Name: German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut; 1 cup chopped pecans; 1 cup sweetened condensed milk; 1 cup chocolate frosting

Jump to Recipe

Imagine fork-tender chocolate cake with rivers of creamy coconut and pecan filling, finished with a glossy layer of chocolate frosting: that’s the irresistible German Chocolate Poke Cake. This treat is a heavenly twist on the classic, infusing every bite with decadent, gooey flavor. Whether you’re baking for a weeknight treat or a special gathering, this cake brings big smiles and second helpings. Let’s dive into the details and discover why this recipe deserves a cherished spot in your kitchen!

German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This spectacular cake comes together with just a few staple ingredients, each one playing a superstar role in the final product. From rich cocoa to crunchy pecans, every element of German Chocolate Poke Cake adds something special to the taste, texture, or look of each slice.

All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cake structure and a soft crumb.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps keep it moist.
Baking powder: Gives the cake a pleasant rise and light texture.
Baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for a fluffy, tender crumb.
Salt: Enhances and balances the rich, chocolatey flavors.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor that sets the mood for the whole cake.
Whole milk: Lends richness and ensures the batter stays moist.
Vegetable oil: Makes the cake extra tender and helps it stay fresh.
Large eggs: Bind the batter and add wonderful moisture.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the chocolate flavor and adds warmth.
Boiling water: Unlocks the cocoa’s flavor and creates a silky, pourable batter.
Sweetened shredded coconut: Brings sweet, chewy texture and classic German chocolate cake flair.
Chopped pecans: Deliver a nutty crunch that pairs perfectly with coconut and chocolate.
Sweetened condensed milk: Sinks into the poked cake, making it amazingly moist and luscious.
Chocolate frosting: Gives the finished cake a shiny, irresistible topping.

How to Make German Chocolate Poke Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray. Dust lightly with flour. This step ensures every bite of the German Chocolate Poke Cake releases easily, keeping those beautiful layers intact and ready for filling.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Making sure these are evenly combined helps produce a wonderfully consistent chocolate cake base and prevents lumps—in other words, your batter’s off to a smooth start!

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Pour in the whole milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture on medium speed for two minutes, making sure everything turns smooth and combined. Don’t worry if the batter seems a bit thick at this point; the next step takes care of that.

Step 4: Blend in Boiling Water

Slowly add the boiling water, stirring gently as you go. The batter will thin out—don’t panic, as this is the secret to that impossibly moist, delicate crumb typical of German Chocolate Poke Cake. Once it’s fully blended, pour the batter into your prepared pan.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Place the pan on a wire rack and let it cool for about 10 minutes—this helps prevent overbaking and makes for easy poking.

Step 6: Poke the Cake

While the cake is still warm, grab the handle end of a wooden spoon and start poking holes all over the top. This is where our luscious filling will sink in, so don’t be shy—poke generously, spacing them every inch or so.

Step 7: Mix and Pour the Filling

Combine the sweetened condensed milk, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans in a bowl. Mix well, then carefully pour over the warm cake, using a spatula to gently coax the mixture into every nook and cranny. This is what gives German Chocolate Poke Cake its legendary flavor and gooey texture.

Step 8: Frost and Finish

Let the cake cool completely before spreading the chocolate frosting all over the top. A thick, even layer is key. Every slice will reveal rivers of coconutty filling under that glossy chocolate crown!

How to Serve German Chocolate Poke Cake

Garnishes

For a truly show-stopping finish, sprinkle extra shredded coconut and pecan pieces over the chilly frosting just before serving. Sometimes, a few shavings of dark chocolate add both glamour and a hint of bittersweet contrast. These garnishes not only make your German Chocolate Poke Cake look irresistible but also hint at the flavors inside.

Side Dishes

Serve this decadent cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cool, creamy elements help balance out the sweetness and add a lovely contrast in temperature and texture—that’s what will have friends going back for seconds!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try slicing your German Chocolate Poke Cake into bite-sized squares and serving them in cupcake liners. Or, for extra flair, drizzle individual pieces with chocolate or caramel sauce. This presentation makes it easy (and a little glamorous) to enjoy at picnics, potlucks, or holiday spreads.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cake stays soft and dreamy when kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. In fact, letting the cake sit overnight actually deepens the flavor, letting the filling soak every bite.

Freezing

Want to save some for later? German Chocolate Poke Cake freezes beautifully. Simply wrap individual slices or the whole (cooled and frosted) cake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator when ready to serve for best results.

Reheating

While this cake is lovely cold, if you’d like to enjoy it slightly warmed, pop slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. The chocolate and coconut will turn gooey again, recreating that just-baked magic.

FAQs

Can I make German Chocolate Poke Cake in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, this cake might taste even better after a night in the fridge, as it gives the filling time to fully penetrate the cake. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.

What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk on hand?

Sweetened condensed milk is essential for that classic gooey filling. If you’re out, a homemade version (simmering milk and sugar until thick) can work in a pinch, but store-bought gives the best consistency and flavor for German Chocolate Poke Cake.

Can I swap out pecans for a different nut?

Pecans are traditional, but if there’s an allergy or preference, chopped walnuts or almonds make a tasty alternative. Just keep the pieces small, so every bit of cake has that irresistible crunch!

Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?

You can substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk, use dairy-free sweetened condensed milk, and opt for a non-dairy chocolate frosting. You’ll still have a fantastic dessert to share with everyone.

What’s the best way to poke the cake?

The classic method uses the handle of a wooden spoon, but don’t stress if you don’t have one. A thick chopstick or the end of a small spatula works too—just aim for evenly spaced holes so the filling seeps into every bite of your German Chocolate Poke Cake.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering it for the first time, German Chocolate Poke Cake is pure comfort and celebration in one bite. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try—it’s sure to bring joy to your kitchen and anyone lucky enough to share a slice!

German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 13 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of this German Chocolate Poke Cake. A moist chocolate cake is poked and filled with a gooey coconut-pecan mixture, then topped with creamy chocolate frosting. This dessert is a true delight for chocolate lovers.

Instructions

Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease/flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat for 2 minutes.
Incorporate Boiling Water: Stir in boiling water until smooth. Pour into pan.
Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, then cool for 10 minutes in the pan.
Poke Holes: Use a wooden spoon handle to poke holes all over the cake’s top.
Prepare Topping: Mix condensed milk, coconut, and pecans; pour over cake.
Apply Frosting: Once cooled, spread chocolate frosting over the cake.
Serve: Enjoy the cake at room temperature or chilled.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: German