Discover the rich, gooey delight of German Chocolate Poke Cake that captivates every sweet tooth with layers of chocolaty heaven. This luscious cake blends moist chocolate sponge with a creamy coconut-pecan filling that seeps into each bite, creating a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a newbie in the kitchen, this dessert promises a crowd-pleasing finish to any meal and an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Decadent Flavor Fusion: Combines rich chocolate with sweet coconut and crunchy pecans for a truly indulgent experience.
Moist and Gooey Texture: The cake soaks up the creamy filling, making every bite tender and flavorful.
Simple Yet Impressive: Easy-to-follow steps yield a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a bakery.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or a casual treat, it always gets devoured quickly.
Versatile Customization: Easily adapted with variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

German Chocolate Poke Cake uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable dessert. Each element is essential: from the cocoa in the chocolate cake for richness to the creamy coconut-pecan topping that brings everything to life.

Chocolate Cake Mix: A quick base that guarantees moist, chocolaty crumb without the fuss of making cake from scratch.
Evaporated Milk: Adds creaminess and richness to the coconut filling, creating that classic gooey texture.
Coconut: Sweet shredded coconut introduces a chewy contrast perfect for texture variety.
Pecans: Chopped nuts give a delightful crunch to balance the soft cake layers.
Butter: Enhances flavor and adds smoothness to both the cake and the filling.
Sugar and Brown Sugar: Sweeten the filling while brown sugar adds a slight caramel note.
Egg Yolks: Help thicken the coconut-pecan topping and give it structure.
Vanilla Extract: Brings depth and enhances all the warm flavors.

Variations

One of the best things about German Chocolate Poke Cake is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you want to make it vegan, add extra flavors, or include seasonal ingredients, the possibilities are endless.

Vegan Adaptation: Use dairy-free butter and milk alternatives, along with a flax egg, for a plant-based version.
Nut-Free Version: Simply omit pecans or replace with toasted seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for crunch.
Extra Chocolate Boost: Drizzle melted dark chocolate or sprinkle chocolate chips between layers for added intensity.
Fruit Infusion: Add fresh raspberries or cherries between layers for a fruity twist that brightens the flavor.
Spiced Variation: Add cinnamon or espresso powder to the cake mix for subtle warmth and complexity.

Why German Chocolate Poke Cake Steals Hearts

How to Make German Chocolate Poke Cake

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake

Start by preparing the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions, ensuring you use ingredients like eggs and oil for moisture. Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, then allow it to cool slightly.

Step 2: Poke Holes in the Cake

Once the cake is warm but not hot, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke evenly spaced holes all over the cake surface to allow the filling to seep in later, making every bite rich and flavorful.

Step 3: Prepare the Coconut-Pecan Filling

In a saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, butter, coconut, and pecans. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring constantly, until it thickens and turns golden and creamy.

Step 4: Pour Filling Over the Cake

Slowly pour the warm coconut-pecan filling over the poked cake, letting it seep through the holes and soak deeply, ensuring every mouthful is infused with that signature gooey texture.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Allow the cake to cool to room temperature before refrigerating it for at least two hours. This helps the filling set and meld with the cake layers perfectly. Serve chilled or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.

Pro Tips for Making German Chocolate Poke Cake

Choose Quality Ingredients: Using good-quality chocolate cake mix and fresh pecans makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
Don’t Skip Poking: Properly poking holes ensures the filling seeps in evenly for rich flavor in every bite.
Stir Filling Constantly: Prevents the coconut-pecan sauce from burning or sticking while thickening beautifully.
Cool Before Pouring: Poking while the cake is warm helps the holes stay open and absorb the filling better.
Chill Well: Refrigeration sets the delicious filling so slices cut cleanly and hold their shape nicely.

How to Serve German Chocolate Poke Cake

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate adds elegance, while toasted pecan halves or a few fresh coconut flakes enhance texture and visual appeal beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair this rich cake with simple sides like fresh whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a cup of strong coffee or tea to balance the sweetness effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in individual glass jars for a charming presentation or layer it in a trifle dish with whipped cream and berries for a stunning dessert centerpiece everyone will talk about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep the cake tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to four days to maintain freshness and prevent the filling from drying out.

Freezing

Wrap slices individually with plastic wrap and store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to two months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

German Chocolate Poke Cake is best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer it warm, heat slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to avoid drying out the filling.

FAQs

Can I make German Chocolate Poke Cake from scratch?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses a cake mix for ease, you can bake a homemade chocolate cake and follow the same process for a fully scratch-made dessert.

What kind of coconut is best for the filling?

Sweetened shredded coconut works best as it adds texture and sweetness, but unsweetened can be used if you want more control over sugar content.

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, walnuts or almonds are great alternatives if you need or prefer different nuts, just make sure to chop them finely for even distribution.

Is German Chocolate Poke Cake very sweet?

It is sweet but balanced by the deep chocolate flavor and slightly nutty coconut-pecan topping, making it indulgent but not overwhelming.

How long does it take to prepare and bake?

From start to finish, including baking and cooling time, expect about an hour to an hour and a half to complete this showstopping dessert.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to delight your friends and family with a dessert that feels like a warm hug, German Chocolate Poke Cake is your go-to recipe. Its irresistible combination of layers, gooey coconut-pecan topping, and rich chocolate cake is sure to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. Give it a try—you’ll want to make it again and again!

German Chocolate Poke Cake

Author: Savannah
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Contains nuts

Print Recipe

Description

German Chocolate Poke Cake is a decadent, moist chocolate dessert featuring a rich chocolate cake base infused with a gooey coconut-pecan filling. Perfectly combining textures and flavors, it offers a luscious treat that melts in your mouth, ideal for any occasion from casual gatherings to special celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Cake Base

1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients required on the box, such as eggs, oil, and water)

Coconut-Pecan Filling

1 can (12 fl oz) evaporated milk
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large egg yolks
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 1/3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Bake the Chocolate Cake: Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions, including all required ingredients like eggs and oil. Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool slightly.
Poke Holes in the Cake: While the cake is warm but not hot, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke evenly spaced holes all over the cake surface to allow the filling to seep in later and make every bite rich and flavorful.
Prepare the Coconut-Pecan Filling: In a saucepan, combine evaporated milk, granulated sugar, egg yolks, butter, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Continue stirring until it thickens and turns golden and creamy.
Pour Filling Over the Cake: Slowly pour the warm coconut-pecan filling over the poked cake, allowing it to seep through the holes and soak deeply into the cake for that signature gooey texture.
Chill and Serve: Let the cake cool to room temperature before refrigerating it for at least two hours. This chilling step helps the filling set and meld perfectly with the cake layers. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Use high-quality chocolate cake mix and fresh pecans for the best flavor.
Don’t skip poking holes; it ensures even absorption of the filling for rich flavor in every bite.
Stir the filling constantly to avoid burning or sticking while it thickens.
Pour the filling while the cake is warm to allow better absorption.
Chill the cake well for clean slices and optimal texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American