Dreamy German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Decadent chocolate meets sweet coconut in this irresistible German chocolate poke cake that promises pure dessert bliss.

Creamy layers of rich chocolate merge with classic German chocolate cake flavors for an unforgettable treat.

Each forkful reveals a moist, indulgent texture that melts perfectly on your tongue.

The combination of deep chocolate and coconut pecan frosting creates a symphony of flavors sure to delight any dessert enthusiast.

Drizzled with caramel and studded with toasted pecans, this cake transforms an ordinary evening into a celebration.

Prepare to wow everyone at your next gathering with this stunning dessert that’s both elegant and comforting.

You’ll fall in love with every single bite of this show-stopping cake.

Why This German Chocolate Poke Cake is a Must-Try Dessert

• Dive into a dessert that transforms a simple cake mix into a gourmet experience with layers of caramel, coconut, and chocolate that dance together perfectly.
• Create a showstopping dessert that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, when in reality, it comes together with just a few simple steps.
• Whether it's a family gathering, potluck, or weekend treat, this cake serves up generous portions that will make everyone at the table smile and ask for seconds.
• Easily swap ingredients or add personal twists like different nuts, chocolate types, or toppings to make this recipe uniquely yours while maintaining its delicious core.

Everything Needed for German Chocolate Poke Cake Bliss

• German Chocolate Cake Mix: A pre-mixed blend that provides the foundational chocolate flavor for the cake.
• Eggs: Bind the cake ingredients together and add richness to the texture.
• Oil: Ensures the cake remains moist and tender.
• Water: Helps blend the cake mix ingredients smoothly.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds rich sweetness and helps create a moist, decadent cake texture.
• Caramel Topping: Provides a deep, buttery sweetness that complements the chocolate flavor.

• Shredded Coconut, Chopped Pecans, Chocolate Chips: Adds delightful crunch, nutty flavor, and extra sweetness to the cake.
• Cool Whip or Whipped Topping: Creates a light, creamy layer that balances the rich cake flavors.

Baking Gear for the Perfect Poke Cake

• 9×13 inch baking dish: Essential for baking and preparing the cake base.
• Wooden spoon handle: Perfect for creating holes in the cake for milk and caramel absorption.
• Mixing bowl: Needed for combining cake mix ingredients and preparing toppings.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurately measuring ingredients.
• Whisk or electric mixer: Helps mix cake batter smoothly and efficiently.
• Spatula: Useful for spreading toppings and whipped cream evenly.
• Small bowl: Great for mixing coconut, pecans, and chocolate chips.

Directions for Heavenly German Chocolate Poke Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm up your oven to 350F (175C).

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Cake Batter

Open the German chocolate cake mix and blend it according to package directions.

• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Water

Mix the ingredients until the batter looks smooth and free of lumps.

Step 3: Bake Golden Cake

Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish.

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 4: Create Delicious Holes

Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes.

Take a wooden spoon handle and poke numerous holes across the entire cake surface.

Step 5: Soak With Sweet Goodness

Gently pour sweetened condensed milk over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.

Follow up by drizzling caramel sauce evenly across the surface.

Step 6: Add Crunchy Toppings

• Shredded coconut
• Chopped pecans
• Chocolate chips

Sprinkle this delightful mixture generously over the cake.

Step 7: Layer With Creamy Topping

Spread a thick layer of whipped topping across the entire cake surface, creating a smooth and fluffy layer.

Step 8: Final Caramel Drizzle

Zigzag additional caramel sauce over the whipped topping for extra decadence and visual appeal.

Step 9: Chill And Set

Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

This allows flavors to mingle and helps the cake set perfectly.

Expert Moves for a Decadent Poke Cake

• Generously grease the baking dish with butter or cooking spray to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
• Use the end of a wooden spoon or a chopstick to create uniform holes, making sure they're evenly distributed across the cake's surface.
• Pour condensed milk and caramel slowly, allowing each layer to absorb into the cake without making it overly soggy.
• Toast coconut and pecans lightly before sprinkling to bring out their rich, nutty flavors and add a delightful crunch.
• Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to let flavors meld and achieve a perfectly moist, cohesive dessert.

Creative Twists for German Chocolate Poke Cake

• Gluten-Free German Chocolate Poke Cake: Replace standard cake mix with gluten-free German chocolate cake mix, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Coconut Chocolate Poke Cake: Substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk, vegan chocolate cake mix, dairy-free whipped topping, and maple syrup instead of caramel.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Poke Cake: Use sugar-free cake mix, sugar-free caramel sauce, sugar-free whipped topping, and replace sweetened condensed milk with a low-carb alternative for diabetic-friendly option.

Best Ways to Enjoy Your German Chocolate Poke Cake

• Sweet Companion Pairings: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra creamy indulgence.
• Beverage Bliss: Pair with a rich cup of coffee or hot chocolate to complement the cake's sweet profile.
• Festive Presentation: Garnish with extra toasted pecans and chocolate shavings for a stunning dessert centerpiece.
• Texture Contrast: Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream to balance the dense, rich cake layers.

Storing Leftover German Chocolate Poke Cake Like a Pro

• Store the cake in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, keeping the cake fresh and delicious.
• Wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Let sit for a moment to distribute heat evenly.
• Remove from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the whipped topping and enhance the cake's flavors.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cake mix instead of German chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute with chocolate or devil’s food cake mix, but the flavor profile will be slightly different from the original recipe.

• Is this cake suitable for people with nut allergies?

No, the recipe includes pecans. To make it nut-free, simply omit the pecans or replace them with a nut-free alternative like toasted coconut.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake actually tastes better when prepared a day in advance, as it allows the flavors to blend and the cake to absorb the milk and caramel.

• What can I do if I don't have sweetened condensed milk?

You can create a substitute by mixing heavy cream and sugar, or use evaporated milk with some additional sugar to achieve a similar consistency and sweetness.

German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Rich German chocolate poke cake delivers a moist, decadent dessert with layers of chocolate, coconut, and caramel. Chocolate lovers will savor each bite of this classic Southern-style treat that brings comfort and indulgence to the table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 box German chocolate cake mix
• 1 can (14 ounces / 397 grams) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 jar (12 ounces / 340 grams) caramel topping
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Cake Mix Supporting Ingredients:

• 3 eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water

Topping and Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 container (8 ounces / 226 grams) Cool Whip or whipped topping
• Additional caramel topping for drizzling

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
2. Prepare the German chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions, carefully blending the dry mix with eggs, oil, and water until achieving a smooth, lump-free batter.
3. Transfer the cake batter into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
4. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes. Using a wooden spoon handle, methodically create holes across the entire cake surface, ensuring even distribution.
5. Gently pour sweetened condensed milk over the cake, allowing it to seep into the created holes. Follow by evenly distributing caramel topping, ensuring complete cake coverage.
6. Combine shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and chocolate chips in a bowl. Generously sprinkle this mixture across the cake’s surface, creating a rich, textured topping.
7. Cover the entire cake with a smooth layer of whipped topping, creating an even, creamy finish.
8. Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the whipped topping, creating an elegant and appetizing presentation.
9. Refrigerate the cake for a minimum of 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and achieve optimal serving consistency.

Notes

• Customize cake mix by adding a splash of vanilla extract or instant coffee for deeper flavor complexity.
• Swap traditional pecans with toasted almonds or walnuts to accommodate nut allergies or personal preferences.
• Use sugar-free caramel and condensed milk for a lower-calorie version without compromising taste.
• Enhance moisture by gently warming condensed milk before pouring to help it penetrate cake holes more effectively.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 405
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg