If you’re hunting for a showstopping dessert that’s as decadent as it is easy, let me introduce you to German Chocolate Poke Cake! This treat takes everything you love about classic German chocolate cake and amps it up with gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, coconut, and an ultra-creamy topping. With all those rich flavors soaking into each bite, every forkful is a little celebration on a plate—the hardest part is waiting for it to chill before digging in!

German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this cake is a breeze, but each one is key to delivering those signature layers of flavor and texture. From the fluffy, chocolatey base to the coconut-pecan topping, every part plays a delicious role!

German chocolate cake mix: The foundation for that classic, slightly milder chocolate flavor we love.
Eggs, oil, and water: These cake mix staples bring your batter to life, making it tender and lofty.
Sweetened condensed milk: This soaks in for ultra-moist richness and a sweet, creamy bite.
Caramel sauce: Adds a layer of buttery, gooey delight that seeps into every nook and cranny!
Sweetened shredded coconut: Gives the cake that iconic, chewy texture and tropical sweetness.
Chopped pecans: Brings nutty crunch and extra depth (try toasting them for even more flavor).
Whipped topping (like Cool Whip): A soft, creamy layer that balances the richness below.
Chocolate chips or chocolate syrup: For a luscious finishing drizzle—totally irresistible!

How to Make German Chocolate Poke Cake

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Start by preparing the German chocolate cake batter as directed on the box, using your eggs, water, and oil. Pour the batter into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake according to the package time. Baking your cake from mix keeps things quick and consistent—and it provides that signature chocolate base for your German Chocolate Poke Cake.

Step 2: Poke the Cake

When your cake is done and still warm (but not piping hot), use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all across the surface. Keep the holes about an inch apart. This step is more than just fun—it lets all the delicious liquids you’ll add later soak deep into the cake for maximum flavor!

Step 3: Pour On the Sweetness

Next, pour the sweetened condensed milk slowly over your poked cake, making sure it seeps into all those holes. Repeat the process with the caramel sauce, spreading it as evenly as you can. These layers make every bite of German Chocolate Poke Cake rich, luscious, and amazingly moist.

Step 4: Cool Completely

After the sweet milk and caramel have soaked in, set the cake aside to cool to room temperature. Patience pays off here—cooling prevents the whipped topping from melting and keeps those layers distinct.

Step 5: Add the Coconut-Pecan Layer

Mix the sweetened shredded coconut and chopped pecans in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over your cake. This combo is classic for German Chocolate Poke Cake and adds that much-loved chewy, nutty topping.

Step 6: Spread the Whipped Topping

Gently spread the whipped topping over the coconut-pecan layer. It’s like a fluffy, creamy quilt that finishes off the cake and keeps everything underneath moist.

Step 7: Finish with Chocolate

Melt the chocolate chips and drizzle them over the top for a fancy flair, or use chocolate syrup if you’re short on time. This final touch brings extra chocolatey sweetness and makes your German Chocolate Poke Cake look downright irresistible.

Step 8: Chill and Serve

Pop the whole cake into the fridge for at least two hours, or even overnight if you can manage it. Chilling helps set those lush layers and makes slicing and serving a snap. Trust me, the flavors just get better with a little time!

How to Serve German Chocolate Poke Cake

Garnishes

To take your German Chocolate Poke Cake presentation up a notch, sprinkle a little extra coconut and pecans on top just before serving, and give it a finishing swirl of chocolate syrup. A dollop of whipped cream or a maraschino cherry adds a festive touch, perfect for parties or special family dinners.

Side Dishes

This cake plays perfectly alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or even a spoonful of tangy Greek yogurt if you prefer something less sweet. For a celebratory spread, include fresh berries or a bowl of juicy cherries to balance the cake’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd, try cutting the cake into neat squares and layering them in dessert cups for a stunning parfait effect. Or, serve slices in individual mason jars for picnic-ready treats. You can even drizzle each plate with extra caramel or chocolate for restaurant-worthy plating!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover German Chocolate Poke Cake stores beautifully—just wrap the dish in plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated, and you’ll find the cake stays wonderfully moist for up to five days, getting even better as it sits!

Freezing

For longer storage, slice the cake and arrange the pieces on a baking sheet to freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Thaw slices overnight in the fridge before serving, and the cake will be just as dreamy as when freshly made.

Reheating

If you like your poke cake slightly warm, zap individual slices in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. Just enough to soften the caramel and chocolate layers without melting the whipped topping—pure comfort in every bite!

FAQs

Can I make German Chocolate Poke Cake a day ahead?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance actually improves the flavor and texture, as the caramel and condensed milk have more time to soak in fully. Just chill it in the fridge until ready to serve.

Is it possible to use homemade caramel sauce?

Yes, homemade caramel sauce works beautifully and will add a deeper, richer flavor to your German Chocolate Poke Cake. Just make sure it’s pourable and slightly cooled before adding it to the cake.

Can I toast the coconut and pecans?

Toasting the coconut and pecans is a wonderful way to deepen their flavors and add a bit of crunchy texture to the cake. Simply toast them in a dry skillet or in the oven until golden before sprinkling on the cake.

Can I substitute another cake flavor?

While German chocolate cake mix is traditional, you can use a standard chocolate or even a devil’s food cake mix if that’s what you have on hand. The rest of the recipe will still give you that fabulous, gooey, poke cake experience.

How long should I chill German Chocolate Poke Cake before serving?

Chill the cake for at least two hours so it firms up and the layers meld together. If you can wait overnight, it’ll taste even better—this dessert rewards a little patience!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try this German Chocolate Poke Cake as I am to share it with you! It’s the ultimate sweet treat for holidays, birthdays, or whenever you want to make an ordinary day feel a bit more special. Give it a whirl, and don’t be surprised if your friends and family beg you for the recipe!

German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes plus chilling time
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the decadent delight of German Chocolate Poke Cake, a luscious dessert that combines the rich flavors of German chocolate cake with gooey caramel, coconut, and pecans. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for gatherings or a sweet ending to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

1 box (15.25 ounces) German chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: usually eggs, oil, and water)

Toppings:

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 jar (12 ounces) caramel sauce
1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
1/2 cup chocolate chips
Optional: chocolate syrup for drizzle

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Instructions

Prepare the Cake: Make the German chocolate cake according to package instructions in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Let it cool for 10 minutes.
Poke and Fill: Use a wooden spoon handle to poke holes in the cake. Pour sweetened condensed milk, then caramel sauce over the cake, allowing them to soak in.
Add Toppings: Combine coconut and pecans, sprinkle over the cake. Top with whipped topping.
Finish: Melt chocolate chips, drizzle over the cake. Alternatively, use chocolate syrup. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.