German Chocolate Poke Cake

 

Ever crave a dessert that combines the richness of German chocolate with the fun of a poke cake? This German Chocolate Poke Cake is the answer! Imagine a moist chocolate cake infused with caramel and topped with a decadent coconut-pecan frosting. This easy recipe is perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or any occasion that calls for a sweet treat. Inspired by classic comfort food, this cake is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This German Chocolate Poke Cake

This German Chocolate Poke Cake recipe is destined to become your go-to dessert for several delightful reasons. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and offers a unique twist on a beloved classic. With minimal effort, you can create a show-stopping treat that everyone will rave about.

• Easy to make: Simple steps and readily available ingredients.
• Impressive presentation: The poke cake design is always visually appealing.
• Decadent flavor: Rich chocolate, caramel, coconut, and pecans create an irresistible combination.
• Perfect for sharing: Makes a generous 9×13 inch pan, ideal for gatherings.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the frosting and filling to your taste preferences.
• Moist and delicious: The sweetened condensed milk and caramel ensure a tender, flavorful cake.
• Budget-friendly: Utilizes affordable ingredients without sacrificing taste.
• A guaranteed crowd-pleaser: You’ll get rave reviews!

Ingredients Needed

Gather these ingredients to create this delightful German Chocolate Poke Cake. Quality ingredients make all the difference. Be sure to select the best you can find!

Cake Ingredients:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 1 1/4 cups water (295 ml)
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil (80 ml)
• 3 large eggs

Filling Ingredients:

• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk (397g)
• 1 (12 ounce) jar caramel topping (340g) – Choose a high-quality caramel for the best flavor.

Frosting Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk (237 ml)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter (113g)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (24g)
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml) – Use pure vanilla extract for the best aroma.
• 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut (120g) – Toasting the coconut lightly can enhance its flavor.
• 1 cup chopped pecans (100g) – Walnuts also work wonderfully if you prefer.

For the pecans and coconut, consider toasting them lightly in a dry pan to enhance their nutty flavor. It adds a layer of complexity to the finished cake. This simple step elevates the overall taste experience.

Essential Equipment List

Having the right equipment makes baking this German Chocolate Poke Cake a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need to ensure success:

• • 9×13 inch baking pan: Essential for baking the cake evenly.
  • Large bowl: To mix the cake batter thoroughly.

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• Electric mixer: For achieving a smooth and consistent batter.
• Wooden spoon or fork: To poke holes in the cake after baking.
• Saucepan: To prepare the delicious coconut-pecan frosting.
• Whisk: For stirring the frosting and preventing lumps.

Recipe Details

Get a quick overview of what to expect when making this German Chocolate Poke Cake. This cake is perfect for sharing with friends and family.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes (includes chilling)
• Servings: 12
• Difficulty: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to bake your perfect German Chocolate Poke Cake. Each step is designed to ensure your success. Take your time and enjoy the process.

Cake:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This prevents the cake from sticking.
2. Mix the batter: In a large bowl, combine cake mix, water, oil, and eggs. Beat with an electric mixer until well combined. Ensure there are no lumps for a smooth texture.
3. Bake the cake: Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Don’t overbake, or the cake will be dry.
4. Cool and poke: Let cake cool in pan for 15 minutes. Use the end of a wooden spoon or a fork to poke holes all over the cake. The holes should be evenly spaced to allow the filling to seep through.

Filling:

1. Combine ingredients: In a bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk and caramel topping. Mix until smooth and well blended.
2. Pour over cake: Pour mixture evenly over the poked cake, allowing it to seep into the holes. Make sure to cover the entire surface.
3. Refrigerate: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This allows the filling to fully saturate the cake.

Frosting:

1. Combine ingredients: In a saucepan, combine milk, sugar, butter, and flour. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Constant stirring prevents scorching.
2. Reduce heat: Reduce heat to low and cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly. The mixture should be thick and smooth.
3. Add egg yolks and vanilla: Remove from heat and whisk in egg yolks and vanilla extract until smooth. Whisk quickly to prevent the eggs from cooking.
4. Stir in coconut and pecans: Stir in coconut and pecans. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the frosting.
5. Cool slightly: Let frosting cool slightly, then spread evenly over the cake. This prevents the frosting from melting the filling.
6. Refrigerate until set: Refrigerate until frosting is set. This usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour.

Consider broiling the coconut flakes for 1-2 minutes while constantly watching to get a perfect toasted flavour.

Check out this related recipe **Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping**! It is ideal with this dish!

Tips for Success

Mastering this German Chocolate Poke Cake is all about attention to detail. Here are some insider tips to help you achieve perfection:

• Even hole spacing: Ensure the holes are evenly spaced for consistent filling distribution.
• Don’t overbake the cake: Overbaking can lead to a dry cake. Use a toothpick to check for doneness.
• Cool the frosting slightly: This prevents the frosting from melting the filling.
• Use high-quality caramel: The better the caramel, the richer the flavor.
• Toast the nuts and coconut: Toasting enhances their natural flavors.

Variations & Substitutions

Want to customize your German Chocolate Poke Cake? Here are some fantastic variations and substitutions to try.

• • Different nuts: Replace pecans with walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts.

• Chocolate chips: Add chocolate chips to the cake batter for extra chocolate flavor.
• Coffee flavor: Add a tablespoon of instant coffee to the cake batter to enhance the chocolate flavor.
• Dairy-free: Use dairy-free milk and butter alternatives in the frosting.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with German Chocolate Poke Cake

Enhance your German Chocolate Poke Cake experience with these serving suggestions and pairings. The cake is delicious on its own but even better with the right accompaniments.

• Vanilla ice cream: A classic pairing that complements the cake’s richness.
• Whipped cream: Adds a light and airy touch.
• Fresh berries: Provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet cake.
• Coffee or tea: Perfect for an afternoon treat.

Health Benefits

While German Chocolate Poke Cake is a decadent dessert, it does offer some nutritional benefits. Here’s a breakdown:

• Nuts: Pecans provide healthy fats and antioxidants.
• Coconut: Contains fiber and essential minerals.
• Dairy: Milk contributes calcium and protein to the frosting.

Remember that moderation is key. Enjoying a slice of this cake in moderation can be part of a balanced diet.

Storage & Reheating

Proper storage and reheating will keep your German Chocolate Poke Cake fresh and delicious. Here’s how to do it right:

• Storage: Store the cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Thaw frozen slices in the refrigerator overnight. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about making this German Chocolate Poke Cake? Here are some common queries and their answers.

How do I prevent the cake from being soggy?

Ensure the cake is completely cooled before adding the filling. Also, avoid over-saturating the cake with too much filling.

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, you can use a German chocolate cake mix or a red velvet cake mix for a different flavor profile.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake is perfect for making ahead of time. The flavors meld together beautifully as it sits in the refrigerator.

Can I use a homemade caramel sauce?

Yes, homemade caramel sauce will add an extra layer of richness to the cake. Make sure it’s cooled before adding it to the cake.

Can I omit the pecans?

If you have nut allergies or simply don’t like pecans, you can omit them or substitute them with other nuts like walnuts or almonds.

Nutritional Information

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 350
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 300mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 45g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 30g
• Protein: 4g

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more delectable desserts? Try these related recipes for your next baking adventure!

• Cinnamon Roll Blondies – A delightful twist on classic blondies with cinnamon roll flavors.
• Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping – The perfect pairing with the recipe!
• Classic Bread Pudding – A comforting and classic dessert.

Conclusion

This German Chocolate Poke Cake is a fast, flavorful, and guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whip it up tonight and tag us with your masterpiece! We can’t wait to see your creation.

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