There’s something downright magical about a German Chocolate Poke Cake. It’s rich, indulgent, and packed with the gooey goodness of sweetened condensed milk, coconut, and pecans. If you love poke cakes with condensed milk, this one is bound to become a new favorite. And the best part? It starts with a box German chocolate cake mix, making it incredibly easy to whip up!
Why You’ll Love This German Chocolate Poke Cake
- Super easy to make – You’re using a German chocolate cake in a box, so no fussing with complicated measurements.
- Decadently moist – The combination of poke cake condensed milk and buttery brown sugar ensures every bite is irresistibly soft and flavorful.
- Perfect for any occasion – Whether it’s a holiday, birthday, or just a regular Tuesday, this chocolate poke cake will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chocolate cake mix – Use your favorite box German chocolate cake mix (I love Betty Crocker Super Moist Chocolate Fudge).
- Eggs, water, and oil – Whatever your cake mix calls for.
- Brown sugar & melted butter – These add deep caramelized flavor to the poke filling.
- Sweetened condensed milk – The star ingredient for that classic poke cakes with condensed milk texture.
- Chopped pecans – For that signature German chocolate cake crunch.
- Sweetened flaked coconut – Adds delicious chewiness to the topping.
Full ingredient measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Make German Chocolate Poke Cake
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Prepare your German chocolate cake in a box according to the package instructions, using eggs, water, and oil. Bake it in a 9×13-inch pan and let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Poke and Soak
Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake. Then, in a bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar, and pour it evenly over the cake. Next, drizzle the poke cake condensed milk over the top, making sure it seeps into every hole.
Step 3: Add the Toppings
Sprinkle the chopped pecans and coconut flakes evenly over the cake while it’s still warm, letting everything soak in for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to let all the flavors meld together. Slice, serve, and enjoy the most decadent chocolate poke cake ever!
Tips for the Best German Chocolate Poke Cake
- Don’t skip the poking! Those little holes make sure every bite is moist and flavorful.
- For extra richness, drizzle a bit of warm chocolate ganache over the top before serving.
- Want a little crunch? Toast the coconut and pecans before sprinkling them on top.
How to Serve German Chocolate Poke Cake
German Chocolate Poke Cake is already a showstopper, but with the right pairings, you can turn it into an even more indulgent dessert experience. Here are some of the best ways to serve it:
1. Classic Pairings
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream – The creamy, cool vanilla balances the rich, chocolatey cake perfectly.
- A dollop of fresh whipped cream – Light and airy, whipped cream adds a delightful contrast to the dense cake.
- A drizzle of caramel sauce – For an extra layer of sweetness, a warm caramel drizzle enhances the nutty coconut flavors in the frosting.
2. Extra Chocolate Indulgence
- Chocolate Ganache Drizzle – Melted chocolate and heavy cream whisked into a silky ganache take this cake to another level.
- Chocolate Shavings or Curls – Sprinkle some on top for a fancy, bakery-style touch.
- Hot Fudge Sauce – If you’re a chocoholic, warm up some fudge sauce and drizzle it over the cake.
3. Nutty & Crunchy Toppings
- Toasted Coconut Flakes – Enhance the coconut flavor by lightly toasting shredded coconut and sprinkling it over the cake.
- Chopped Pecans – A little extra crunch never hurts! Add more toasted pecans on top of the frosting or even in the cake layers.
- Candied Pecans – If you want a sweet, crunchy topping, caramelized pecans add an irresistible crunch.
4. Fresh & Fruity Twists
- Fresh Berries – Raspberries, strawberries, or cherries add a tart contrast to the rich chocolate and coconut flavors.
- Cherry Compote or Sauce – A spoonful of cherry sauce on the side gives a Black Forest-inspired flavor twist.
- Banana Slices – Bananas pair beautifully with chocolate and caramel for a tropical vibe.
5. Beverage Pairings
- Coffee or Espresso – The deep, roasted flavors of coffee balance the cake’s sweetness.
- Cold Milk – A classic pairing, especially if you love the chocolate-milk combo.
- Coconut Milk Latte – A coconut-flavored coffee drink enhances the cake’s tropical flavors.
- Baileys or Kahlúa Coffee – If serving for adults, spike your coffee with a splash of Baileys or Kahlúa for a luxurious treat.
6. Elegant Plating Ideas
- Serve each slice on a dessert plate with a drizzle of chocolate and caramel sauce around it.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance.
- Stack two smaller slices with a layer of extra whipped cream in between for a fancy layered presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
- Storing Leftovers: Cover and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The flavors get even better as it sits!
- Freezing: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
- Reheating: If you like a warm cake, microwave a slice for 15-20 seconds.
German Chocolate Poke Cake
Equipment
- 9×13-inch Baking Pan
Ingredients
- 1 box German Chocolate Cake Mix Betty Crocker Super Moist Chocolate Fudge recommended
- 3 eggs As required by cake mix
- 1 cup water As required by cake mix
- 1/2 cup oil As required by cake mix
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar For extra caramelized sweetness
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted To enhance richness
- 1 can Sweetened condensed milk 14 oz, to make the cake extra moist
- 2/3 cup chopped pecans For crunch and flavor
- 2/3 cup sweetened flaked coconut Classic German chocolate cake topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Prepare the German chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions, using eggs, water, and oil.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool slightly.
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake.
- Mix the melted butter and brown sugar together and pour over the cake.
- Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans and flaked coconut evenly over the cake while it’s still warm.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
FAQs
What is the point of a poke cake?
A poke cake is designed to absorb extra flavor and moisture by having holes poked into it after baking, allowing fillings like pudding, syrup, or sweetened condensed milk to seep in. This makes the cake extra soft, rich, and flavorful with every bite.
What are two differences between chocolate cake and German chocolate cake?
Chocolate Type – Regular chocolate cake is made with cocoa powder, while German chocolate cake uses a sweeter, milder German chocolate.
Frosting – Chocolate cake can have a variety of frostings (like buttercream or ganache), but German chocolate cake is famous for its coconut-pecan frosting, which is rich, caramel-like, and made with evaporated milk.
What is the misconception of German chocolate cake?
Many people assume German chocolate cake is from Germany, but it’s actually an American creation! The name comes from Samuel German, an English-American baker who developed German’s Sweet Chocolate, which inspired the cake.
Is German chocolate cake the same as Devil’s Food cake?
No, they are different cakes. Devil’s Food cake is a richer, darker chocolate cake made with cocoa powder and often has a fluffy texture. German chocolate cake is lighter in chocolate flavor and is known for its distinct coconut-pecan frosting.
What can you substitute for German chocolate in a German chocolate cake?
If you don’t have German’s Sweet Chocolate, you can substitute it with:
Semi-sweet chocolate (add 1 tablespoon of sugar per ounce)
Milk chocolate (for a milder taste)
Unsweetened chocolate (add sugar to balance the bitterness)
Is German chocolate cake a Texas thing?
Yes! German chocolate cake became wildly popular in Texas after a Dallas newspaper published a recipe using German’s Sweet Chocolate in the 1950s. The rich, nutty frosting and chocolatey cake quickly became a Southern favorite.
What is a fun fact about German chocolate cake?
The first German chocolate cake recipe was published in a Dallas newspaper in 1957 and was originally called “German’s Chocolate Cake” after the brand of chocolate, not the country.
What ice cream goes with German chocolate cake?
The best ice creams to pair with German chocolate cake are:
Vanilla – A classic, creamy contrast to the rich cake.
Coconut – Enhances the coconut flavor in the frosting.
Chocolate or Fudge Swirl – Doubles up on chocolatey goodness.
Butter Pecan – Complements the pecans in the frosting beautifully.
Conclusion
This German Chocolate Poke Cake is truly a game-changer for dessert lovers. It’s easy, indulgent, and loaded with all the best flavors of a classic German chocolate cake without the hassle. So go ahead, grab that box German chocolate cake mix, and treat yourself to something irresistibly delicious!