German Chocolate Poke Cake is a treat that bridges tradition and modern convenience in the world of desserts. With its origins rooted in a specially formulated sweet chocolate made for a cake by a Texan named Samuel German in 1852, it has evolved into a classic American favorite. This cake combines layers of rich chocolate flavor with coconut and pecan toppings, resulting in a moist and delicious dessert that satisfies sweet cravings while offering a delightful crunch.
Why We Love This German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe
One reason we adore this German Chocolate Poke Cake is its undeniable balance of flavors. The chocolate cake serves as a robust base that absorbs the sweetened condensed milk, making it incredibly moist. The combination of coconut and pecans provides freshness and a delightful crunch that takes this cake to the next level.
Not to mention, this cake is incredibly easy to make! With a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this dessert in no time. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Plus, it’s a dessert that’s not overly fussy, making it ideal for any occasion, casual or festive.
Ingredients for German Chocolate Poke Cake
To create this heavenly dessert, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) of chocolate cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup of water
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2/3 cup chopped pecans
- 2/3 cup sweetened flaked coconut
How to Make German Chocolate Poke Cake Directions
Making your German Chocolate Poke Cake is a breeze. Follow these simple steps for a delightful dessert experience:
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.
Prepare the Cake Mix: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix with the eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Stir until everything is well incorporated and the batter is smooth.
Bake the Cake: Pour the cake batter into a greased or lined baking dish and place it in the oven. Bake for 28 to 33 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it as ovens can vary.
Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the baking dish. This usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
Prepare the Sweet Milk Mixture: While your cake cools, grab a medium mixing bowl and combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and sweetened condensed milk. Mix until everything is evenly blended.
Poke Holes in the Cake: When the cake has cooled, take a straw and carefully poke holes all over the top of the cake. Make sure to go deep enough so the sweet milk mixture can seep in but don’t poke all the way through the bottom.
Add the Milk Mixture: Slowly pour the sweetened milk mixture over the top of the poked cake, allowing it to seep into the holes. Make sure you cover the entire surface for the best flavor infusion.
Let It Set: Allow the cake to sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the sweet milk mixture.
Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the chopped pecans and coconut flakes together. Evenly distribute this mixture over the top of the cake, ensuring you cover as much surface area as possible.
Serve & Enjoy: Slice your cake and serve it up! It’s perfect on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How to Serve German Chocolate Poke Cake
Serving your German Chocolate Poke Cake is just as delightful as making it. Here are some ideas for the perfect presentation:
- With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate flavors and adds a creamy texture to each bite.
- Sprinkle Extra Toppings: If you want to elevate the presentation, consider adding a sprinkle of cocoa powder or additional flaked coconut on top for visual appeal.
- Serve Warm or Cold: This cake tastes delicious both ways. If you prefer a warm dessert, serve it shortly after it has cooled down. For a refreshing treat, chill it in the refrigerator for an hour before serving.
Expert Tips for German Chocolate Poke Cake
Choose Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your cake relies heavily on the quality of your ingredients. Opt for fresh eggs, high-quality cocoa, and sweetened condensed milk for the best outcome.
Don’t Rush Cooling: It’s tempting to want to rush through the cooling process, but allowing the cake to cool completely is crucial for the absorption of the sweetened milk mixture.
Ensure Even Poking: When poking holes in the cake, try to space them evenly. This will ensure a uniform distribution of the sweet milk mixture throughout the cake.
Experiment with Toppings: While pecans and coconut are traditional toppings, feel free to get creative. You could experiment with other nuts or chocolate chips if you desire a different texture or flavor profile.
Make It Ahead: This cake can be made a day ahead for an event; in fact, it tastes even better after a day in the fridge as the flavors meld together.
How to Store German Chocolate Poke Cake
Proper storage will help to maintain the deliciousness of your German Chocolate Poke Cake:
- Refrigerate: If you have leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. This will help prolong its freshness.
- Consume Within a Few Days: For the best taste and texture, aim to eat the cake within 3 to 5 days of making it. While it may last longer, the quality may start to decline.
Variations of German Chocolate Poke Cake
If you want to mix things up a bit, consider these fun variations:
Chocolate Variations: Instead of using a standard chocolate cake mix, try a dark chocolate or fudge-flavored mix for a richer experience.
Nut-Free Option: If you or your guests have nut allergies, simply omit the pecans. You can substitute with crushed graham crackers for extra texture.
Fruit Addition: For a refreshing twist, consider incorporating fresh fruit like raspberries or strawberries. Layer them in between the cake and the topping.
Different Milk Mixtures: For variety, you could also experiment with caramel sauce or butterscotch pudding as a drizzle for added sweetness.
Layered Version: For a more dramatic presentation, you might create a layered poke cake by baking multiple layers and alternating the milk mixture and toppings between layers.
Frequently Asked Questions about German Chocolate Poke Cake
What makes German Chocolate Cake different from regular chocolate cake?
German Chocolate Cake is different due to its use of a special dark-baking chocolate, along with a unique coconut and pecan frosting. In contrast, regular chocolate cakes usually incorporate cocoa powder for a more typical chocolate flavor.
Can I use homemade chocolate cake batter instead of a box mix?
Absolutely! If you’re up for it, using a homemade chocolate cake batter can add a personal touch. Just ensure it’s a recipe that yields a moist cake to best absorb the sweet milk mixture.
How can I make this cake healthier?
For a healthier twist, consider using whole wheat flour or a low-sugar cake mix. You might also reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk by substituting it with a homemade version using almond milk and natural sweeteners.
Can I freeze German Chocolate Poke Cake?
Yes! To freeze, let the cake cool completely and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
German Chocolate Poke Cake
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls:
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
- ⅔ cup chopped pecans
- ⅔ cup sweetened flaked coconut
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Stir until well mixed.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake for 28 to 33 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the baking dish (about 30 to 60 minutes).
- In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and sweetened condensed milk, mixing until smooth.
- Using a straw, poke holes all over the top of the cooled cake.
- Slowly pour the sweetened milk mixture over the top of the poked cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
- Let the cake sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the mixture.
- In a small bowl, mix together the chopped pecans and coconut flakes, then sprinkle evenly over the top of the cake.
- Slice and serve, optionally with vanilla ice cream.
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