German Chocolate Poke Cake: The Ultimate Decadent Dessert

Hi I'm Emma

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on

Have you ever wanted to create a dessert that’s both effortless and irresistible? Enter the German Chocolate Poke Cake, a dessert that brings rich, chocolatey flavor together with gooey caramel and creamy toppings. It’s the kind of cake that turns an ordinary evening into something extraordinary. If you’re ready to impress your family or wow your guests, this recipe is your golden ticket.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with German Chocolate Poke Cake

This dessert is a celebration of flavors and textures. The tender cake absorbs a luscious caramel filling, while the toasted coconut and pecans add a delightful crunch. It’s a treat that’s easy to prepare but tastes like you spent hours perfecting it. Whether it’s for a party, a potluck, or a cozy night at home, this cake never fails to deliver joy.

Ingredients for German Chocolate Poke Cake

For the Cake

  • 1 box German chocolate cake mix
  • Ingredients required by the cake mix (usually eggs, oil, and water)

For the Filling

  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 (12 oz) jar caramel sauce

For the Topping

  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip or whipped topping
  • ¼ cup chocolate chips, melted (optional for drizzle)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
  2. Mix the Batter: Prepare the German chocolate cake batter according to the package instructions.
  3. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  4. Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

2. Poke the Cake

  • Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes all over the cake. Space the holes about 1 inch apart. These holes will allow the filling to seep in, creating a moist and flavorful cake.

3. Prepare the Filling

  1. Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce. Stir until smooth.
  2. Pour Over the Cake: Evenly pour the mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, if needed.

4. Chill the Cake

  • Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This step allows the filling to set, making every bite moist and delicious.

5. Prepare the Topping

  1. Toast the Coconut and Pecans: In a skillet over medium heat, toast the shredded coconut and chopped pecans until they’re lightly browned and fragrant. Stir constantly to prevent burning. Set aside to cool.
  2. Spread the Cool Whip: Once the cake is chilled, spread an even layer of Cool Whip or whipped topping over the top.
  3. Add the Toppings: Sprinkle the toasted coconut and pecans over the Cool Whip. For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle melted chocolate chips over the top.

6. Garnish and Serve

  • Slice the cake and serve it chilled. Each piece is a perfect combination of sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures. Your guests will be begging for seconds!

Tips for Perfect German Chocolate Poke Cake

1. Choose High-Quality Ingredients

Use good-quality caramel sauce and sweetened condensed milk for the best flavor. If possible, opt for a premium cake mix or make one from scratch.

2. Be Generous with the Filling

The more filling you pour into the holes, the richer and more moist your cake will be. Don’t skimp!

3. Toast the Coconut and Pecans

Toasting the toppings enhances their flavor and adds a subtle nuttiness that takes this cake to the next level.

4. Plan Ahead

Chilling the cake is essential for the flavors to meld together. Make it a day ahead if you’re short on time.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per slice (serves 12):

NutrientAmount
Calories410
Protein4g
Fat20g
Carbohydrates54g
Sugars39g
Fiber2g

Creative Variations

1. Salted Caramel Twist

Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the caramel filling for a sweet and salty flavor combination.

2. Dark Chocolate Lovers

Swap out the milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate to create a richer, slightly less sweet topping.

3. Nut-Free Option

Replace the pecans with crispy rice cereal or omit them altogether if you need a nut-free version.

4. Fresh Fruit Garnish

Top the cake with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.

Storage Tips

  • Refrigeration: Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: You can freeze individual slices for up to 2 months. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade caramel sauce?

Yes! Homemade caramel sauce works beautifully in this recipe and adds a personal touch.

2. Do I have to use Cool Whip?

Not at all. You can use homemade whipped cream if you prefer a fresher, less processed topping.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely. In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.

4. Can I use a different cake mix?

While German chocolate cake mix is traditional, you can use a regular chocolate or even a yellow cake mix for a unique twist.

5. How do I prevent the cake from being too sweet?

You can reduce the amount of caramel sauce slightly or use unsweetened shredded coconut to balance the sweetness.

6. What’s the best way to toast coconut and pecans?

Use a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once they turn golden brown and smell fragrant, they’re ready.

Conclusion

The German Chocolate Poke Cake is the kind of dessert that leaves everyone asking for the recipe. Its combination of moist cake, gooey caramel, and crunchy toppings creates a flavor explosion in every bite. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this cake is simple to make and guaranteed to impress.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

German Chocolate Poke Cake: The Ultimate Decadent Dessert


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (includes chilling)
  • Yield: 12 servings

Description

Indulge in a slice of pure bliss with this German Chocolate Poke Cake. Rich, chocolatey cake, gooey caramel filling, and a crunchy coconut-pecan topping come together in this dessert that’s simple to make but incredibly impressive. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself to something special.


Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 1 box German chocolate cake mix
  • Ingredients required by the cake mix (usually eggs, oil, and water)

For the Filling

  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 (12 oz) jar caramel sauce

For the Topping

  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip or whipped topping
  • ¼ cup chocolate chips, melted (optional for drizzle)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Cake
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
    • Prepare the German chocolate cake batter according to package instructions.
    • Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
    • Let the cake cool for 10 minutes in the pan.
  • Poke the Cake
    • Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes all over the cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
  • Prepare the Filling
    • In a medium bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce until smooth.
    • Pour the mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
  • Chill the Cake
    • Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set.
  • Prepare the Topping
    • In a skillet over medium heat, toast the shredded coconut and chopped pecans until lightly browned and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
    • Spread the Cool Whip or whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake.
    • Sprinkle the toasted coconut and pecans over the top. Drizzle with melted chocolate chips for an extra indulgent touch.
  • Garnish and Serve
    • Slice and serve chilled for a delicious, decadent dessert!

Notes

  • Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality caramel sauce and sweetened condensed milk for the best flavor.
  • Be Generous with the Filling: Pour enough filling into the holes to ensure the cake is moist and flavorful.
  • Toast the Coconut and Pecans: This step adds a deeper flavor and a pleasant crunch.
  • Make Ahead: Chilling the cake overnight enhances the flavor. You can prepare it a day ahead!
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking, Chilling
  • Cuisine: German-American

You might also like these recipes

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star