German Chocolate Poke Cake is a decadent dessert that combines the rich flavor of German chocolate cake with a luscious, gooey filling and topped with a delightful combination of coconut and pecans. This dessert is indulgent and perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to special celebrations. With its easy-to-follow steps and crowd-pleasing flavor, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.

The cake itself is moist and full of deep chocolate flavor, and once the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce are poured over it, it transforms into a gooey, irresistible treat. The topping of coconut, pecans, and whipped topping adds a perfect crunchy and creamy contrast to the cake. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s simple yet impressive, this German Chocolate Poke Cake is the way to go!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make

With just a few simple ingredients, this cake comes together quickly. The poke cake technique makes it easy to achieve that gooey, flavorful filling without any complicated steps.

2. Deliciously Rich and Moist

Thanks to the combination of the German chocolate cake mix and the sweetened condensed milk, this cake is moist, rich, and full of flavor in every bite.

3. Perfect for Special Occasions

German Chocolate Poke Cake is a showstopper at parties, family gatherings, or celebrations like birthdays and holidays. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

4. Customizable Toppings

You can tweak the toppings to your liking, adding extra chocolate drizzle, or even substituting the pecans with walnuts or almonds.

5. Make-Ahead Friendly

This cake is perfect for making ahead of time, as it needs to be refrigerated for the filling to set properly. It’s great for busy days or when you want a dessert ready to go.

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

Add More Chocolate: If you love chocolate, feel free to drizzle more melted chocolate on top after the whipped topping.
Use Different Nuts: You can swap the pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different flavor.
Coconut-Free Version: If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can leave it off and add extra chopped nuts or chocolate chips instead.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

Preheat your oven to the temperature listed on the back of the cake mix box. Prepare the cake mix according to the package directions, including the eggs, oil, and water. Once prepared, pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Bake the cake as instructed on the box, usually around 25-30 minutes. Once done, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Poke the Cake

Once the cake is slightly cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork to poke holes all over the cake, making sure to go all the way to the bottom. Be generous with the holes to ensure the filling soaks in evenly.

Step 4: Make the Filling

In a separate bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce. Stir until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the warm cake, making sure the filling fills all the holes.

Step 5: Prepare the Topping

In a medium bowl, mix together the shredded coconut and chopped pecans. Spread this mixture evenly over the cake.

Step 6: Add the Whipped Topping

Top the cake with the whipped topping, spreading it evenly across the surface. You can either spread it smoothly or leave it in peaks for a more decorative effect.

Step 7: Optional Chocolate Drizzle

If you want to add extra chocolate, melt the chocolate chips and drizzle them over the cake for a beautiful and delicious finish.

Step 8: Chill the Cake

Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set.

Step 9: Serve

Once chilled, slice and serve this irresistible German Chocolate Poke Cake. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Poking Step: The poking allows the caramel and sweetened condensed milk to soak into the cake, making it moist and flavorful. Be sure to poke enough holes for the filling to absorb.
Chill the Cake: Let the cake chill in the fridge for a couple of hours so that the flavors can meld and the cake sets perfectly.
Use a High-Quality Cake Mix: While any German chocolate cake mix will work, choosing a high-quality mix can elevate the flavor of the cake.

How to Serve

This cake is perfect for serving at parties, family gatherings, or as a sweet treat after dinner. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. For a more festive touch, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover cake and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cake stays moist and delicious even after a few days in the fridge.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake for up to 1 month. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

Since this is a cold dessert, it doesn’t require reheating. Simply remove it from the fridge and serve cold.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade caramel sauce instead of store-bought?

Yes, you can use homemade caramel sauce if you prefer, but store-bought is quicker and easier.

2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake actually benefits from being made ahead of time, as the flavors need time to set and meld.

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

Yes, you can use a chocolate cake mix or another flavor of your choice, but the German chocolate mix gives this cake its signature taste.

4. Can I leave out the coconut?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of coconut, feel free to omit it and use extra pecans or other toppings.

5. Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

6. Can I use regular whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, you can use homemade whipped cream or regular whipped topping, but Cool Whip tends to hold up better.

7. How long does this cake need to chill?

The cake should chill for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set and the flavors to meld together.

8. Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan to serve a bigger crowd.

9. Can I use other nuts besides pecans?

Yes, you can substitute with walnuts, almonds, or your favorite nuts.

10. What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in the fridge, covered, for up to 3-4 days.

Conclusion

This Irresistible German Chocolate Poke Cake is a show-stopping dessert that’s simple to make and perfect for any occasion. With its moist cake, gooey filling, and irresistible topping of coconut and pecans, it’s a treat that will satisfy all your sweet cravings. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just want to indulge in something decadent, this cake is sure to impress.