The Best German Chocolate Poke Cake
The Best German Chocolate Poke Cake is a rich and moist chocolate cake featuring tender layers soaked with sweetened condensed milk and topped with a creamy, homemade coconut-pecan frosting. This indulgent dessert combines classic German chocolate flavors with a unique poke cake technique, delivering a luscious texture and decadent taste perfect for family gatherings, celebrations, or everyday treats.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Chocolate Cake Base
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (or equivalent homemade chocolate cake batter)
- Ingredients required by the cake mix (usually eggs, oil, water)
Poke Cake Filling
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
Coconut-Pecan Frosting
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut (fresh preferred)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (fresh preferred)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake – Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions and lightly grease your cake pan. Prepare the chocolate cake batter as directed, pour it evenly into the pan, and bake until the cake springs back when lightly pressed and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 2: Poke the Cake – After the cake has cooled enough to handle but is still slightly warm, use the end of a wooden spoon or skewer to poke holes about 1 inch apart all over the cake’s surface to allow the filling to soak in thoroughly.
- Step 3: Pour the Sweetened Condensed Milk – Slowly drizzle the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the entire cake, allowing it to seep deeply into each hole to ensure the cake remains moist and flavorful.
- Step 4: Prepare the Coconut-Pecan Frosting – In a saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sugar, butter, and egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and fold in shredded coconut and chopped pecans, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Step 5: Spread the Frosting Over the Cake – Allow the frosting to cool until it reaches a spreadable consistency. Generously spread it over the entire surface of the cake, coating it completely with the rich coconut-pecan topping.
- Step 6: Chill and Serve – Refrigerate the cake for several hours to let the flavors meld and the frosting set. Serve chilled or at room temperature as desired.
Notes
- Use fresh coconut and pecans for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not overbake the cake to maintain moistness.
- The frosting can be made ahead and refrigerated before spreading.
- Space holes about 1 inch apart when poking to ensure even absorption.
- Let the cake cool slightly before poking to prevent breaking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: German Chocolate Poke Cake, coconut-pecan frosting, chocolate poke cake, moist chocolate cake, dessert, coconut pecan cake