If you’ve ever craved both chocolate and coconut in one delightful dessert, then this German Chocolate Poke Cake is your answer! Easy to whip up using a boxed cake mix, this decadent cake is soaked with sweet chocolate filling and lavishly topped with rich coconut pecan frosting. Perfect for gatherings or a simple family treat, this cake will leave everyone swooning!
Budget Information
The total cost for this delightful German Chocolate Poke Cake comes to approximately $12.50. With about 12 generous servings, that breaks down to around $1.04 per slice. An affordable indulgence for such a decadent treat!
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is a game changer because it effortlessly transforms a boxed cake mix into a showstopper dessert. With its poke cake technique, each slice soaked in chocolate sauce guarantees an extra layer of moistness and flavor, while the coconut pecan frosting adds that quintessential German touch. Plus, it’s so easy that even novice bakers can get it right on the first try!
Ingredients + Optional Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to create this scrumptious cake:
- Box Chocolate Cake Mix – approximately $1.50 (consider using Devil’s Food if you prefer a richer taste).
- Water – free from your tap!
- Vegetable Oil – about $0.50 for 1/2 cup.
- Eggs – $1.50 for 3 large eggs. If you store them in the fridge, let them warm up a bit for better mixing.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – around $1.00 for a 14-ounce can.
- Hot Fudge Topping – about $2.00 for a jar.
- Coconut Pecan Frosting – roughly $2.50 for a tub, or use homemade for a personal touch.
- Chopped Pecans – about $1.50 for 1/2 cup; you can skip this if you’re not a fan.
- Mini Chocolate Chips – optional, approximately $1.50 for a bag.
Step-by-step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Let’s kick things off! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a nice coat of nonstick cooking spray. We want our cake to slide right out when it’s done!
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, add the cake mix, water, ½ cup of vegetable oil, and your eggs. Mix everything together with a hand mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes. You want it combined, but be careful not to overmix – a little air in the batter will keep it fluffy!
Step 3: Once mixed, it’s time to sprinkle in those chopped pecans and mini chocolate chips. This adds a delightful crunch and a surprise burst of chocolate in every bite! Now, pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Step 4: Bake the cake for 30-38 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Let the cake cool on a wire rack for about 60 minutes until it’s completely cool. We want it to be nice and firm for the next step!
Step 5: After it has cooled, take the end of a spoon and poke holes all over the top of the cake. This step is where the magic happens, allowing the chocolate sauce to soak in and infuse this cake with moisture and flavor.
Step 6: Now, in a bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and the hot fudge sauce. Mix until they’re perfectly blended. This mixture will be draped over the cake, so it should be smooth and luscious.
Step 7: Pour the chocolate sauce mixture generously over the cake, using a spatula to spread it into the holes you’ve created. Let it seep in for a few moments; it’s like a chocolaty hug for the cake!
Step 8: Finish off by spreading the coconut pecan frosting over the top. This layer gives that classic German chocolate flavor, and it looks divine!
Step 9: Lastly, cut the cake into squares, serve, and brace yourself for the compliments. Everyone will want to know your secret!
Nutritional Facts
Calories: 595 kcal
Protein: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 67 g
Total Fats: 35 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 49 g
Sodium: 431 mg
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your German Chocolate Poke Cake fresh, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can stay at room temperature for up to 5 days, making it perfect for snacks throughout the week. If you want to prolong its life, you can refrigerate it for up to 2 months, just be sure it’s wrapped securely!
Serving Suggestions
This delectable cake is best enjoyed chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly luxurious dessert experience. It also makes for a great potluck dish, sure to impress all your friends and family!
Reader Tips or Helpful Notes
If you’re not a huge fan of coconut, don’t fret! You can still enjoy this cake by substituting the coconut pecan frosting with chocolate buttercream or cream cheese frosting. Just remember, it won’t be a classic German Chocolate Poke Cake, but it will still taste fabulous! And if you want to make it even more special, consider adding caramel sauce between the layers for an extra sweet surprise!
Recipe FAQs
What chocolate cake mix works best? While a German chocolate cake mix works perfectly, any chocolate mix you enjoy, like Devil’s Food or even dark chocolate, will do just fine!
What if I don’t like coconut? The classic flavor comes from the coconut pecan frosting; however, you can use a chocolate icing instead if you prefer.
Does this poke cake need to be kept refrigerated? Thankfully, this cake can be kept at room temperature since it doesn’t contain cream or whipped toppings!
How do I store leftover German Chocolate Poke Cake? Just cover it with plastic wrap or foil, and it’s good to go at room temperature for up to 5 days or a bit longer in the fridge.
Can you freeze German Chocolate Poke Cake? Yes, indeed! Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil, and it can be frozen for up to 2 months.
