Oh, let me tell you about the joy of baking this German chocolate poke cake! I can’t get enough of its moist, tender crumb and that luscious, rich frosting that just melts in your mouth. There’s something so satisfying about poking those holes and letting the sweetened condensed milk soak in, creating a deliciously gooey texture. Every bite is bursting with chocolatey goodness, complemented perfectly by the delightful crunch of coconut and pecans on top. Trust me, this cake is a crowd-pleaser and so easy to whip up! Whether it’s a special occasion or just a sweet treat for yourself, this German chocolate poke cake is bound to brighten your day and satisfy your sweet tooth!
Ingredients for German Chocolate Poke Cake 2
- 1 box German chocolate cake mix: This is the star of our cake! Choose a quality brand for the best flavor and texture.
- 1 cup water: Essential for mixing your cake batter. It helps keep the cake moist and fluffy.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: This adds richness and moisture to the cake. Canola oil works great too if you prefer.
- 3 large eggs: These act as binders and provide structure to your cake, making it light and airy.
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk: This is the secret ingredient that makes the cake unbelievably moist and sweet. It’s what we pour over the holes!
- 1 cup chocolate frosting: Use your favorite brand or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous! This will be the delicious top layer.
- 1 cup shredded coconut: Adds a delightful chewy texture and tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans: For that perfect crunch! You can substitute with walnuts if you prefer a different nutty flavor.
How to Prepare German Chocolate Poke Cake 2
Let’s dive into the fun part—making this scrumptious German chocolate poke cake! I promise you, it’s so simple yet incredibly rewarding. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delightful dessert ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly from the start.
- Next, grab a large mixing bowl and prepare the German chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions. You’ll need to add 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and the 3 large eggs. Mix until it’s smooth and well combined.
- Now, pour that luscious batter into a greased 9×13 inch pan. Make sure it’s evenly spread out so it bakes beautifully.
- Pop it in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Oh, the smell will be heavenly!
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps it set up just right.
- Here comes the fun part! Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake. Don’t be shy—make them about an inch apart!
- Now, pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, making sure to fill those holes. This is where the magic happens as it seeps in and makes the cake super moist.
- Let the cake cool completely before you spread the luscious chocolate frosting over the top. You want it to be fully cool so the frosting doesn’t melt!
- Finally, sprinkle the shredded coconut and chopped pecans on top for that gorgeous finishing touch. And there you have it—your German chocolate poke cake is ready to impress!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about what’s in this delicious German chocolate poke cake! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (about 1 piece), keeping in mind that these values may vary based on the specific ingredients you choose:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 28g
- Protein: 4g
These values give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in. Remember, if you opt for homemade frosting or different add-ins, the numbers might shift a bit. But hey, it’s all about enjoying the sweet moments, right?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This German chocolate poke cake comes together in no time, making it perfect for those last-minute dessert cravings!
- Rich Flavor: The combination of chocolate, coconut, and pecans creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Moist and Gooey: The sweetened condensed milk seeps into the cake, ensuring every bite is incredibly moist and delicious.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a birthday party, potluck, or family dinner, this cake is sure to impress your guests and become a favorite!
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the toppings or frosting to make it your own—there are endless possibilities!
Tips for Success
To truly nail this German chocolate poke cake, I’ve got some tips that’ll make all the difference! First off, always use high-quality ingredients, especially the chocolate frosting and cake mix. Trust me, it really elevates the flavor! When it comes to the sweetened condensed milk, don’t rush—let your cake sit for a few hours after pouring it over the holes. This waiting time allows the milk to soak in, making every bite heavenly moist.
And here’s a little frosting tip: if your chocolate frosting is too thick, gently warm it in the microwave for just a few seconds to make it spreadable. It’ll glide on so much easier, giving your cake that beautiful finish. With these simple tricks, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert that everyone will love!
Variations of German Chocolate Poke Cake 2
One of the best things about this German chocolate poke cake is how versatile it is! You can easily switch up the flavors and toppings to keep it exciting. For a twist, try using cream cheese frosting instead of chocolate—it’s a delightful pairing that adds a tangy contrast to the sweetness.
If you’re a nut lover, mix in more chopped pecans or even walnuts for an extra crunch. Feeling adventurous? Add some caramel sauce drizzled on top before the coconut and pecans for a rich, caramelized flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.
You can also explore different flavor profiles by using a vanilla or red velvet cake mix instead of German chocolate. The possibilities are endless! So, don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings and frostings—make this cake your own masterpiece!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your German chocolate poke cake is super simple! Once it’s completely cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Trust me, it’ll stay moist and delicious, thanks to that sweetened condensed milk soaking in!
If you want to enjoy it later, you can even freeze individual pieces. Just wrap them well in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. They’ll be good for about two months. When you’re ready to indulge again, take a piece out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat—this cake is perfect served cold, and that gooey texture just gets better with time!
FAQ About German Chocolate Poke Cake 2
Can I use a different cake mix? Absolutely! While I love the rich flavor of German chocolate cake mix, you can certainly use a classic chocolate or even a vanilla cake mix if you prefer. The poke cake method works with various flavors!
How long should I let the cake sit after pouring the condensed milk? I recommend letting it sit for at least a few hours, or even overnight if you can. This gives the sweetened condensed milk time to soak in, ensuring maximum moistness and flavor.
What if I don’t have pecans? No problem! You can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even skip the nuts entirely if you want a nut-free version. The cake will still be delicious!
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes! This cake actually tastes better after a day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the refrigerator, covered, until you’re ready to serve.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked? A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on the time, but also trust your instincts—every oven is a little different!
For more tips on baking cakes, check out King Arthur Baking’s guide on cake baking.
And if you’re curious about the history of German chocolate cake, you can read more at The Spruce Eats.
Print
German chocolate poke cake 2: 5 Steps to Sweet Success
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and rich German chocolate poke cake filled with chocolate and coconut frosting.
Ingredients
- 1 box German chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup chocolate frosting
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions using water, vegetable oil, and eggs.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, filling the holes.
- Let the cake cool completely.
- Spread chocolate frosting over the top.
- Sprinkle shredded coconut and chopped pecans on top.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade frosting.
- Let the cake sit for a few hours to absorb the milk.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: german chocolate poke cake, chocolate cake, dessert
