Description
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!
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)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Slowly pour in hot water (or coffee) and mix until well combined. The batter will be thin—this is normal!
- 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
- Once baked, let the cake cool for 10 minutes.
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk and warm caramel sauce over the cake, making sure it soaks into the holes.
- Let the cake cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Coconut-Pecan Frosting
- In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together evaporated milk, butter, brown sugar, and egg yolks.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 8-10 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans.
- Let the frosting cool slightly, then spread it evenly over the cake.
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Drizzle
- Heat heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl until warm (about 30 seconds).
- Add chocolate chips and stir until smooth.
- Drizzle the chocolate over the cake using a spoon or piping bag.
Step 5: Chill & Serve
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Slice and enjoy this rich, chocolatey masterpiece!
Notes
- 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!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Cuisine: American-German