There’s something magical about baking, don’t you think? The way the kitchen fills with warm, sweet aromas always brings me back to my childhood, where my grandma would whip up her famous desserts. One of my absolute favorites was her German chocolate poke cake. It’s a delightful concoction of moist chocolate cake, creamy coconut, and crunchy pecans, all wrapped up in a luscious frosting. I love making this cake not just for myself but to share with friends and family. Trust me, when you serve this beauty, you’ll see smiles all around! It’s the perfect treat for any occasion, and it’s so easy to make that you’ll be coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
Ingredients for German Chocolate Poke Cake
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious German chocolate poke cake. Each component plays a vital role in making this dessert irresistible!
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup whipped topping
Make sure to have everything ready to go before you start baking. Trust me, it makes the process so much smoother!
How to Prepare German Chocolate Poke Cake
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring this German chocolate poke cake to life! I promise, it’s a straightforward process that’ll have your kitchen smelling heavenly in no time. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be well on your way to dessert bliss!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to get that temperature just right!
- In a large mixing bowl, prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions. That usually means adding water, vegetable oil, and eggs.
- Pour the cake batter into a greased 9×13 inch pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30–35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted comes out clean!
- Once it’s done, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This step is crucial for the next part.
- Now, grab a fork and poke holes all over the cake. Get a little aggressive here; it helps the milk soak in!
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, making sure it fills those holes. It’s gonna be so good!
- In a separate bowl, mix the shredded coconut and chopped pecans together.
- Spread the coconut-pecan mixture evenly over the cake. Oh, the crunch!
- Finally, top it all off with whipped topping for that creamy finish.
- Chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This lets all those flavors mingle!
Why You’ll Love This German Chocolate Poke Cake
Let me tell you, this German chocolate poke cake is an absolute dream come true for dessert lovers! Here’s why you’ll be head over heels for this recipe:
- Moist texture: The cake is incredibly moist, thanks to the sweetened condensed milk soaking in.
- Easy preparation: It’s super simple to whip up, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Crowd-pleaser: This dessert always impresses guests, and you’ll definitely be the star of any gathering.
- Rich flavors: The combination of chocolate, coconut, and pecans creates a symphony of flavors that’s simply irresistible.
Trust me, once you try this cake, it’ll quickly become a favorite!
Tips for Success with German Chocolate Poke Cake
To ensure your German chocolate poke cake turns out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First, don’t skip the cooling time; letting the cake cool for at least 10 minutes before poking holes is key to preventing it from falling apart. Use high-quality chocolate cake mix for the best flavor—trust me, it makes a difference! When it comes to the coconut and pecans, toasting them lightly before mixing adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Finally, for a beautiful presentation, consider garnishing with extra whipped topping or a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top just before serving. Enjoy every bite!
Variations on German Chocolate Poke Cake
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your German chocolate poke cake! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Nutty twist: Try adding different nuts like almonds or walnuts for a unique crunch.
- Chocolate overload: Drizzle some chocolate ganache on top for an extra layer of chocolaty goodness.
- Fruit infusion: Mix in some fresh berries or banana slices for a fruity contrast to the rich chocolate.
- Vegan version: Substitute the eggs and whipped topping with plant-based alternatives to make it vegan-friendly.
- Layered delight: Make it a layered cake by adding a layer of chocolate frosting in between, if you’re feeling indulgent!
These variations will keep the dessert exciting and cater to everyone’s taste buds! Enjoy experimenting!
Nutritional Information for German Chocolate Poke Cake
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for each slice of this delightful German chocolate poke cake. Keep in mind that these are just estimates, but they give you a good idea of what to expect:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
It’s a rich treat, perfect for special occasions, so enjoy it in moderation!
FAQ About German Chocolate Poke Cake
Got questions about making the perfect German chocolate poke cake? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries:
Can I use homemade cake instead of a mix?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe, go for it! Just make sure it’s moist enough to soak up the sweetened condensed milk.
How long does it need to chill?
I recommend at least 2 hours in the fridge. This chilling time helps all those delicious flavors blend together beautifully.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! It’s a great make-ahead dessert. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. It tastes even better the next day!
What can I substitute for sweetened condensed milk?
If you need a dairy-free option, look for coconut condensed milk at the store. It works wonderfully!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze them for a sweet treat later on. Just thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
Storage & Reheating Instructions for German Chocolate Poke Cake
To keep your German chocolate poke cake fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can also freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. There’s no need to reheat—serve it chilled and let those flavors shine!
German Chocolate Poke Cake: 7 Reasons You’ll Love It
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist chocolate cake filled with coconut and pecan frosting.
Ingredients
- 1 box 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 whipped topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions.
- Pour batter into a greased 9×13 inch pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Poke holes in the cake with a fork.
- Pour sweetened condensed milk over the cake, filling the holes.
- In a bowl, mix coconut and pecans.
- Spread the coconut-pecan mixture over the cake.
- Top with whipped topping.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Use toasted pecans for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: german chocolate poke cake
