German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

If you’re a fan of rich chocolate, coconut, and nutty flavors all hugging together in one unforgettable bite, let me introduce you to your new obsession: German Chocolate Poke Cake. Imagine moist, fudgey chocolate cake infused with sweetened condensed milk, draped in a silky chocolate ganache, and crowned with a tropical coconut-pecan frosting. It’s a celebration-worthy indulgence that’s surprisingly easy to whip up and always disappears fast at any get-together!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic truly lies in the simplicity of the ingredients for this classic German Chocolate Poke Cake. Each component plays a crucial role, from the dense, chocolatey cake base to the creamy filling and decadent toppings. Here’s why you’ll want to gather everything before you start!

• Dark chocolate fudge cake mix: For maximum chocolate flavor and that reliably soft, moist crumb that’s perfect for soaking up the filling.
• Chocolate fudge instant pudding mix: Adds extra richness and ensures each bite is pudding-level tender.
• Large eggs: Vital for binding everything together and giving the cake structure and lift.
• Plain yogurt: Keeps the cake super moist and adds a gentle tang to balance the sweetness.
• Vegetable oil: Helps deliver a luscious texture while keeping the crumb tender.
• Whole milk: Rounds out the dense cake batter with creamy richness and moisture.
• Vanilla extract: Amplifies the chocolate, adds warmth, and deepens all the flavors beautifully.
• Salt: Just a pinch to dial up all those sweet, rich flavors and create balance.
• Sweetened condensed milk: For the unforgettable poke filling—the secret to that signature gooey, decadent texture.
• Chopped chocolate: Essential for a shiny, rich ganache that glides effortlessly over the cake.
• Heavy cream: Combines with chocolate for a melt-in-your-mouth ganache.
• Coconut pecan frosting: Sweet, nutty, and full of tropical flavors—it’s the perfectly indulgent crowning glory for this treat.

How to Make German Chocolate Poke Cake

Step 1: Mix and Bake the Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the dark chocolate cake mix, instant pudding mix, eggs, yogurt, oil, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until the batter is smooth and luscious. Pour your mixture into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Pop the pan into the oven and let it bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Your kitchen will smell like pure chocolate heaven!

Step 2: Poke and Soak

Once your cake has cooled for about 5 to 10 minutes, grab the handle of a wooden spoon and gently poke rows of holes all over the cake. Be generous—these craters are where the magic happens! Immediately pour the can of sweetened condensed milk all over, making sure it seeps down into every nook and cranny. Let the cake cool completely as it absorbs all that creamy goodness.

Step 3: Make the Ganache

In a small saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream until it’s just shy of boiling. If you’d rather use a microwave-safe bowl, that works too. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit undisturbed for about 2 minutes. Then stir it up until the mixture is silky, smooth, and glossy—you’ll want to dive right in! Pour your chocolate ganache over the cooled, soaked cake and spread it with an offset spatula. Pop the pan into the fridge for about 15–20 minutes to help the ganache set.

Step 4: Frost and Decorate

Once the ganache layer is perfectly set, it’s time for the coconut pecan frosting. Using a spoon or spatula, generously spread the frosting evenly across the entire surface. Each bite now holds a layer of everything you love about German Chocolate Poke Cake.

Step 5: Chill & Serve

For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the finished cake for at least one hour. You can serve it chilled for a firmer texture or let it come to room temperature for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Either way, you and your guests are in for a treat, so grab a fork and dig in!

How to Serve German Chocolate Poke Cake

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes or a handful of chopped pecans over the top. They add a bit of crunch and make that beautiful coconut-pecan frosting even more inviting. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a dollop of fresh whipped cream pairs amazingly well with this luscious cake.

Side Dishes

Because this dessert is rich and decadent, light accompaniments work best. A scoop of vanilla ice cream, some fresh berries, or a simple fruit salad can offer a nice contrast, keeping the flavors bright and balanced alongside the dense, chocolatey German Chocolate Poke Cake.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the cake into tidy squares and serving on individual plates, each garnished with a chocolate curl. Or, for parties, present it chilled in cupcake liners for grab-and-go fun. You can even layer small cubes in parfait glasses with extra whipped cream and a cherry for a playful twist on traditional presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover German Chocolate Poke Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors continue to meld and intensify, so in many cases, a next-day slice is even moister and more luscious than the first!

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Once fully chilled and set, wrap slices or the entire cake tightly with plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best results.

Reheating

If you prefer your German Chocolate Poke Cake a bit warmer and gooier, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. Just enough to take the chill off and slightly soften the chocolate and filling—yum!

FAQs

Can I use homemade frosting instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you have a beloved homemade coconut pecan frosting recipe, you can use it instead of the canned version. Just be sure it’s thick enough to spread over the ganache without running.

What’s the best way to poke holes in the cake?

The handle of a wooden spoon is a classic, but anything similar in size and shape will work. Try to space the holes about an inch apart to get that perfectly soaked, gooey texture in every bite.

Can I make German Chocolate Poke Cake in advance?

Yes, this dessert is a make-ahead dream! In fact, the flavor and texture improves after sitting a day or two in the fridge. Just cover tightly to keep it fresh.

Is it possible to make this cake dairy free?

With some clever substitutes—dairy-free yogurt, almond or oat milk, vegan sweetened condensed milk, and coconut-based frosting—you can create a delicious dairy-free version of German Chocolate Poke Cake. Use dark chocolate and dairy-free cream for the ganache.

Do I need to refrigerate the cake after making?

Yes, because of the rich dairy components and the gooey filling, it’s best to keep German Chocolate Poke Cake refrigerated. It also slices beautifully when chilled!

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t treated yourself to the melt-in-your-mouth layers of German Chocolate Poke Cake yet, now’s the perfect time. Each bite is bursting with chocolate, coconut, and pure nostalgia—guaranteed to put a smile on your face (and everyone else’s too). Whenever you need a crowd-pleaser or crave a special treat, give this recipe a try and make some sweet memories!

Print