Irresistible German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

Looking for a dessert that’s as decadent as it is easy to make? Look no further than this Irresistible German Chocolate Poke Cake. This cake is the perfect balance of rich chocolate cake, gooey caramel, coconut, and pecans. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing for a holiday gathering, or craving a sweet indulgence, this poke cake will be the star of the show. With its moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture and layers of flavor, it’s impossible to resist!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple and Quick

Despite its indulgent flavor, this German Chocolate Poke Cake is incredibly easy to make! Using a boxed cake mix streamlines the process, and the filling and topping come together with minimal effort.

2. Moist and Gooey

The poke cake method allows the filling to soak into the cake, making every bite incredibly moist and flavorful. The gooey caramel and sweetened condensed milk filling elevate the cake to a new level of decadence.

3. Perfect Balance of Flavors

The richness of the chocolate cake pairs perfectly with the sweet caramel filling, toasted coconut, and crunchy pecans. The whipped topping adds a light, creamy touch that balances out the sweetness.

4. Customizable Topping

The cake can be topped with more than just coconut and pecans. Feel free to add a drizzle of melted chocolate, sprinkles, or extra toasted nuts to make it your own.

5. Great for Any Occasion

This German Chocolate Poke Cake is perfect for everything from birthday parties to holiday gatherings, potlucks, or casual family dinners. Its rich flavors and impressive presentation make it a versatile crowd-pleaser.

this RECIPE

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 box German chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: 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)

Variations

• Different Nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, feel free to substitute them with chopped walnuts or almonds for a different flavor.
• No Cool Whip?: If you prefer homemade whipped cream, you can easily substitute the Cool Whip with freshly whipped heavy cream.
• Add a Touch of Coffee: A teaspoon of brewed coffee in the cake mix adds an extra depth of flavor that enhances the chocolate cake.
• Drizzle Options: Along with the optional chocolate drizzle, you could also drizzle caramel sauce or even butterscotch syrup on top for an extra sweet touch.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Preheat the oven according to the instructions on the box of your German chocolate cake mix. Prepare the cake batter by following the instructions on the box (usually mixing the cake mix with eggs, oil, and water). Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan and bake according to the package instructions.

Step 2: Poke the Cake

Once the cake has baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. After cooling slightly, use the end of a wooden spoon or a similar object to poke holes evenly throughout the cake (about 1-inch apart). Make sure to poke all the way down into the cake but not through the bottom.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a small bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce. Stir well until completely mixed. Pour this mixture evenly over the warm cake, making sure it seeps into all the holes. Let the cake absorb the filling for about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

While the cake cools, toast the shredded coconut and chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5: Add the Topping

Spread a layer of Cool Whip or whipped topping over the cake to cover the entire surface. Sprinkle the toasted coconut and chopped pecans evenly on top.

Step 6: Drizzle Chocolate (Optional)

If desired, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl for 20-30 seconds at a time, stirring until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of the cake for an extra chocolatey touch.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to set and the flavors to meld. Serve chilled, cut into squares, and enjoy the decadent layers of flavor!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use a Deep Cake Pan: Since this is a poke cake, it’s important to use a deep 9×13-inch pan to ensure there’s enough room for the filling to soak into the cake without overflowing.
• Allow the Cake to Cool Slightly Before Poking: Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before poking it to prevent the caramel sauce from soaking into a too-hot cake and making it too soggy.
• Let It Chill: Chilling the cake for at least an hour helps the flavors to combine and the topping to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
• Toast the Coconut: Toasting the coconut helps bring out its natural sweetness and adds a little extra crunch to the topping.

How to Serve

This cake is best served chilled, cut into squares, and ready to share! It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an added touch, you can sprinkle more toasted pecans or coconut on top before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover German Chocolate Poke Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cake will stay moist and flavorful as the caramel and filling continue to soak into the cake.

Freezing

While this cake can be frozen, the texture may change slightly once thawed. If you plan to freeze it, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this cake—it’s best served cold straight from the fridge. If you prefer it a little warmer, you can microwave individual servings for 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use a homemade cake mix instead of a box mix?

Yes, if you prefer to make your cake from scratch, you can use a homemade German chocolate cake recipe instead of the boxed mix.

2. Can I use a different type of cake mix?

If you don’t have German chocolate cake mix, you can use a standard chocolate cake mix, but it won’t have the unique flavor profile of the German chocolate variety.

3. Is it necessary to refrigerate the cake?

Yes, refrigerating the cake allows the filling to set and helps the flavors meld together. It’s best served chilled for the perfect texture.

4. Can I make this cake without the caramel sauce?

The caramel sauce is what makes this poke cake so special, but if you’re looking for a different flavor, you could substitute it with chocolate syrup or butterscotch sauce.

5. Can I add other toppings to this cake?

Definitely! You can experiment with toppings like maraschino cherries, chocolate shavings, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a unique twist.

6. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be made a day ahead of time and stored in the fridge. In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.

7. Can I use a different nut besides pecans?

Yes! You can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts, depending on your preference.

8. How do I make the cake less sweet?

If you want to tone down the sweetness, consider reducing the amount of caramel sauce or topping the cake with a lighter whipped cream instead of Cool Whip.

9. Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake, though it’s best to freeze it before adding the whipped topping and toasted nuts. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it in the fridge and top it with the remaining ingredients.

10. Can I make this cake without the chocolate drizzle?

Absolutely! The chocolate drizzle is optional and can be skipped if you prefer a simpler topping or want to reduce the sweetness.

Conclusion

This Irresistible German Chocolate Poke Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. With its rich chocolate cake, gooey caramel filling, and sweet, nutty topping, it’s a treat that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Easy to make yet incredibly delicious, it’s a dessert that’s sure to impress your guests and become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

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