The Best German Chocolate Poke Cake

German Chocolate Poke Cake is a delicious, indulgent dessert that combines the rich flavor of chocolate cake with a creamy, caramel-filled twist. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, birthday celebration, or simply a treat to enjoy with friends. With its sweetened condensed milk, caramel sauce, and luscious coconut topping, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone wanting more. Easy to make and even easier to devour, this dessert is a must-try for chocolate and caramel lovers alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Decadent Flavor

The combination of sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and caramel sauce creates a rich and creamy filling that soaks into the chocolate cake, giving each bite an irresistible taste.

2. Moist and Tender

Thanks to the poke method, the cake soaks up the filling, making each slice moist and tender. It’s the perfect balance between cake and creamy topping.

3. Quick and Easy

This recipe is simple to prepare with minimal ingredients. From the cake mix to the topping, it’s an easy, no-fuss dessert that you can whip up in no time.

4. Customizable

The topping is fully customizable – you can experiment with different nuts, or even try different drizzles, like white chocolate or extra caramel, to create your own version of this cake.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a party, a family dinner, or need a dessert for a special event, this German Chocolate Poke Cake will be the star of the show. It’s a classic that never goes out of style.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• Chocolate cake mix
• Milk
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Evaporated milk
• Caramel sauce

For the Topping:

• Shredded coconut
• Chopped pecans
• Whipped topping
• Chocolate syrup

Variations

• Nut-Free: Omit the pecans for a nut-free version, or swap them for another topping, such as mini chocolate chips or fruit.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix to make this cake suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
• Dairy-Free: Replace the whipped topping, milk, and sweetened condensed milk with dairy-free alternatives.
• White Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of the chocolate syrup, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cake for a unique twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and well-combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake according to the package instructions (usually about 30-35 minutes). Once baked, allow the cake to cool slightly.

Step 4: Poke Holes

Once the cake has cooled a little, use the back of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake. Be sure to make deep holes for the filling to soak into.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, mix together the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and caramel sauce. Pour this mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes.

Step 6: Cool the Cake

Let the cake cool completely to allow the filling to set and soak into the cake. For best results, refrigerate for a few hours or overnight to enhance the flavor.

Step 7: Add the Topping

Spread the whipped topping evenly over the cake. Sprinkle with shredded coconut and chopped pecans. Drizzle chocolate syrup over the top for an extra touch of indulgence.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Slice the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy the rich, creamy goodness with every bite!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Moisture Matters: Allow the cake to cool slightly before adding the filling to avoid making the cake soggy.
• Chill for Flavor: Refrigerating the cake for a few hours or overnight will enhance the flavor, allowing the caramel and milk mixture to fully absorb into the cake.
• Don’t Skip the Poking: Be sure to poke enough holes so that the filling can soak in and make the cake moist.
• Perfect Topping: Don’t forget to spread the whipped topping evenly to ensure every bite has the perfect combination of creamy and crunchy texture.

How to Serve

This German Chocolate Poke Cake is perfect for any gathering or occasion. Serve it as a dessert at a party, a potluck, or even after dinner as a sweet treat. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an extra indulgent experience, serve it with a drizzle of hot fudge or caramel sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cake refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The cake will stay moist and delicious for several days, making it perfect for snacking later.

Freezing

To freeze, slice the cake into individual pieces and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container. This will keep the cake fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or heat gently in the microwave.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake warm, microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a homemade chocolate cake instead of a box mix?

Yes, you can use a homemade chocolate cake recipe if you prefer, but the boxed cake mix makes this recipe easier and quicker to prepare.

2. Can I substitute the whipped topping?

You can substitute the whipped topping with whipped cream or a homemade whipped topping if desired.

3. How long should I let the cake cool before adding the filling?

Allow the cake to cool for about 10-15 minutes before poking holes and adding the filling. This helps prevent the cake from becoming too soggy.

4. Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.

5. How long should I refrigerate the cake?

For the best flavor, refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the filling to soak in and the flavors to develop.

6. Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, this cake is perfect for making ahead of time. Refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight for the best flavor.

7. Is there a dairy-free option for this cake?

Yes, you can substitute the dairy ingredients with dairy-free alternatives, such as dairy-free whipped topping, almond milk, and a dairy-free caramel sauce.

8. Can I add more caramel sauce?

Absolutely! If you love caramel, feel free to drizzle extra caramel sauce over the cake before serving for an extra indulgent touch.

9. Can I make this cake without the coconut?

Yes, you can omit the coconut if you’re not a fan or if you have a dietary restriction.

10. How should I store the leftover cake?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Conclusion

This German Chocolate Poke Cake is a rich, creamy, and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its delicious filling and decadent topping, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers.

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