The luscious German chocolate poke cake is a delightful treat that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Imagine sinking your fork into soft, moist layers filled with rich chocolate flavor, topped with velvety coconut pecan frosting that adds a delightful crunch.
This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a memory in the making. Picture this: It’s a sunny afternoon, and you’re surrounded by family and friends at a backyard BBQ, the air filled with laughter and the sweet aroma of baked goods wafting from the kitchen. The anticipation of this sweet creation fills the room and brings everyone together, making it an ideal treat for any gathering.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This German chocolate poke cake is incredibly easy to prepare, allowing even novice bakers to shine.
- The combination of chocolate and coconut creates an irresistible flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
- Visually appealing, this cake’s layers are sure to impress guests at any event.
- Perfect for birthdays, picnics, or just because—it’s always a hit!
There’s nothing quite like the reaction I get when I serve this German chocolate poke cake. Friends and family dive in with wide eyes and happy smiles, proving that dessert really does bring people together.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
German Chocolate Cake Mix: A convenient option that saves time while still delivering delicious flavor; just follow the package instructions.
Eggs: Fresh large eggs help bind the ingredients together for a rich texture.
Water: This simple ingredient keeps the cake moist and fluffy; always opt for room temperature.
Coconut Flakes: Unsweetened coconut flakes add texture and an authentic flavor profile to the frosting.
Pecans: Chopped pecans offer a delightful crunch; toast them beforehand for extra flavor.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: This creamy ingredient transforms your cake into a moist delight; use full-fat for richness.
Butter: Unsalted butter enhances flavors without adding extra salt; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds depth of flavor; skip imitation for a more authentic taste.
Powdered Sugar: Use powdered sugar for your frosting to achieve that perfect sweetness without graininess.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make German Chocolate Poke Cake
Prepare your baking space by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Bake the Cake: In a mixing bowl, combine German chocolate cake mix, eggs, and water according to package instructions until smooth. Pour into prepared baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Create Poke Holes: Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use the handle of a wooden spoon or similar tool to poke holes all over the surface—this is where all that delicious filling will go!
Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the holes in the warm cake. Let it soak in as you prepare your frosting—this step ensures each bite is heavenly.
Make Coconut Pecan Frosting: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter then stir in coconut flakes, chopped pecans, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Cook until bubbly while stirring frequently—about 5 minutes should do it.
Frost Your Cake: Once cooled completely, generously spread your coconut pecan frosting over the top of your soaked cake. Allow it to set before slicing so those decadent layers hold together beautifully.
Enjoy each slice of this divine German chocolate poke cake while indulging in its rich flavors and textures—a true treat for any occasion!
You Must Know
- This delightful German chocolate poke cake blends rich chocolate with coconut and pecan frosting.
- The moist texture and irresistible flavor create a showstopper for any gathering.
- With minimal fuss, you can whip up a dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking the cake according to package instructions, then poke holes after cooling. Pour sweetened condensed milk over it while warm for maximum flavor infusion.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding crushed pineapple or a splash of rum to the coconut-pecan frosting for an extra tropical twist. It’s like a vacation in dessert form!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy a warm treat.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To enhance your German chocolate poke cake, bake it in a metal pan rather than glass to get even heating.
- Use room-temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing, which makes everything easier.
- Lastly, allow the cake to cool completely before frosting; this helps prevent melting!
I remember the first time I made this German chocolate poke cake; my friends devoured it within minutes! Their smiles were worth every poke and pour.
FAQ
What is the best way to poke the cake?
Use the end of a wooden spoon for perfect hole spacing without damaging the cake.
Can I use a different type of chocolate cake mix?
Absolutely! Any chocolate cake mix will work beautifully in this recipe.
How long does the poke cake last?
The German chocolate poke cake stays fresh for about three days when stored properly.
German Chocolate Poke Cake
German chocolate poke cake is a decadent dessert that brings rich chocolate flavor and a delightful coconut-pecan frosting to every celebration. This easy-to-make cake is perfect for birthdays, picnics, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth. With its moist layers and irresistible toppings, it’s sure to impress friends and family at any gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Ingredients
- 1 box German chocolate cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, and water; pour into the prepared dish. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool for 10 minutes, then poke holes all over the cake using the end of a wooden spoon.
- Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the holes and let it soak in.
- For the frosting, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in coconut flakes, pecans, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until bubbly (about 5 minutes).
- Spread frosting over the cooled cake and let set before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (107g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, consider mixing in crushed pineapple or rum into the frosting. - Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
