Description
The Best German Chocolate Poke Cake is a rich, moist chocolate cake infused with a luscious coconut pecan topping. This delightful dessert balances deep chocolate flavors with sweet coconut and crunchy pecans, creating an unforgettable treat perfect for any occasion. The poke cake method ensures ultimate moistness by allowing a gooey coconut pecan filling to seep into the chocolate base, resulting in an indulgent and crowd-pleasing cake that is simple to prepare yet luxurious in taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Cake Base
- 1 box rich, moist chocolate cake mix (or homemade chocolate cake batter)
- Eggs (as required by cake mix or homemade recipe)
- Butter (as required by cake mix or homemade recipe)
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
Coconut Pecan Filling
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (about 14 ounces)
- 1 cup flaked coconut (preferably fresh or thawed)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted, optional)
Frosting and Garnishes
- Classic German chocolate frosting or whipped cream (as desired)
- Extra toasted pecans (for garnish)
- Extra coconut flakes (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bake the Chocolate Cake: Prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the box instructions or your homemade recipe. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, ensuring a moist yet firm cake base.
- Poke the Cake: After the cake cools for 10-15 minutes, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke evenly spaced holes all over the surface. This step allows the coconut pecan filling to seep inside, creating the signature poke cake texture.
- Pour the Coconut Pecan Filling: Warm the sweetened condensed milk slightly, then stir in the flaked coconut and chopped pecans. Slowly pour this mixture over the cake, letting it sink evenly into the holes, infusing each bite with richness and texture.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the cake for several hours or overnight to allow the filling to fully absorb and meld with the cake, resulting in a moist and indulgent consistency.
- Frosting and Finishing Touches: Top the poke cake with your choice of classic German chocolate frosting or whipped cream. Garnish with additional toasted pecans and coconut flakes for an inviting and beautiful presentation.
Notes
- Space your holes evenly when poking the cake to ensure uniform distribution of the filling.
- Poke the cake while it is still slightly warm to help the filling melt in slowly.
- Toast pecans before adding them to the filling to enhance flavor and crunch.
- Use fresh or thawed flaked coconut for the best texture and taste.
- Chill the cake thoroughly to allow flavors to meld and the filling to set.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: German chocolate poke cake, moist chocolate cake, coconut pecan topping, chocolate poke cake, easy chocolate dessert