Why You’ll Love This German Chocolate Poke Cake
- Easy to Make: With simple steps, you’ll have a stunning dessert that looks like it took hours.
- Irresistibly Moist: The rich caramel and coconut filling soaks into the cake, making it incredibly moist and flavorful.
- Classic Flavors: Combines the beloved chocolate, coconut, and caramel trio in a fun new way.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or any celebration.
Tools You’ll Need
- Wooden skewer or fork for poking holes
- Mixing bowls
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Whisk and spatula
Homemade German Chocolate Poke Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Description
This Homemade German Chocolate Poke Cake takes the classic German chocolate cake to a whole new level. With a moist chocolate cake base, gooey caramel-coconut filling, and rich chocolate topping, every bite is a luscious indulgence. Whether for a birthday, holiday, or any special occasion, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water or brewed coffee (for extra richness)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
For the Topping:
- 1 ½ cups whipped topping (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup chocolate syrup or melted chocolate
- 1/4 cup toasted coconut
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk the sugar, eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the hot water or coffee until smooth. The batter will be thin.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- While the cake is baking, mix the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce in a small bowl.
Step 3: Poke the Holes and Fill
- Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool for 10 minutes. Then, use a wooden skewer or fork to poke holes all over the cake, about 1 inch apart.
- Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
- Sprinkle the shredded coconut and chopped pecans over the top. Let the cake cool completely.
Step 4: Add the Topping
- Spread the whipped topping evenly over the cooled cake.
- Drizzle chocolate syrup or melted chocolate over the whipped topping. Sprinkle with toasted coconut and chopped pecans for garnish.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld.
- Slice and serve chilled for the ultimate dessert experience!
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh coconut and high-quality cocoa make a big difference in flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Coffee: Coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee.
- Toast the Coconut and Pecans: Toasting brings out a richer flavor for the topping.
- Chill for the Best Texture: Refrigeration helps the filling soak into the cake, making it ultra-moist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use a cake mix instead of making the cake from scratch?
A: Yes! A boxed chocolate cake mix works perfectly if you’re short on time.
Q2: Can I make this cake dairy-free?
A: Substitute dairy-free milk (like almond or oat) for buttermilk and use dairy-free caramel and whipped topping.
Q3: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Definitely! The flavors get even better after a day in the fridge, so it’s a great make-ahead dessert.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Indulgence
This Homemade German Chocolate Poke Cake is a decadent dessert that will delight any crowd. With its rich chocolate cake, gooey caramel-coconut filling, and creamy topping, it’s hard to resist a second slice!
Did you make this recipe? Share your photos and reviews—we’d love to see how yours turned out!
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 450
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Treat yourself to this indulgent dessert—you deserve it!