Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this German chocolate poke cake! If you’ve never had it, you’re in for a real treat. Imagine a moist chocolate cake that’s not just your average dessert; it’s got this amazing, gooey goodness thanks to the sweetened condensed milk that seeps into every hole you poke. Trust me, it’s the kind of cake that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I remember the first time I made this for a family gathering. Everyone was raving about it! My cousin even asked if I could make two next time—talk about a compliment! This cake is so rich, so delicious, and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, a potluck, or just because. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy and delightful recipe!
Ingredients List
- 1 box German chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
It’s super important to have everything ready before you start mixing. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature to help your batter come together smoothly. I also love using fresh, high-quality coconut and pecans because they really elevate the flavor. You’ll see, it makes a big difference in the final result! Grab your ingredients, and let’s get baking!
How to Prepare German Chocolate Poke Cake
Preheat and Combine Ingredients
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because a hot oven means a perfectly baked cake! While that’s warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the German chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for the best mixing experience—trust me, it really helps the batter come together smoothly. Use a whisk or an electric mixer to blend everything until it’s nice and smooth; you want a velvety texture here. No lumps allowed! Once it’s all mixed, you’re ready to pour that delicious batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
Bake and Poke
Now, it’s time to bake! Slide that pan into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Oh, the smell of chocolate wafting through your kitchen is just heavenly! Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This step is super important because you don’t want to poke holes in a cake that’s too hot. After it has cooled slightly, take a fork and poke holes all over the top. Don’t be shy, the more holes the better! This is where the magic happens, allowing that sweetened condensed milk to soak right in.
Add Condensed Milk and Toppings
Next up, grab that can of sweetened condensed milk and pour it all over the cake. Watch it seep into those holes—it’s like a delicious little chocolate pool! Now, in a separate bowl, mix the shredded coconut and chopped pecans together. Spread this delightful mixture evenly over the top of the cake, making sure every corner gets some love. This topping adds texture and that classic German chocolate flavor that you won’t be able to resist!
Whip Cream and Final Assembly
Now for the final touch! In a bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar until soft peaks form. This part is so fun—watch the cream transform into fluffy clouds! Once you’ve got that perfect consistency, gently spread the whipped cream over the top of the cake. Now, here’s the kicker: refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving. This chilling time is essential to let all those flavors meld together and makes for a truly luscious dessert. You’ll be counting down the minutes until you can dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly moist and rich texture that melts in your mouth.
- Super easy to prepare, even for beginner bakers!
- The poke method ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
- Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or special occasions—everyone will be asking for the recipe!
- Can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen and develop.
- Versatile—add your favorite toppings or serve with a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat!
- Beautiful presentation with layers of coconut and pecans that make it look as good as it tastes.
Tips for Success
Want your German chocolate poke cake to turn out perfectly every time? Here are my top tips to ensure it’s a hit!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room temperature eggs and other ingredients. This helps them combine better, leading to a smoother batter. Cold ingredients can result in a dense cake, and we definitely don’t want that!
- Don’t Rush the Cooling: Allow the cake to cool for at least 10 minutes before poking holes. If it’s too hot, the condensed milk won’t soak in properly, and you’ll miss out on that delicious gooeyness.
- Poke Generously: When you poke holes in the cake, go for it! The more holes, the better the milk can soak in, making every bite rich and moist. I often make a pattern to ensure even soaking.
- Chill Time is Key: Don’t skip the refrigeration step! Letting the cake chill for at least 2 hours allows the flavors to meld and gives the whipped cream time to set. It’s worth the wait, I promise!
- Make Ahead for Best Flavor: This cake is actually even better the next day! If you can prepare it a day in advance, do it. The flavors deepen, and it becomes even more irresistible.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with the toppings! Add chocolate shavings, crushed cookies, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for an added layer of flavor.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a show-stopping cake that everyone will love! Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for each slice of this delightful German chocolate poke cake. Keep in mind these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes:
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Total Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 5g
These numbers are great to keep in mind if you’re watching your intake, but let’s be honest—this cake is all about enjoying the moment! So, treat yourself and savor every bite. Happy indulging!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Absolutely! While the traditional choice is a German chocolate cake mix, you can definitely experiment with other flavors. A classic chocolate cake mix will work just as well if you’re in the mood for something a bit more chocolatey. You could even try a vanilla or yellow cake mix for a lighter twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly, so if you go for vanilla, you might want to enhance it with some chocolate syrup or cocoa powder to get that rich taste we all love!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover German chocolate poke cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container to keep it fresh and moist. If you’re like me and can’t resist a sweet treat, you might find yourself sneaking slices even after dinner! Just remember to let it chill in the fridge before serving again—it tastes even better cold!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, yes, yes! In fact, I highly recommend making this cake a day in advance. The flavors develop and deepen overnight, making each bite even more delicious. Just prepare the cake, poke the holes, and pour the sweetened condensed milk over it. Then, top it with the coconut and pecan mixture, and finally, the whipped cream! After that, pop it in the fridge. You’ll be amazed at how the cake transforms and becomes a real showstopper by the time you’re ready to serve it!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your German chocolate poke cake, the right accompaniments can take it to a whole new level! Here are some delightful ideas to enhance your dessert experience:
- A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: There’s nothing quite like a warm slice of cake paired with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melting into the gooey cake is simply divine!
- Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of fresh strawberries or raspberries. The tartness of the berries cuts through the richness of the cake, adding a refreshing contrast.
- Whipped Cream: If you can’t get enough of that fluffy goodness, serve an extra dollop of whipped cream on the side! You can even add a sprinkle of cocoa powder or cinnamon for a little flair.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle some warm chocolate sauce over the top for an extra indulgent touch. It adds a beautiful presentation and even more chocolatey richness!
- Coffee or Espresso: Pairing your cake with a cup of coffee or a shot of espresso is always a winning combination. The bitterness of the coffee complements the sweetness of the cake perfectly.
- Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce over the whipped cream or directly on the cake adds a luscious sweetness that makes every bite even more enjoyable.
With these serving suggestions, you’ll create a dessert experience that’s not only delicious but also memorable. Enjoy every moment of your German chocolate poke cake!
Print
German chocolate poke cake: 7 irresistible ways to indulge
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and rich German chocolate poke cake with a creamy coconut pecan frosting.
Ingredients
- 1 box German chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.
- Poke holes in the top of the cake using a fork.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
- In a bowl, combine shredded coconut and chopped pecans. Spread this mixture over the cake.
- In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream over the cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
- Let the cake cool completely before adding toppings.
- This cake can be made a day in advance for better flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: German chocolate poke cake, chocolate cake, dessert recipe
