German Chocolate Poke Cake: The Ultimate Decadent Dessert

German Chocolate Poke Cake: Prepare to be amazed! Imagine sinking your fork into a cloud of moist, chocolatey goodness, infused with the rich, nutty flavor of coconut and pecans, all topped with a luscious, creamy frosting. This isn’t just any cake; it’s a German Chocolate Poke Cake, and it’s about to become your new favorite dessert.

While the name might suggest otherwise, this delightful treat doesn’t actually originate from Germany. The “German” in the name comes from Sam German, an American baker who developed a type of baking chocolate used in the original recipe. The cake itself gained popularity in the United States in the 1950s and has been a beloved classic ever since.

What makes this poke cake so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The moist, tender cake, thanks to the “poke” and subsequent soaking with a sweet liquid, is beautifully contrasted by the crunchy pecans and shredded coconut. The creamy frosting adds a final touch of decadence that will leave you craving more. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, making it a perfect choice for potlucks, parties, or simply a sweet treat on a weeknight. Get ready to experience the magic of this classic dessert!

Ingredients:

• For the Chocolate Cake:
• 1 box (15.25 oz) German chocolate cake mix
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot brewed coffee
• For the Chocolate Pudding:
• 1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
• 3 cups cold milk
• For the Coconut Pecan Frosting:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• Optional Garnish:
• Chocolate shavings
• Additional chopped pecans
• Maraschino cherries

Preparing the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat and Prepare: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This will prevent the cake from sticking and make it easier to remove later. I like to use baking spray with flour already in it for extra insurance!
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the German chocolate cake mix, buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Make sure you’re using a large enough bowl – you don’t want any spills!
3. Mix Until Just Combined: Using an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer), mix the ingredients on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
4. Add Hot Coffee: Gradually pour in the hot brewed coffee while continuing to mix on low speed. The coffee will enhance the chocolate flavor and add moisture to the cake. Don’t worry, you won’t taste the coffee itself!
5. Mix Until Smooth: Increase the mixer speed to medium and mix for about 1-2 minutes, or until the batter is smooth and well combined. The batter should be relatively thin.
6. Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
7. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on it, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
8. Cool Slightly: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to handle when you poke the holes.

Poking the Holes and Adding the Pudding

1. Poke Holes: While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork to poke holes all over the cake. Make sure the holes are evenly spaced and go almost all the way to the bottom of the cake. The more holes, the more pudding goodness will seep in!
2. Prepare the Pudding: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk until smooth. Whisk for about 2 minutes until the pudding starts to thicken.
3. Pour Pudding Over Cake: Immediately pour the chocolate pudding evenly over the warm cake, making sure it seeps into all the holes. Use a spatula to spread the pudding if necessary.
4. Refrigerate: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably longer (even overnight). This allows the pudding to set and the cake to fully absorb the moisture. The longer it chills, the better it tastes!

Making the Coconut Pecan Frosting

1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add Brown Sugar and Milk: Stir in the packed light brown sugar and milk.
3. Bring to a Boil: Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
4. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture will thicken slightly.
5. Whisk in Egg Yolks: Remove the saucepan from the heat. In a small bowl, lightly whisk the egg yolks. Slowly drizzle a small amount of the hot butter mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper them. This prevents the eggs from scrambling.
6. Add Egg Yolks to Saucepan: Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan.
7. Cook and Stir: Cook over low heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the frosting thickens slightly. Be careful not to overcook it, or the eggs will scramble.
8. Remove from Heat and Stir in Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
9. Add Coconut and Pecans: Stir in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans.
10. Cool Slightly: Let the frosting cool slightly for about 15-20 minutes before spreading it on the cake. This will prevent it from melting the pudding layer.

Assembling and Serving

1. Frost the Cake: Once the frosting has cooled slightly, spread it evenly over the chilled cake.
2. Garnish (Optional): If desired, garnish the cake with chocolate shavings, additional chopped pecans, and/or maraschino cherries.
3. Chill (Optional): For best results, chill the frosted cake for another 30 minutes before serving. This allows the frosting to set up a bit.
4. Serve and Enjoy!: Cut the cake into squares and serve. This German Chocolate Poke Cake is best enjoyed cold. Get ready for a burst of chocolate, coconut, and pecan flavor in every bite!

Conclusion:

This German Chocolate Poke Cake isn’t just dessert; it’s an experience, a nostalgic trip down memory lane with a modern, incredibly moist twist. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the rich, decadent flavors of German chocolate cake but wants something a little easier and a whole lot more fun to make. The combination of the tender chocolate cake, the creamy coconut-pecan frosting, and that luscious, pudding-soaked interior is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of cake that disappears quickly at any gathering, leaving everyone wanting more.

But what makes this cake truly special is its versatility. While the classic recipe is divine, there are so many ways to customize it to your liking. For a richer, more intense chocolate flavor, try using dark chocolate cake mix or adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the batter. If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can substitute it with chopped walnuts or pecans in the frosting. Or, for a truly decadent treat, drizzle some melted chocolate ganache over the top before serving.

Serving suggestions are endless! This cake is fantastic on its own, but it’s also wonderful with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a more elegant presentation, you can garnish it with fresh berries or chocolate shavings. It’s perfect for potlucks, birthday parties, holidays, or even just a weeknight treat when you’re craving something sweet. I’ve even seen people get creative and use different flavored puddings to soak the cake, like butterscotch or vanilla, to create entirely new flavor profiles. The possibilities are truly endless!

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it’s surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. The poke cake method ensures that every bite is moist and flavorful, and the creamy frosting adds the perfect touch of sweetness and texture.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake the most delicious German Chocolate Poke Cake you’ve ever tasted! I promise you won’t regret it. And once you’ve tried it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did your friends and family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! I’m always excited to see how people put their own spin on my recipes. Happy baking! I can’t wait to hear all about your baking adventures and see your beautiful poke cakes! I am sure that you will enjoy this recipe as much as my family and friends do.

---