Decadent German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe for Dessert Fans

Decadent layers of chocolate and creamy coconut create a dessert that promises pure indulgence.

This german chocolate poke cake brings together rich, moist textures that melt in your mouth with every bite.

Sweet coconut pecan frosting seeps into tender cake holes, creating a magical dessert experience.

Chocolate lovers will adore the depth of flavor in this classic treat.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and nutty richness.

The cake’s moisture comes from a clever technique that ensures every slice is perfectly saturated.

Dive into this irresistible dessert that transforms a simple cake into a showstopping masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 11

What’s Inside German Chocolate Poke Cake

• German Chocolate Cake Mix: Provides rich, chocolatey foundation with classic flavor profile.
• Pudding Mix: Ensures extra moisture and tender cake texture.
• Yogurt: Adds softness and subtle tangy undertone to cake.
• Milk: Helps bind ingredients and create smooth batter consistency.
• Oil: Guarantees moist and tender cake crumb.
• Vanilla: Enhances overall chocolate flavor complexity.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates decadent, creamy layer that seeps into cake.
• Caramel Sauce: Delivers deep, buttery sweetness and luxurious texture.

• Whipped Topping: Provides light, airy cream layer for contrast.
• Shredded Coconut, Chopped Pecans: Adds delightful crunch, tropical sweetness, and nutty dimension to cake's final presentation.

Kitchen Tools That Help With German Chocolate Poke Cake

• 913-inch baking pan: Essential for baking the cake evenly.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining cake ingredients smoothly.
• Wooden spoon handle: Great tool for creating holes in the cake.
• Small bowls: Helpful for mixing condensed milk, caramel sauce, and toppings.
• Mixing spatula: Ideal for spreading whipped topping evenly.
• Measuring cups: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Toothpick: Useful for checking cake doneness.
• Whisk: Helps blend ingredients thoroughly.

How To Fill And Frost German Chocolate Poke Cake

• Cake Preparation

Mix all cake ingredients in a large bowl until smooth. Pour batter into a greased baking pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.

• Flavor Infusion

Create small holes across the warm cake using a wooden spoon handle. Gently pour a sweet milk and caramel mixture into these holes, allowing it to soak deeply.

• Topping Creation

Cover the cake with a fluffy white cream layer. Sprinkle a crunchy blend of coconut and pecan pieces across the surface.

• Final Decoration

Drizzle extra caramel sauce in elegant swirls over the cake. Chill in the refrigerator to enhance the rich flavor profile.

• Serving

Cut into delightful squares and enjoy the decadent dessert chilled. Perfect for gatherings or a special family treat.

Fun Twists On German Chocolate Poke Cake

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cake a day in advance and refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully, creating an even more delicious dessert that's perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Swap the traditional cake mix for a gluten-free German chocolate cake mix to make this recipe celiac-friendly. Double-check all other ingredients to ensure they're gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk and use dairy-free whipped topping. Substitute regular milk with almond or oat milk to create a completely dairy-free version of this indulgent cake.
• Nutty Alternatives: For those with nut allergies, skip the pecans or replace them with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. This modification keeps the crunch while making the dessert safe for nut-sensitive individuals.
• Low-Sugar Hack: Reduce the sweetness by using a sugar-free cake mix, sugar-free caramel sauce, and a light whipped topping. This version cuts down on calories while maintaining the cake's incredible flavor profile.

Ideas For Serving German Chocolate Poke Cake Warm Or Chilled

• Tropical Vacation Plating: Serve each slice on a bright, colorful plate with a sprinkle of extra toasted coconut around the edges for a fun, vacation-inspired presentation.
• Sweet Café Style: Pair a slice with a hot cup of coffee or rich espresso, drizzling a tiny bit of extra caramel sauce on the plate's rim for an elegant coffee shop feel.
• Dessert Party Ensemble: Create a dessert board with this cake as the centerpiece, surrounding it with fresh berries, additional chopped pecans, and small chocolate shavings to enhance the visual appeal and flavor variety.
• Decadent Ice Cream Companion: Add a small scoop of vanilla bean or caramel ice cream alongside each cake slice, letting the creamy texture complement the cake's rich, moist texture.

Keep German Chocolate Poke Cake Moist After Baking

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Keep the cake tightly wrapped in plastic or stored in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods. Refrigeration helps preserve the cake's texture and freshness for up to 5 days.
• Portion Preparation Trick: Cut the entire cake into individual servings before storing. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking, making it easier to grab a quick slice without disturbing the entire dessert.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This cake actually tastes better after 24 hours of chilling, allowing flavors to develop and ingredients to blend perfectly. Prepare it a day before serving for maximum taste impact.
• Temperature Tip: Always serve directly from the refrigerator for the best consistency. Let slices sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly before enjoying, which enhances the cake's creamy texture and rich flavor profile.

Gooey German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Scrumptious german chocolate poke cake delivers rich layers of chocolate delight with creamy coconut filling. Chocolate lovers will savor each moist, indulgent bite that promises pure dessert satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 box (15.25 oz / 432 g) German chocolate cake mix
• 3 eggs
• ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• Water (per cake mix box instructions)
• 1 box (3.4 oz / 96 g) chocolate fudge instant pudding mix
• 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup (240 ml) plain yogurt
• ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
• ½ cup (120 ml) caramel sauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 container (8 oz / 227 g) whipped topping, thawed
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• Extra caramel sauce for drizzling

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Instructions

1. Cake Setup: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray.
2. Batter Creation: Blend German chocolate cake mix, pudding mix, yogurt, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until achieving a seamless, velvety mixture.
3. Baking Process: Pour batter evenly into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, verifying doneness with a clean toothpick test.
4. Cake Perforation: Once baked, quickly perforate the cake’s surface with a wooden spoon handle, creating strategic channels across the entire cake.
5. Moisture Infusion: Combine sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce, then gently cascade this liquid mixture over the perforated cake, allowing complete absorption.
6. Topping Assembly: After complete cooling, generously spread whipped topping across the entire surface, then artfully scatter shredded coconut and chopped pecans.
7. Final Enhancement: Elegantly drizzle additional caramel sauce over the cake, creating an appetizing visual and flavor dimension.
8. Chilling Stage: Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to intensify flavors and achieve optimal serving consistency.

Notes

• Enhance Moisture: Create holes evenly and gently to allow caramel and condensed milk to penetrate deeply without destroying cake structure.
• Temperature Precision: Ensure oven is accurately preheated to 350F for consistent baking and prevent potential dry or undercooked sections.
• Cooling Strategy: Allow cake to rest completely at room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation and maintain ideal texture.
• Topping Distribution: Sprinkle coconut and pecans uniformly for balanced flavor and consistent crunch in every cake slice.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg