German Chocolate Poke Cake is the ultimate treat when you’re craving something rich, indulgent, and absolutely unforgettable. Hi, I’m Jack welcome to my kitchen! As the recipe developer and heart behind Cooks Foody, I’ve always believed in creating desserts that not only taste incredible but bring people together around the table. This cake is no exception.

Whether you’re baking for a special celebration or just want to treat your loved ones to something extra sweet, this recipe delivers layer upon layer of decadence. With a gooey caramel and sweetened milk filling, a moist chocolate cake base, and a dreamy coconut-pecan topping, it transforms a simple dessert into something magical.

At Cooks Foody, I specialize in turning classic comfort food into elevated, stress-free recipes you can enjoy any day of the week. In this post, you’ll find everything you need to make this cake a showstopper plus tips, variations, and FAQs to make it perfect every time.

Why This German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe Works

✅ Ridiculously moist and rich thanks to sweetened condensed milk and caramel soak
⏱️ Quick prep using cake mix no scratch cake needed!
🍫 Luscious layers of texture from nuts, coconut, and chocolate chips
🌴 Tropical, nutty twist that upgrades any chocolate dessert
🎉 Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or Sunday indulgence

Choosing the Right Ingredients for German Chocolate Poke Cake

Best Add-Ins for This Recipe

Sweetened Coconut: Adds chewy tropical flair
Pecans: Toasted for added crunch and nutty aroma
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melts into warm cake pockets

Shopping Tips

Chocolate Cake Mix: Any rich, moist boxed brand works—Devil’s food is perfect
Evaporated Milk vs. Condensed Milk: Use both for creamy richness
Fresh Pecans: Look for plump, unbroken halves

Substitutions

Almonds can replace pecans for a milder crunch
Skip caramel for a less sweet version
Use dark chocolate chips for a bolder chocolate base

Ingredients & Prep for German Chocolate Poke Cake

Cake Base

1 box chocolate cake mix
1 1/4 cups water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs

Filling & Topping

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup caramel sauce
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup butter
1 pinch sea salt
1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup chopped pecans

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for German Chocolate Poke Cake

Pre-Cooking Prep for German Chocolate Poke Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13″ pan.
Mix cake mix, water, oil, and eggs in a large bowl.

Baking the Cake

Bake cake for 30–35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
While warm, poke holes all over the cake with a wooden spoon handle.

Filling It Up

In a bowl, whisk condensed milk, evaporated milk, and caramel sauce.
Pour evenly over cake to seep into holes.

Making the Coconut-Pecan Frosting

In saucepan, melt butter. Add brown sugar, heavy cream, and sea salt.
Simmer until thick, then stir in coconut and pecans.
Spread over cooled cake.

Resting

Let the cake rest for at least 1 hour before serving for full flavor absorption.

Pro Tips for Perfect German Chocolate Poke Cake

Avoiding a Dry Cake

Don’t overbake! Pull it once the center is just set.
Use a thermometer: aim for 200–210°F in the center.

Tool Recommendations

Offset spatula for easy spreading
Wooden spoon for even poking
Electric hand mixer for smooth batter

Storage & Reheating

Store covered in fridge for up to 5 days
Microwave slices with a drizzle of milk to revive moisture

Flavor Variations for German Chocolate Poke Cake

Variation	Description	Tip
Spicy Kick	Add 1 tsp cayenne to the batter	Great contrast with sweet topping
Mocha Bliss	Add 1 tbsp espresso powder to batter	Enhances chocolate depth
Tropical Dream	Add crushed pineapple to topping	Creates a German chocolate piña colada vibe
Paleo Option	Use almond flour cake base + coconut milk	Skip condensed milk use date caramel

Serving Suggestions for German Chocolate Poke Cake

🍦 Pair with vanilla bean ice cream
🍷 Serve with a chilled glass of tawny port or German Riesling
☕ Coffee-lovers: espresso cuts through richness perfectly

FAQs about German Chocolate Poke Cake

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes! In fact, it tastes better after chilling overnight.

Q: Can I use homemade chocolate cake?
A: Absolutely. Just be sure it’s moist and spongy to soak in the fillings.

Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: Use a certified GF chocolate cake mix and check labels on toppings.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes! Wrap slices tightly. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

This German Chocolate Poke Cake is a rich, crowd-pleasing dessert that never fails to impress. Fire up your oven and give it a try tonight you’ll see why this recipe is a Cooks Foody!

German Chocolate Poke Cake Ultra Moist, Irresistibly Rich & Family Approved