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The Best German Chocolate Poke Cake

The Best German Chocolate Poke Cake

The Best German Chocolate Poke Cake is a rich, moist chocolate cake soaked with a decadent coconut-pecan filling, delivering a perfect balance of gooey, fudgy, nutty, and sweet flavors. Easy to prepare using pantry staples, this cake is an irresistible crowd-pleaser for any occasion and offers customizable options to suit various dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Cake

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix (or homemade chocolate cake batter)
  • Ingredients required for cake mix (usually eggs, oil, and water as per package or homemade recipe)

Coconut-Pecan Filling

  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (lightly toasted recommended)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chocolate Cake: Bake your favorite chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions or your homemade recipe in a 9×13 inch pan. Allow the cake to cool completely to ensure the filling does not melt and soaks evenly.
  2. Poke the Cake: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or fork, gently poke evenly spaced holes about one inch apart across the surface. The holes should be deep enough to nearly reach the bottom without breaking the cake into pieces, allowing the filling to seep deep inside.
  3. Prepare the Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, egg yolks, butter, sugar, sweetened shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens and turns a golden caramel color, approximately 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  4. Pour Filling Over Cake: Slowly pour the warm coconut-pecan filling evenly over the entire cake, filling each hole thoroughly. Smooth the topping across the surface and refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to let flavors meld perfectly.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: After chilling, slice and serve the cake as is or with a dollop of whipped cream for extra decadence. Each bite will be moist, sweet, and full of classic German chocolate cake magic.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even cooking of the filling without scrambling the eggs.
  • Do not skip cooling the cake completely before poking to maximize absorption and texture.
  • Pour the filling slowly to avoid overflow and ensure it penetrates the cake thoroughly.
  • For best flavor, chill the cake overnight to allow the flavors to deepen.
  • Lightly toast the pecans before adding to the filling for a richer, nuttier flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: German chocolate cake, poke cake, coconut-pecan filling, rich chocolate dessert, Southern dessert, moist chocolate cake