If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both indulgent and incredibly easy to whip up, let me tell you about my absolute favorite: German chocolate poke cake! This beauty is rich, moist, and bursting with that delightful chocolate and coconut flavor that’s just irresistible. It’s a crowd-pleaser at any gathering, and trust me, once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s become such a beloved classic. The best part? You don’t need to be a baking expert to make this cake shine. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert that everyone will rave about. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into making this dreamy German chocolate poke cake together!
Ingredients List
To make this delightful German chocolate poke cake, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 jar chocolate frosting
Don’t worry if you’ve never baked a cake from a mix before; it’s super simple! Just grab these ingredients, and you’re already on your way to creating a decadent dessert that your friends and family will love.
How to Prepare the German Chocolate Poke Cake
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s jump into making this delicious German chocolate poke cake! It’s a straightforward process, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create something so indulgent. Here’s how to do it:
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, go ahead and prepare your cake mix according to the package instructions. It usually involves mixing the cake mix with water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Just make sure everything is well combined—no lumps allowed!
Bake the Cake
Once your batter is ready, pour it into a greased 9×13 inch pan. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Don’t forget to keep an eye on it towards the end; you want it perfectly baked, not overdone!
Poke and Fill
After the cake comes out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then, here comes the fun part! Use a fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake. You want to make sure the holes are deep enough to really let that sweetened condensed milk soak in. Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake, filling all those little holes. This step is key for maximizing flavor!
Frost and Garnish
Next, grab your jar of chocolate frosting and spread it generously over the top of the cake. Be sure to cover it all—every bite deserves that chocolate goodness! Now, sprinkle the shredded coconut and chopped pecans evenly on top. This adds a delightful crunch and makes it look so appealing!
Chill Before Serving
Finally, the hardest part: you’ll need to chill this beauty in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This not only helps the flavors meld together but also gives the cake that perfect texture. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick to make, so you can whip it up in no time!
- Rich chocolate and coconut flavors create a decadent treat that’s hard to resist.
- Perfect for gatherings and celebrations—everyone will be asking for seconds!
- Super easy to customize; try adding different toppings or using a dark chocolate cake mix for an extra kick!
- Great for making ahead of time; just chill it and serve when you’re ready!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to make your German chocolate poke cake, here are a few pro tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time!
- Go Dark: For an even richer flavor, consider using a dark chocolate cake mix instead of regular chocolate. It adds a depth of flavor that’ll have everyone raving about your cake!
- Poke with Care: When poking holes in your cake, make sure to space them out evenly and poke deep enough so the sweetened condensed milk can really seep into every bite. You want maximum flavor infusion!
- Even Distribution: When you’re frosting the cake, take your time to spread the chocolate frosting evenly across the top. Don’t be shy—every slice deserves that chocolatey goodness!
- Topping Time: After sprinkling the shredded coconut and chopped pecans, gently press them down into the frosting. This helps them stick better and adds a lovely texture when you slice into the cake.
- Chill Out: Remember, the chilling time is crucial! Letting your cake sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each slice a little slice of heaven!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of the German chocolate poke cake. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve indulged in this delightful German chocolate poke cake, you might be wondering how to store any leftovers—if there are any! Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. To keep your cake fresh and tasty, simply place any uneaten slices in an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. This will help maintain its moistness and flavor for up to 5 days.
If you want to enjoy your cake later on, you can also freeze it. Just make sure to wrap the slices tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe container. This way, you can savor a slice of this decadent cake whenever you get that craving! Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before you dig in.
And here’s a little tip: there’s no need to reheat this cake. It’s best enjoyed chilled, as the flavors are beautifully melded together after chilling in the fridge. So, grab a fork, and enjoy your delicious German chocolate poke cake, any time you like!
Nutritional Information
As you whip up this scrumptious German chocolate poke cake, you might be curious about the nutritional content. Here’s an estimated breakdown per slice, based on typical ingredients used:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 30g
- Protein: 4g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Regardless, each bite is worth every calorie, don’t you think? Enjoy your cake guilt-free, knowing it’s a delicious treat you’ve created!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making this fabulous German chocolate poke cake? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my best answers:
Can I use other flavors of cake mix?
Absolutely! While chocolate is the classic choice, you can experiment with other flavors like vanilla or even red velvet. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change, but it can still be delicious!
What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?
No problem! If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute it with a mixture of evaporated milk and sugar, or even make a homemade version by simmering regular milk with sugar until it thickens. Just make sure it’s sweet enough!
How do I store leftovers?
To keep your German chocolate poke cake fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay tasty for about 5 days. Just remember to chill it before serving for the best flavor!
Can I add different toppings?
Definitely! While I love the classic shredded coconut and pecans, you can switch things up with chopped walnuts, or even drizzles of caramel or chocolate syrup. Get creative and make it your own!
Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This German chocolate poke cake is vegetarian-friendly since it doesn’t contain any meat or gelatin. Just double-check your cake mix and frosting for any hidden animal products if you’re serving strict vegetarians.
There you have it! I hope these answers help you feel more confident in making your very own German chocolate poke cake. If you have more questions, feel free to ask! Happy baking!
For more information on the benefits of coconut in desserts, check out this Healthline article.
For tips on baking with chocolate, visit BBC Good Food.
Print
German chocolate poke cake: 5 steps to sweet success!
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This German chocolate poke cake is rich and moist, filled with chocolate and coconut flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 jar chocolate frosting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions using water, oil, and eggs.
- Bake the cake in a 9×13 inch pan for 30-35 minutes.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.
- Poke holes all over the cake using a fork.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake, filling the holes.
- Spread the chocolate frosting on top of the cake.
- Sprinkle shredded coconut and chopped pecans on top.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use dark chocolate cake mix.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- This cake can be made a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: german chocolate poke cake
