warm cake. Pure bliss!
- Fresh Berries: A handful of strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries adds a refreshing burst of flavor and color. Plus, they’re basically nature’s candy, so you can feel a smidge healthier about your chocolate indulgence.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of fluffy whipped cream on top (store-bought works like a charm!) gives your cake that extra creamy touch. It’s like a hug for your dessert!
- Coffee: A cup of hot coffee or even a sweet mocha can really elevate your cake experience—trust me, the chocolate and coffee combo is pure magic.
- Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: For those of you who go all-in on desserts, a drizzle of extra chocolate sauce on top will take it from delicious to “I-can’t-believe-I’m-eating-this” scrumptious!
Let’s be real—this cake is already fabulous on its own, but these accompaniments will just help you take it to the next level. So go ahead, serve it up, and watch everyone dig in with big smiles!
How to Store German Chocolate Poke Cake
Got leftovers? You’re in for a treat! Here’s how to keep your decadent German chocolate poke cake just as delightful for days to come:
Refrigerate: Store the cake covered in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The longer it sits, the more the flavors mingle—yum!
Freeze (if you must!): Want to save some for later? Slice it up and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer bag. It should stay good for up to 3 months, but trust me, it probably won’t last that long!
Reheat gently: Cold cake? No problem! Just warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. The frosting tastes just as good cold, but if you want it warm, a quick zap does the trick!
And remember, sharing is caring—so don’t be afraid to pass a few slices around! 🍰
FAQ for German Chocolate Poke Cake
Can I use a different type of chocolate cake mix?
Of course! While a classic German chocolate cake mix gives that authentic flavor, you can totally swap it for devil’s food, chocolate fudge, or even a gluten-free chocolate cake mix if that’s your jam. Just remember, the whole point is to enjoy the decadence!
What can I substitute for the evaporated milk?
No evaporated milk? No worries! Here are some easy swaps:
- Regular milk (whole or 2%) works, but you might want to add a tablespoon of sugar to mimic that slight sweetness.
- Coconut milk for a tropical twist—who says you can’t travel with dessert?
- Almond milk can also work if you prefer a dairy-free option, just keep in mind it will alter the flavor a tad.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! The Germans would want you to prep ahead. You can make the cake a day in advance and let it soak overnight in the fridge after poking it. Just be sure to add the frosting and toppings right before serving for the freshest taste—nobody likes soggy nuts.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers? What are those? But if you somehow have cake left, store it covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just know, the longer it hangs out, the richer it becomes—like a careful aging process for dessert!
What’s a fun way to customize this German Chocolate Poke Cake?
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few fun ideas for mixing things up:
- Add nuts: Throw in some chopped pecans or walnuts directly into the filling for a little crunch.
- Try a different frosting: Swap out the coconut-pecan frosting for a classic chocolate buttercream or cream cheese frosting—because it’s not a real dessert until you’ve covered it in frosting, right?
- Drizzle it: A chocolate or caramel sauce drizzle on top right before serving takes it over the top.
Now go forth and get your poke cake on! Trust me, this dessert is going to knock your socks off—just be prepared for it to disappear faster than your kid can finish their homework!
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German Chocolate Poke Cake
This German chocolate poke cake is a dreamy, chocolatey experience that’s a total showstopper without requiring any fancy baking skills. With layers of moist chocolate cake, rich coconut-pecan frosting, and a drizzle of chocolate ganache, it’s guaranteed to impress both friends and family. Plus, it’s easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight—just don’t forget to make extra, because leftovers won’t last long!
Ingredients
1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box) – Because who has time for from-scratch?
1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz) – This is what makes it all ooey-gooey!
1 cup shredded coconut – For that classic German chocolate flavor.
1 cup chopped pecans – A little crunch never hurt anyone.
1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark) – For a rich ganache topping.
½ cup heavy cream – To make that chocolate ganache velvety.
Optional: whipped cream or ice cream – Because why not take it over the top?
Instructions
Bake the cake. Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to package instructions and bake in a 9×13 inch pan. Let it cool for about 10 minutes—it’ll be okay, I promise!
Poke the cake. Once slightly cooled, use the end of a wooden spoon or a fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake (about 20-30 holes). Go ahead and imagine this is a workout!
Mix the filling. In a bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk with the shredded coconut and chopped pecans. Pour this delicious mixture evenly over the cake, making sure it seeps into those lovely holes. It’s like a chocolate lava cake but even better!
Cool it off. Let the cake cool completely at room temperature before moving it to the fridge for about an hour. This helps the flavors meld together and gives you a moment to clean up the kitchen (you can do it, I believe in you!).
Make the ganache. While the cake chills, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it’s just about to bubble. Remove it from the heat and pour it over the chocolate chips in a bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes, then stir until it’s all melty and smooth. This is truly the icing on the cake—literally!
Spread and serve. Once your cake is cooled, pour the chocolate ganache over the top, spreading it to cover every inch. For an extra touch, add more shredded coconut and pecans on top, if you’re feeling fancy!
Dig in! Slice it up and enjoy every bite, maybe with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream if you’re feeling indulgent. You’ve earned it, mama!
Notes
Make-Ahead: This cake is perfect for making ahead! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to blend.
Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge (if there are any). It will last about 3-4 days—if you can resist eating it all before then!
Picky Eater Alert: If your kids are skeptical about coconut or nuts, feel free to leave them out. The chocolate cake will still be a hit!
Now go forth and bake that cake! You’ll knock everyone’s socks off with this decadent German chocolate poke cake, and maybe even earn yourself a few fan club members along the way!