The Best Decadent Chocolate Coconut Poke Cake Recipe Ever Made

Chocolate coconut poke cake blends rich, velvety textures with tropical sweetness that promises an irresistible dessert experience.

Imagine a moist, tender cake infused with deep cocoa flavors and punctuated by creamy coconut notes.

Sweet layers melt together, creating a luxurious symphony of complementary ingredients.

Dense and indulgent, this cake delivers a sensory journey through contrasting yet harmonious tastes.

Moisture seeps through carefully placed holes, ensuring each bite bursts with intense, complementary flavors.

Its elegant profile combines classic comfort with sophisticated culinary craftsmanship.

You can be captivated by the complex interplay of smooth chocolate and nutty coconut undertones.

Explore this decadent creation that revamps ordinary dessert moments into extraordinary culinary memories.

Tips That Make Chocolate Coconut Poke Cake Even Better

• Hole Perfection Technique: Poke holes evenly and consistently across the cake surface to ensure maximum moisture absorption and flavor distribution.
• Ganache Consistency Check: Let the ganache cool and thicken slightly before spreading to prevent it from running off the cake and creating a messy appearance.
• Milk Soaking Strategy: Pour sweetened condensed milk slowly and carefully while the cake is still warm to help it penetrate deeply into the poked holes.
• Temperature Timing Trick: Cool the cake completely before adding frosting layers to prevent melting and maintain distinct, clean frosting edges.
• Coconut Pecan Topping Tip: Sprinkle coconut and pecans evenly across the frosting for a balanced texture and visual appeal in every slice.

Storage Advice for Chocolate Coconut Poke Cake

• Refrigerate: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Freeze: Wrap individual slices or the entire cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. For best texture, let the cake sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to soften the ganache and frosting.

What to Serve with Chocolate Coconut Poke Cake

• Pair with Coconut Rum Cocktail: Complement the cake's rich chocolate and coconut flavors with a smooth coconut rum drink, enhancing the tropical essence and creating a luxurious dessert experience.
• Match with Espresso or Dark Roast Coffee: The intense coffee notes will cut through the sweetness of the cake, providing a bold contrast and helping cleanse the palate between bites.
• Serve with Toasted Almond Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, nutty ice cream will harmonize with the cake's coconut pecan frosting, adding another layer of texture and cooling down the decadent dessert.
• Enjoy with Dessert Wine: A sweet port or moscato will beautifully highlight the chocolate and coconut flavors, creating a sophisticated and indulgent pairing that elevates the cake's rich profile.

New Ways to Remix Chocolate Coconut Poke Cake

• Tropical Getaway Cake: Swap chocolate ganache for a pineapple glaze and top with toasted macadamia nuts for a Hawaiian-inspired dessert.
• Mocha Madness Cake: Add instant espresso powder to the cake batter and drizzle coffee-infused condensed milk for an extra caffeine kick.
• Salted Caramel Dream: Replace chocolate ganache with salted caramel sauce and sprinkle sea salt flakes over the frosting for a sweet-salty combination.
• Berry Bliss Cake: Mix fresh raspberries into the batter and use raspberry jam instead of condensed milk for a fruity flavor profile.

Common Questions About Chocolate Coconut Poke Cake

• How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, typically after 30-40 minutes of baking at 350°F.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just add the ganache and frosting before serving.

• What if I don't have pudding mix?

If pudding mix is unavailable, you can still make the cake, but it might be slightly less moist. Consider adding an extra tablespoon of yogurt to compensate.

• How should I store the leftover cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Why Decadent Chocolate Coconut Poke Cake Is a Showstopper

• This poke cake transforms from ordinary to extraordinary by allowing sweetened condensed milk to seep deeply into warm cake holes, ensuring every bite bursts with rich, creamy goodness.
• The recipe simplifies gourmet baking by using convenient cake mix and minimal ingredients, making it perfect for home bakers who want impressive results without complicated techniques.
• Combining smooth chocolate ganache, crunchy coconut pecan frosting, and soft cake creates a delightful multi-layered sensory experience that keeps taste buds excited with each forkful.
• This dessert requires just 40 minutes of baking time and straightforward assembly, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings, potlucks, or satisfying sudden sweet cravings.

Everything Needed for Chocolate Coconut Poke Cake

• Yellow Cake Mix: Provides the basic structure and flavor of the cake, quick and convenient base.
• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Adds moisture and enhances the cake's texture, helps create a rich dessert.

• Eggs: Binds ingredients together and provides structure, choose fresh large eggs.
• Plain Yogurt: Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb, full-fat yogurt works best.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures cake remains moist, neutral flavor recommended.
• Milk: Helps create smooth batter consistency, whole milk preferred.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor, use pure vanilla for best results.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a rich, moist interior, helps cake absorb liquid.
• Heavy Cream: Used for creating smooth ganache, choose high-fat content cream.
• Chocolate: Creates decadent ganache layer, dark or semi-sweet chocolate recommended.

• Coconut Pecan Frosting: Provides final layer of flavor and texture, adds richness to the cake.

Baking Instructions for Chocolate Coconut Poke Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
• Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray
• Ensure oven rack is centered

Step 2: Mix Cake Batter

• Cake mix
• Pudding mix
• Eggs
• Yogurt
• Vegetable oil
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to blend until smooth and well incorporated. Pour batter evenly into prepared baking pan.

Step 3: Bake The Cake

Slide pan into preheated oven. Bake for 30-40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into cake center – it should come out clean without wet batter.

Step 4: Create Poke Holes

Immediately after removing cake from oven, use a wooden spoon handle to create multiple holes across the entire cake surface.

Step 5: Soak With Condensed Milk

Pour sweetened condensed milk slowly and evenly over warm cake. Ensure milk seeps into all created holes. Let cake cool completely at room temperature.

Step 6: Craft Chocolate Ganache

• Chopped chocolate
• Heavy cream

Heat cream in a saucepan until tiny bubbles form around edges. Pour hot cream over chocolate in a separate bowl. Allow to sit for 5 minutes. Stir until chocolate melts completely and mixture becomes smooth.

Step 7: Finish And Decorate

Allow ganache to slightly thicken. Spread ganache evenly across cooled cake. Top with a uniform layer of coconut pecan frosting.

Step 8: Chill And Serve

Refrigerate cake for 1 hour before serving. Slice and enjoy this decadent dessert!

Decadent Chocolate Coconut Poke Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Rich chocolate coconut poke cake invites sweet adventures with its irresistible layers of moist chocolate goodness and creamy coconut dreams. Silky ganache and toasted coconut flakes create a dessert paradise you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base Ingredients:

• 1 box dark chocolate fudge cake mix
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• ¾ cup (177 milliliters) vegetable oil
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) whole milk
• 1 (3.4 ounces/96 grams) box chocolate fudge instant pudding
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Filling and Topping Ingredients:

• 1 (14 ounces/397 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
• 4 ounces (113 grams) chocolate, chopped
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream

Frosting Ingredient:

• 1 can coconut pecan frosting

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
2. Combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, yogurt, vegetable oil, milk, vanilla extract, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Blend thoroughly using an electric mixer until the batter achieves a smooth, consistent texture.
3. Transfer the mixed batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading evenly to ensure uniform depth.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean and without raw batter.
5. Immediately after removing from the oven, create multiple deep holes across the cake’s surface using a wooden spoon handle, piercing almost to the bottom of the pan.
6. Gently drizzle sweetened condensed milk over the warm cake, carefully ensuring the liquid penetrates each created hole. Allow the cake to absorb the milk completely.
7. Prepare the chocolate ganache by placing chopped chocolate in a medium bowl. Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until it reaches a gentle bubble, then pour over the chocolate.
8. Let the chocolate and cream mixture rest for 5 minutes, then whisk until achieving a smooth, glossy consistency. Allow the ganache to slightly thicken and cool.
9. Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the thickened chocolate ganache across the entire surface in an even layer.
10. Finish by applying a uniform layer of coconut pecan frosting over the ganache, creating a rich and decadent topping.

Notes

• This indulgent dessert combines rich chocolate, creamy coconut, and decadent pecans for an irresistible treat that will wow your taste buds.
• Poking holes in the warm cake allows the sweetened condensed milk to seep deep inside, creating an ultra-moist and luscious texture.
• Homemade chocolate ganache adds a luxurious, silky layer that elevates this cake from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Make sure to let the cake cool completely before adding toppings to prevent the ganache and frosting from melting.
• Serve chilled for the best flavor and most refreshing eating experience.
• Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain optimal moisture and taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg