German Chocolate Poke Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This German Chocolate Poke Cake combines all the delightful elements of the classic German Chocolate Cake, but with the added twist of a “poke” cake, which allows the filling to seep deep into the cake, ensuring every bite is sweet, rich, and delicious. The combination of the cake mix, caramel sauce, and sweetened condensed milk makes the cake incredibly moist and flavorful, while the coconut-pecan frosting adds the perfect texture and sweetness to finish it off. It’s simple to make, and its impressive results make it the perfect dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 box of German chocolate cake mix
• 1 1/2 cups of water
• 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup of caramel sauce

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the German chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Use an electric mixer to beat the ingredients for 2-3 minutes, or until smooth and well combined.
3. Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
4. Bake according to the instructions on the cake mix box, usually for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes.
6. While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes all over the surface of the cake.
7. In a small bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce. Stir to combine.
8. Pour the sweetened condensed milk and caramel mixture over the warm cake, making sure it seeps into the holes. Let it soak in for about 15-20 minutes.
9. Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the frosting.
10. Once the cake has cooled, spread the coconut-pecan frosting on top. (You can make the frosting by mixing shredded coconut, chopped pecans, butter, brown sugar, and evaporated milk and heating it until it thickens, following a traditional German Chocolate Cake frosting recipe.)
11. Serve and enjoy the rich, sweet layers of this German Chocolate Poke Cake!

Servings and timing

• Servings: 12-15
• Total time: 1 hour (including baking and cooling)

Variations

• Different toppings: If you’re not a fan of coconut or pecans, you can substitute with crushed walnuts, almonds, or leave it off entirely for a simpler dessert.
• Chocolate lovers: Add a layer of chocolate ganache on top of the frosting for an even richer treat.
• Caramel drizzle: If you love caramel, drizzle extra caramel sauce on top of the cake before serving for added sweetness.
• Add coffee: Add a tablespoon of instant coffee to the cake mix to deepen the flavor of the chocolate and enhance the caramel notes.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The cake will stay moist and flavorful for several days.
• Reheating: You can enjoy the cake cold or warm it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds if you prefer it slightly warm.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be made ahead of time. You can prepare it a day or two before serving and refrigerate it until you’re ready to enjoy it.

2. Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes, while German chocolate cake mix is ideal, you can substitute with a regular chocolate cake mix if you prefer.

3. How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. It should also spring back when lightly touched.

4. Can I use homemade caramel sauce instead of store-bought?

Yes, homemade caramel sauce will work wonderfully in this recipe. Just be sure it’s a pourable consistency.

5. Can I make this cake without the caramel sauce?

You can skip the caramel sauce if you prefer a more traditional poke cake, or you can use another topping like chocolate sauce or fruit syrup.

6. How long should I let the cake cool before poking holes in it?

Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes after removing it from the oven, so it’s still warm but not too hot to handle. This will allow the filling to soak in properly.

7. What if I don’t have a wooden spoon to poke holes in the cake?

You can use a skewer, a fork, or any other kitchen tool with a pointed end to poke the holes in the cake.

8. Can I use a different frosting instead of coconut-pecan?

Yes, you can use any frosting you prefer. A traditional chocolate frosting, whipped cream, or even a simple glaze would work in place of coconut-pecan frosting.

9. Can I freeze German Chocolate Poke Cake?

Yes, you can freeze this cake for up to 3 months. Be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then store it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the fridge before serving.

10. Can I add more fillings to the cake?

Yes, you can add extra fillings such as chocolate chips, nuts, or even fruit preserves to the poke holes for more flavor and texture.

Conclusion

This German Chocolate Poke Cake is a luscious, gooey, and comforting dessert that combines all the best elements of a traditional German Chocolate Cake with the easy and fun twist of a poke cake. It’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a casual family dinner, a birthday, or a special treat for friends. With its rich layers and sweet toppings, this cake is sure to be a favorite!

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