Indulge in Our Heavenly German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

Decadent desserts have a magical way of bringing smiles to faces, and this German chocolate poke cake recipe delivers pure bliss in every single bite.

Rich chocolate layers mingle with creamy coconut frosting, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Moist cake punctured with sweet fillings promises an indulgent experience that goes beyond ordinary treats.

Each slice tells a delectable story of texture and taste, combining classic German chocolate elements with modern baking techniques.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

chocolate lovers will find themselves swooning over this irresistible cake that balances sweetness and depth perfectly.

Prepare to wow your guests and satisfy your deepest dessert cravings with this show-stopping treat.

Why You’ll Adore This German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

• Transform an ordinary cake into a spectacular treat that brings everyone together, creating delightful moments of shared sweetness and joy.
• Designed for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires simple mixing and basic techniques, ensuring success even for novice home cooks who want to impress their loved ones.
• Swap ingredients or adjust toppings to match personal preferences, making this German Chocolate Poke Cake a versatile dessert that adapts to different tastes and dietary needs.
• Enjoy layers of moisture from pudding, condensed milk, and ganache that create an incredibly rich, creamy cake experience with every single bite.

Ingredients for German Chocolate Poke Cake You’ll Need

• Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides a consistent and fluffy foundation for the cake.
• Chocolate Pudding: Adds extra moisture and enhances the rich chocolate flavor.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the cake.
• Yogurt: Contributes to the cake's moisture and tender texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a soft and moist cake.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth and creamy batter.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the sweetness of the cake.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides a creamy, sweet layer that seeps into the cake.
• Chocolate: Creates a rich and smooth ganache for coating.
• Heavy Cream: Helps melt the chocolate and creates a silky ganache.
• Coconut Pecan Frosting: Adds a sweet and nutty topping with a delightful texture.

• Nonstick Spray: Ensures the cake does not stick to the baking pan.
• Wooden Spoon Handle: Used to create holes for the filling to penetrate the cake.

How to Make the German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe at Home

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven and Prep the Pan

Crank the oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray.

Set it aside and get ready to mix up some magic.

Step 2: Create the Cake Batter

• Cake mix
• Chocolate pudding
• Eggs
• Yogurt
• Vegetable oil
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Whip everything together with an electric mixer until the batter looks smooth and creamy.

You want it thick and dreamy.

Step 3: Bake and Poke the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

Slide it into the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes.

Check if it’s done by sticking a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean.

Once baked, grab a wooden spoon handle and go to town poking holes all over the cake.

Step 4: Drench in Creamy Goodness

While the cake is still hot, drizzle sweetened condensed milk all over.

Watch it seep into those lovely holes, creating a moisture explosion.

Let the cake cool completely at room temperature.

Step 5: Whip Up the Chocolate Ganache

Place chopped chocolate in a bowl.

Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until it bubbles around the edges.

Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Stir gently until you’ve got a silky smooth mixture.

Let it thicken for 5-10 minutes.

Step 6: Finish with Frosting Flair

Spread the ganache evenly over the cooled cake.

Top it off with a luscious layer of coconut pecan frosting.

The result?

A mind-blowing dessert that’ll make taste buds dance with joy.

Pro Tips for Nailing the German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

• Always check your cake's moisture by using yogurt and pudding mix, which adds richness and keeps the texture soft and tender.
• Create deep, evenly spaced holes while the cake is hot to maximize the absorption of sweetened condensed milk for maximum flavor penetration.
• Let hot cream sit with chocolate for exactly 5 minutes to ensure smooth melting without burning, resulting in a silky, glossy chocolate layer.
• Allow cake to cool completely before adding toppings, which helps each layer set properly and prevents sliding or uneven distribution.
• Spread coconut pecan frosting gently and evenly, ensuring complete cake coverage for a professional-looking and deliciously indulgent dessert.

Storing and Reheating the German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

• Place cake in an airtight container, cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid, and store in refrigerator for up to 5 days. Seal edges carefully to prevent moisture loss and maintain cake's soft texture.
• Wrap cake securely in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze whole cake or individual slices for maximum 3 months. Label container with date of freezing.
• Keep cake covered at room temperature for 1-2 days maximum. Use cake dome or plastic wrap to protect from dust and maintain freshness. Best consumed within 48 hours.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Alternatively, warm in preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Add small dollop of fresh whipped cream to restore moisture and enhance flavor after reheating.

Great Pairings for German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

• Chocolate Companion Cocktail: Mix a rich dark chocolate martini with vanilla vodka, creating a smooth liquid extension of the cake's decadent chocolate flavors.
• Nutty Espresso Complement: Brew a strong espresso with hazelnut syrup, which beautifully echoes the cake's coconut and pecan notes while cutting through its sweetness.
• Creamy Caramel Sidekick: Serve a chilled salted caramel liqueur that harmonizes with the condensed milk's richness and enhances the cake's complex flavor profile.
• Textural Wine Pairing: Select a late harvest Zinfandel with its sweet, jammy characteristics that perfectly match the cake's intense chocolate and coconut dimensions.

Flavor Twists on the German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

• Gluten-Free German Chocolate Poke Cake: Replace standard cake mix with a gluten-free chocolate cake mix, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Perfect for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute yogurt with coconut yogurt, use almond milk instead of dairy milk, replace heavy cream with coconut cream, and select dairy-free chocolate chips. Great option for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Lower-Sugar Alternative: Use sugar-free pudding mix, swap sweetened condensed milk with a sugar-free version, and select a low-sugar cake mix. Ideal for diabetics or those monitoring sugar intake.
• Vegan Adaptation: Utilize vegan chocolate cake mix, replace eggs with applesauce or flax eggs, choose plant-based milk, and use coconut cream for ganache. Suitable for plant-based dietary preferences.

FAQs

• What ingredients make this German Chocolate Poke Cake unique?

The combination of chocolate pudding, yogurt, and sweetened condensed milk creates an incredibly moist and creamy cake texture. These ingredients help keep the cake soft and add rich, deep chocolate flavor throughout.

• Why do I need to poke holes in the cake?

Poking holes allows the sweetened condensed milk to penetrate deep into the cake, creating moisture pockets that make each bite incredibly soft and flavorful. This technique ensures the cake stays super moist and absorbs extra sweetness.

• How important is the ganache in this recipe?

The ganache adds a luxurious, smooth chocolate layer that enhances the cake’s richness. By using chopped chocolate and heated cream, you create a silky, professional-quality topping that elevates the entire dessert’s taste and appearance.

• Can I use a different type of chocolate for the ganache?

While the recipe suggests using traditional chocolate, you can experiment with dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate based on your preference. Each type will slightly alter the ganache’s flavor profile, allowing you to customize the cake to your taste.

German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent German chocolate poke cake merges rich chocolate layers with creamy coconut-pecan frosting, creating a dreamy dessert that whispers sweet comfort. Moist cake channels classic German baking traditions, promising pure deliciousness with each decadent forkful you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 box dark chocolate fudge cake mix
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup whole milk

Pudding and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 (3.4 ounces / 96 grams) box chocolate fudge instant pudding
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Topping and Filling Ingredients:

• 1 (14 ounces / 396 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
• 4 ounces (113 grams) chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 can coconut pecan frosting

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray. In a large mixing bowl, blend cake mix, chocolate pudding, eggs, yogurt, vegetable oil, milk, vanilla extract, and salt using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 30-40 minutes, testing doneness with a toothpick. Once baked, remove from oven and immediately create holes throughout the cake using a wooden spoon handle.
3. Pour sweetened condensed milk over the hot cake, ensuring it penetrates all the holes. This step infuses the cake with extra moisture and creaminess. Let the cake cool completely at room temperature.
4. Prepare ganache by placing chopped chocolate in a bowl. Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until it bubbles around the edges. Pour hot cream over chocolate and let sit for 5 minutes. Stir until chocolate melts completely and the mixture becomes smooth. Allow ganache to thicken for 5-10 minutes.
5. Spread the ganache evenly over the cooled cake. Top with a generous layer of coconut pecan frosting, creating a decadent dessert with rich, contrasting flavors and textures.

Notes

• Ensure room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly, creating a silkier cake batter without lumps.
• Use a fork or skewer to poke deeper, more evenly distributed holes for maximum condensed milk absorption.
• Cool cake completely before adding ganache to prevent melting and ensure a glossy, firm chocolate layer.
• Customize by substituting gluten-free cake mix or dairy-free alternatives for dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg