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The Most Irresistible German Chocolate Poke Cake You'll Ever Make
My kitchen filled with the sweetest aroma when I first created this German Chocolate Poke Cake. The deep chocolate flavor mixed with gooey caramel creates pure magic in every bite. Whenever I bring this to family gatherings everyone begs for seconds and the recipe.
The Secret Behind This Amazing Cake
What makes this cake extraordinary is what happens after baking. I poke holes throughout and watch as warm sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce slowly seep in creating pockets of pure bliss. The coconut pecan topping adds the perfect crunch.
Grab These Ingredients
- German Chocolate Cake Mix: 1 box, prepared according to package instructions.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: 1 cup, for added sweetness and moisture.
- Caramel Sauce: 1 cup, to infuse rich caramel flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: 1/2 cup, for bursts of chocolate in every slice.
- Shredded Coconut: 1/2 cup, for texture and tropical notes.
- Chopped Pecans: 1/2 cup, for a nutty crunch.
- Chocolate Frosting: 1/2 cup, melted for drizzling.
- Caramel Frosting: 1/2 cup, melted for drizzling.
Let's Make It Together
- Preheat and Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake the Cake
- Prepare the German chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions. Pour into the prepared dish and bake as directed. Let it cool slightly.
- Poke and Fill
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake. Pour sweetened condensed milk over the cake, followed by caramel sauce.
- Add Toppings
- Sprinkle chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans evenly across the top.
- Drizzle Frosting
- Heat chocolate and caramel frostings in the microwave until pourable. Drizzle over the cake to finish.
- Let Set
- Allow the cake to sit for at least 30 minutes, letting the flavors meld together before serving.
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My Secret Tips
Trust me on this one when I say make those holes deep enough for all that goodness to seep in. Sometimes I pop the cake in the fridge for a few hours which makes it taste even better.
Switch Things Up
Got nut allergies in the family? Skip the pecans and load up on extra coconut instead. Sometimes I toss in some pineapple bits or toast the coconut first. Both versions disappear just as fast at potlucks.
Perfect Pairings
Nothing beats a warm slice with cold vanilla ice cream melting on top. My husband loves his with coffee but the kids always go for a big glass of milk.
Keeping It Fresh
Pop any leftovers in an airtight container and stick them in the fridge. They'll stay good for about 5 days but trust me it never lasts that long in my house. A quick zap in the microwave makes it taste fresh baked.
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Why This Recipe Works
This cake never fails to wow my guests. It looks fancy but comes together so easily. The mix of textures and flavors makes it perfect for any occasion whether it's a birthday party or holiday dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this cake 1-2 days ahead. The flavors actually develop better as it sits. Store it covered in the refrigerator for best results.
- → How do I know if I've poked enough holes in the cake?
Space holes about 1 inch apart across the entire cake. Make sure they're deep enough to hold the filling but don't go all the way to the bottom of the cake.
- → Can I freeze this cake?
While possible, freezing isn't recommended as it may affect the texture of the fillings. The coconut and pecans can become soggy when thawed.
- → Why is it called German Chocolate Cake?
The name comes from Samuel German who developed the type of chocolate used in the cake. It's actually an American creation, not from Germany.
- → Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut milk instead of condensed milk and dairy-free chocolate chips. Make sure to also use dairy-free versions of the cake mix and frostings.
Conclusion
This German Chocolate Poke Cake transforms the classic dessert by adding streams of caramel and condensed milk throughout. Topped with coconut, pecans, and a dual frosting drizzle, it's perfect for special occasions.