German Chocolate Poke Cake

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Sometimes you need a dessert that’s decadent, moist, and truly indulgent—and that’s where German Chocolate Poke Cake comes in. With its rich layers of chocolate cake, gooey caramel-coconut filling, and a drizzle of melted chocolate, this dessert is nothing short of a masterpiece.

This recipe is perfect for special occasions or when you want to wow your guests with a show-stopping treat. It’s a heavenly blend of textures and flavors, from the tender chocolate cake to the creamy, nutty topping.

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Decadent Chocolate Bliss

German Chocolate Poke Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers. Each bite is infused with rich chocolate flavor and enhanced with a luscious caramel-coconut pecan filling.

It’s a twist on the classic German chocolate cake, made easier with a poke cake method that ensures every slice is oozing with flavor. You’ll love how simple yet elegant this dessert is, making it the perfect recipe for holidays, birthdays, or whenever a chocolate craving strikes.

The beauty of this cake is how versatile it can be. Serve it chilled for a cool, creamy treat or slightly warmed for a melt-in-your-mouth indulgence. Either way, this cake is a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients for German Chocolate Poke Cake

To create this irresistible German Chocolate Poke Cake, you’ll need a combination of pantry staples and rich, decadent ingredients. Each component brings a layer of flavor and texture that makes this dessert truly special.

• Chocolate Cake Mix – You can use your favorite boxed chocolate cake mix to make this recipe quick and easy. Choose one with a rich, moist texture for the best results.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk – This soaks into the cake, making it ultra-moist and adding a sweet, creamy richness to every bite.
• Caramel Sauce – The caramel infuses the cake with a gooey, buttery sweetness that pairs perfectly with the chocolate.
• Coconut-Pecan Frosting – This classic German chocolate frosting brings a chewy, nutty texture with its blend of sweet coconut and crunchy pecans.
• Milk Chocolate Chips – Melted and drizzled on top, these add a final layer of velvety chocolate goodness.
• Shredded Coconut and Chopped Pecans – For garnish, these add a bit of texture and make the cake visually stunning.

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How to Make German Chocolate Poke Cake

Making this cake is as easy as following a few simple steps, with most of the work done by the oven and the ingredients themselves. Here’s how to bring this dessert to life:

Step 1: Bake the Cake
Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the instructions on the box. Pour the batter into a 9×13-inch baking pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool slightly.

Step 2: Poke and Soak
Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly across the surface of the warm cake. Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes. Then drizzle the caramel sauce on top for an extra layer of gooey goodness.

Step 3: Add the Coconut-Pecan Frosting
Spread the coconut-pecan frosting evenly over the cake. Be generous—it’s the star of this recipe!

Step 4: Finish with Chocolate and Garnishes
Melt the milk chocolate chips and drizzle them over the frosting. Sprinkle shredded coconut and chopped pecans on top for texture and decoration.

Step 5: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld together. Slice, serve, and enjoy every decadent bite!

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect German Chocolate Poke Cake

Mastering this cake is all about timing and layering to ensure every bite is as rich and delicious as possible. Here’s what you need to know to bake it to perfection:

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How Long to Bake the Cake

The baking time depends on your chosen cake mix and pan size. Most boxed chocolate cake mixes will require:

• 9×13-inch Pan: Bake for 25–30 minutes at 350°F, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Other Pan Sizes: If you use a different size, follow the timing guidelines on the cake mix box.

The key is to avoid overbaking, as you want the cake to stay moist and tender for those delicious caramel and condensed milk layers to soak in.

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How to Store Leftovers

• In the Refrigerator: Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even better on day two or three!
• In the Freezer: To freeze, slice the cake into individual portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

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Essential Tips for Success

1. Poke Deep, Even Holes: Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes that are deep enough to allow the condensed milk and caramel to reach the bottom layer of the cake. Make sure the holes are evenly spaced for consistent flavor throughout.
2. Let the Cake Cool Slightly Before Poking: If the cake is too hot, it might crumble when poked. Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before adding the condensed milk and caramel.
3. Chill the Cake: Don’t skip the chilling step! This helps the flavors meld together and makes the cake easier to slice.
4. Use Fresh Garnishes: Sprinkle the shredded coconut and chopped pecans just before serving to keep them fresh and crunchy.
5. Serve It Your Way: Serve chilled for a firmer, more structured texture, or warm slices slightly for a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

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With these tips in hand, you’re ready to bake a German Chocolate Poke Cake that’s not only visually stunning but also deeply satisfying in every bite!

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