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If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s rich, moist, and bursting with chocolatey goodness, German Chocolate Poke Cake is your answer. This cake takes the beloved flavors of traditional German chocolate cake and transforms them into an indulgent, easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply satisfying a serious sweet tooth. The “poke” technique allows a luscious filling—often a sweetened condensed milk or ganache—to soak into the cake, creating a moist texture and deep, decadent flavor in every bite.

What sets this version apart is its layers of flavor and texture. The cake starts with a rich chocolate base, enhanced with sour cream, milk, and mini chocolate chips for extra moistness and a tender crumb. After baking, holes are poked throughout to let the gooey filling seep in. It’s then topped with a silky ganache and finished with a classic coconut-pecan frosting, bringing the iconic elements of German chocolate cake into a more approachable, crowd-friendly format. The result is a dessert that’s as stunning as it is irresistible—perfect for holidays, birthdays, or whenever you want to impress with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Moist – The poke technique ensures every bite is rich and tender.
Layered Flavors – From chocolate cake to ganache and coconut frosting, it’s a flavor-packed dessert.
Easy to Make – Uses a cake mix base, making it ideal even for beginner bakers.
Great for Crowds – Bakes in a 9×13 pan and serves a group effortlessly.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Tastes even better the next day, making it a great prep-ahead option.

Ingredients

Cake

Boxed chocolate cake mix
Instant chocolate pudding mix
Eggs
Sour cream
Vegetable oil
Whole milk
Vanilla extract
Salt
Mini chocolate chips

Filling

Sweetened condensed milk

Ganache

Semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
Heavy cream

Frosting

Coconut-pecan frosting (homemade or store-bought)

Variations

Nut-Free Version: Use a nut-free frosting or omit the pecans if allergies are a concern.
Caramel Twist: Replace sweetened condensed milk with caramel sauce for a richer flavor.
Double Chocolate: Use chocolate ganache as both filling and topping.
Individual Servings: Bake in cupcake form for single-serve treats.
Extra Texture: Add toasted coconut flakes or extra chocolate chips on top for crunch.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

Preheat the oven and grease a 9×13-inch pan. Mix together cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, sour cream, oil, milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Fold in mini chocolate chips.

Step 2: Bake

Pour the batter into the pan and bake according to the cake mix instructions or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 3: Poke and Fill

While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly across the surface. Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes. Let cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Ganache

Heat heavy cream until just boiling, then pour over chopped chocolate. Let sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy. Spread the ganache over the cooled cake.

Step 5: Frost

Once the ganache sets slightly, spread the coconut-pecan frosting evenly over the top.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Poke the holes while the cake is warm to help the filling absorb better.
Let the ganache cool before frosting to prevent melting the coconut-pecan topping.
Use an offset spatula for smoother, more even layers.
Toast the pecans and coconut before adding for extra flavor.
Chill the cake before slicing for cleaner cuts and firmer layers.

How to Serve

German Chocolate Poke Cake is best served chilled or at room temperature. It’s rich enough to stand on its own but also pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Garnish with extra chocolate shavings, toasted coconut, or a drizzle of caramel for added flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover and refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days. The flavors actually improve over time, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert.

Freezing

Wrap individual slices or the entire cake (without frosting) tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

This cake is typically served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it slightly warm, microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds.

FAQs

1. What is a poke cake?

A poke cake is a baked cake with holes poked in it and a filling poured over the top, which soaks into the cake for added moisture and flavor.

2. Can I use homemade cake instead of a mix?

Yes, but the boxed mix makes it much quicker and just as delicious.

3. Do I need to refrigerate the cake?

Yes, due to the milk-based fillings and frosting, it should be stored in the fridge.

4. Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake actually tastes better the next day.

5. Can I use a different frosting?

Yes—cream cheese or chocolate buttercream are great alternatives.

6. Is this cake overly sweet?

It’s rich and sweet, but the layers balance well. Use dark chocolate ganache to reduce sweetness if desired.

7. Can I leave out the pudding mix?

The pudding mix adds moisture and structure, so it’s recommended for best texture.

8. How do I keep the cake from getting soggy?

Don’t overfill the holes and let the cake cool properly before adding ganache and frosting.

9. Can I use evaporated milk instead of condensed milk?

No, sweetened condensed milk is thicker and sweet—evaporated milk won’t give the same result.

10. Can I use other types of chocolate for the ganache?

Yes, try milk chocolate or dark chocolate based on your preference.

Conclusion

German Chocolate Poke Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers who want a fuss-free yet impressive treat. With layers of moist cake, rich ganache, and traditional coconut-pecan frosting, every bite is a harmonious blend of flavor and texture. This cake is perfect for holidays, celebrations, or when you simply want to treat yourself. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, this recipe is one you’ll come back to time and again.