The sweet aroma of chocolate wafts through the air, enticing you into the kitchen like a siren’s call. As you take that first bite of German chocolate poke cake, a decadent fusion of rich chocolate cake and luscious coconut pecan frosting floods your senses with joy that could only be rivaled by a surprise puppy adoption. For more inspiration, check out this Magic Pecan Cheesecake Bars recipe.
Growing up, this cake was always the star of family gatherings. My aunt would whip it up for birthdays, holidays, or just because it was Tuesday. The way she poured that warm chocolate sauce over the poked holes in the cake made it look like a masterpiece worthy of a gallery wall. I still remember our excitement as we gathered around the table—each slice eagerly awaited like tiny presents on Christmas morning.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This German chocolate poke cake is impressively easy to make, even if you’re not a baking pro.
- Its delightful flavor profile combines rich chocolate with sweet coconut and nuts for a taste explosion.
- The visual appeal makes it an eye-catching centerpiece for any dessert table.
- Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or just indulging yourself on a rainy afternoon.
Ingredients for German Chocolate Poke Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- German Chocolate Cake Mix: Use your favorite boxed mix for ease or go homemade if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Eggs: You’ll need three large eggs to help bind everything together and add richness.
- Water: Follow the instructions on the cake mix box; typically about one cup should do the trick.
- Coconut Milk: This adds moisture and an exotic flair to your frosting—don’t skip it!
- Coconut Flakes: Sweetened or unsweetened, they give texture and that signature coconut flavor.
- Pecans: Chopped pecans bring crunch and nutty goodness; toast them for extra flavor.
- Chocolate Syrup: Pour this over the cake after poking holes; it’s what makes this cake so indulgent!
For the Frosting:
- Butter: Use unsalted butter at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Brown Sugar: This adds caramel notes and sweetness; light or dark works well here.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash will enhance all those delicious flavors in your frosting.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make German Chocolate Poke Cake
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your trusty baking pan (a 9×13 inch works best) and grease it with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare Cake Mix
In a large mixing bowl, combine the German chocolate cake mix with water, eggs, and oil as per package instructions. Mix until smooth—think velvet on a good day.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour your batter into the prepared baking pan and bake according to package directions (usually around 30-35 minutes). You want it cooked through but not dry—nobody wants sad cake.
Step 4: Poke Holes
Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for about ten minutes. Then use a wooden spoon handle (or anything poke-worthy) to make holes all over the cake—this is where all that luscious syrup will seep in!
Step 5: Add Chocolate Syrup
Warm up that chocolate syrup in the microwave for about ten seconds—just enough to make it pourable—and drizzle generously over those holes. Let it soak while you whip up that frosting.
Step 6: Make Coconut Pecan Frosting
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt butter and brown sugar until bubbly. Stir in coconut milk, then remove from heat and mix in coconut flakes and chopped pecans. Spread this heavenly mixture over your cooled cake.
Transfer to plates and serve this slice of heaven at your next gathering—or enjoy it solo while binge-watching your favorite show!
You Must Know
- This delightful German chocolate poke cake will steal the show at any gathering.
- With its rich chocolate flavor and gooey coconut-pecan topping, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, so you’ll have more time to enjoy your dessert (and maybe even sneak a slice).
Perfecting the Cooking Process
First, bake the chocolate cake according to box instructions. While it cools, mix the coconut-pecan frosting. Use a fork to poke holes in the cake, then pour over sweetened condensed milk before spreading the frosting on top for maximum flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chocolate cake mix for a vanilla or red velvet version! You can also experiment with added flavors like almond extract or different types of nuts in the frosting for a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover German chocolate poke cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. For best results, enjoy cold or let it come to room temperature before serving again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always let your cake cool completely before poking holes; otherwise, you risk creating a soggy mess.
- Use sweetened condensed milk sparingly if you prefer less sweetness.
- For extra texture, toast your pecans before adding them to the frosting for a richer flavor.
I remember the first time I made this German chocolate poke cake for my friend’s birthday. Everyone was raving about it, and I had to hold back from sneaking seconds before they even had a chance!
FAQs :
What is a German chocolate poke cake?
A German chocolate poke cake is a rich and decadent dessert that features a chocolate cake with holes poked into it. After baking, the holes are filled with a creamy coconut and pecan frosting mixture. This unique method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a moist and flavorful cake. peach cobbler stuffed cones The combination of chocolate, coconut, and pecans makes this treat irresistible for any chocolate lover. For more inspiration, check out this Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars recipe.
How do you store leftover German chocolate poke cake?
To store leftover German chocolate poke cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. This will help maintain its moisture and flavor. The cake can last up to four days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual slices. Just wrap them securely in plastic wrap before placing them in an airtight container.
Can I use a different type of cake mix for this recipe?
Yes, you can certainly experiment with different types of cake mixes for your German chocolate poke cake. While traditional recipes call for German chocolate cake mix, you may opt for dark chocolate or even vanilla cake mixes for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that the filling will still be essential to achieving that signature coconut and pecan taste that characterizes this dessert.
What are some variations I can try with German chocolate poke cake?
There are several enjoyable variations you can explore with German chocolate poke cake. For instance, you could add layers of caramel sauce or chocolate ganache between the layers for added richness. You might also consider incorporating nuts like walnuts or almonds into the frosting for extra crunch. Adding fresh berries on top can provide a refreshing twist while enhancing visual appeal as well.
Conclusion for german chocolate poke cake :
In summary, German chocolate poke cake is a delightful dessert that combines rich chocolate flavor with creamy coconut and pecan frosting. It’s easy to make and perfect for various occasions. Storing leftovers is simple; just refrigerate or freeze them as needed to enjoy later. rich fudge brownies recipe fudgy chocolate brownie cookies With potential variations to suit your tastes, this recipe is sure to please anyone who loves indulgent desserts!
German Chocolate Poke Cake
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- Author: Clara Hayes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
German Chocolate Poke Cake is an indulgent dessert that combines a moist chocolate cake with a luscious coconut-pecan frosting. This unique poke cake technique allows the rich chocolate syrup to seep into every bite, delivering an unforgettable flavor experience. Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or simply treating yourself, this easy recipe is sure to impress chocolate lovers of all ages.
Ingredients
- 1 box German chocolate cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
- 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted)
- 1 cup chocolate syrup
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed, light or dark)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, eggs, and oil according to package instructions. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes. Poke holes across the top using a wooden spoon handle.
- Warm the chocolate syrup in the microwave for about 10 seconds and pour it generously over the holes in the cake.
- For the frosting, melt butter and brown sugar in a saucepan over low heat until bubbly. Stir in coconut milk, then remove from heat and mix in coconut flakes and chopped pecans. Spread this mixture over the cooled cake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg