Print

Easy German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

4.5 from 54 reviews

Irresistible German Chocolate Poke Cake is a decadent, moist chocolate cake infused with a rich coconut-pecan filling poked into the cake, topped with luscious caramel sauce and chocolate frosting. This Southern favorite blends traditional flavors with a modern twist, making it perfect for holidays, potlucks, or simple indulgent desserts. The cake’s rich texture, nutty crunch, and creamy topping create a perfectly balanced and memorable treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix
  • 1 1/4 cups water
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs

For the Filling and Topping

  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce
  • 1 cup chocolate frosting

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, mix the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth and fully combined without overmixing.
  2. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
  3. Poke Holes in the Warm Cake: Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke evenly spaced holes all over the top of the warm cake approximately 1 inch apart to allow the filling to seep in.
  4. Add the Filling: Immediately drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the entire cake, letting it absorb into the holes for extra moisture and sweetness.
  5. Sprinkle Toppings: Evenly spread shredded coconut and chopped pecans on top of the cake. Then drizzle the caramel sauce over everything ensuring good coverage.
  6. Cool and Frost the Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature. Once cool, spread a smooth layer of chocolate frosting evenly over the top.
  7. Chill the Cake: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 2 hours to let all flavors meld and the topping set properly before serving.

Notes

  • Use room-temperature eggs and liquids for better batter texture.
  • Do not overmix the cake batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
  • Ensure holes are evenly spaced to distribute the filling uniformly.
  • Chill the cake for minimum 2 hours or overnight for best flavor and texture.
  • Toast the coconut lightly before sprinkling for added crunch and depth.
  • Substitute eggs with flax eggs or commercial egg replacers to make it egg-free.
  • You can swap the caramel sauce with salted caramel for a sweet and salty contrast.

Keywords: German Chocolate Poke Cake, Chocolate Cake, Coconut Pecan Cake, Caramel Cake, Southern Dessert, Easy Chocolate Dessert, Moist Chocolate Cake