Homemade German Chocolate Poke Cake

If you love classic German chocolate cake, you’re going to be obsessed with this German Chocolate Poke Cake! It’s ultra-moist, loaded with rich chocolate flavor, and soaked in a luscious caramel sauce. Topped with a coconut-pecan frosting and chocolate drizzle, this cake is a decadent treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Moist & Rich – The poke method ensures every bite is ultra-soft and flavorful.
• Easy to Make – Uses simple ingredients with a foolproof process.
• Decadent Layers – Chocolate cake, caramel, coconut, pecans, and chocolate drizzle!
• Perfect for Parties – A crowd-pleaser that looks and tastes impressive.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• All-Purpose Flour (2 cups)
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (¾ cup)
• Granulated Sugar (1 ¾ cups)
• Baking Powder (1 ½ tsp)
• Baking Soda (1 ½ tsp)
• Salt (½ tsp)
• Eggs (2 large)
• Buttermilk (1 cup)
• Vegetable Oil (½ cup)
• Vanilla Extract (2 tsp)
• Hot Water or Coffee (1 cup) – Enhances the chocolate flavor.

For the Poke Filling:

• Sweetened Condensed Milk (1 can, 14 oz)
• Caramel Sauce (½ cup, warmed)

For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:

• Evaporated Milk (1 cup)
• Butter (½ cup, unsalted, softened)
• Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed)
• Egg Yolks (3 large, beaten)
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp)
• Sweetened Shredded Coconut (1 ½ cups)
• Chopped Pecans (1 cup)

For the Chocolate Drizzle:

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (½ cup)
• Heavy Cream (¼ cup)

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Wooden spoon or skewer (for poking holes)
• Saucepan

How to Make German Chocolate Poke Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Slowly pour in hot water (or coffee) and mix until well combined. The batter will be thin—this is normal!
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 2: Poke & Fill the Cake

1. Once baked, let the cake cool for 10 minutes.
2. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake.
3. Pour the sweetened condensed milk and warm caramel sauce over the cake, making sure it soaks into the holes.
4. Let the cake cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Coconut-Pecan Frosting

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together evaporated milk, butter, brown sugar, and egg yolks.
2. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 8-10 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans.
4. Let the frosting cool slightly, then spread it evenly over the cake.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Drizzle

1. Heat heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl until warm (about 30 seconds).
2. Add chocolate chips and stir until smooth.
3. Drizzle the chocolate over the cake using a spoon or piping bag.

Step 5: Chill & Serve

1. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Slice and enjoy this rich, chocolatey masterpiece!

What to Serve with German Chocolate Poke Cake

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Fresh whipped cream
• A glass of cold milk or coffee

Tips for the Best Poke Cake

• Use Coffee Instead of Water – This enhances the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee.
• Let It Cool Before Frosting – The coconut-pecan frosting spreads better on a cooled cake.
• Chill Before Serving – The cake tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
• Make It Ahead – This cake stays moist and delicious for up to 3 days!

Storing & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store 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.

FAQs

Can I use a cake mix instead?
Yes! Use a German chocolate cake mix and prepare it as directed, then follow the poke and filling steps.

Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely! This cake tastes even better the next day after all the flavors soak in.

What if I don’t like pecans?
You can swap them for chopped walnuts or leave them out entirely.

Conclusion

This Homemade German Chocolate Poke Cake is everything you love about classic German chocolate cake—just even more indulgent! Moist chocolate cake, caramel filling, coconut-pecan frosting, and a chocolate drizzle make it an irresistible dessert for any occasion.

Try this recipe and let me know how it turns out!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Cuisine: American-German

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 6g | Carbohydrates: 58g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 42g | Sodium: 320mg

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