Name: German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 38 min
Total time: 1 h 44 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box chocolate cake mix (German Chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or Devil’s Food); 1 cup water; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 3 eggs; 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk; 1 (11.75 ounce) jar hot fudge topping; 1 tub coconut pecan frosting; 1 cup chopped pecans; 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 23 reviews

If you’ve been searching for a showstopper dessert that’ll make your taste buds sing, look no further than this German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe. It’s the perfect combination of moist chocolate cake, gooey fudge sauce soaked into every bite, and that classic coconut-pecan frosting that just elevates it to next-level deliciousness. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become your go-to for gatherings, celebrations, or just when you need a comforting slice of heaven.

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Why This Recipe Works

Moist & Flavorful Cake Base: Using a boxed chocolate cake mix keeps things simple while guaranteeing a tender crumb that absorbs all the delicious fudgy goodness.
Poke & Pour Technique: Poking holes in the warm cake lets the chocolate-fudge mixture seep deep, giving every bite rich, melty chocolate pockets.
Classic Coconut Pecan Frosting: This adds a sweet-texture contrast and a nostalgic touch, balancing the chocolate with a perfect nutty and chewy finish.
Easy Yet Impressive: Despite tasting like a bakery masterpiece, this recipe is straightforward and perfect for home cooks of all levels.

German Chocolate Poke Cake, chocolate poke cake, coconut pecan cake, easy German chocolate cake, decadent chocolate dessert - A white baking dish filled with a light brown batter, spread evenly, and topped with a mix of small chopped nuts, dark chocolate chips, and seeds, creating a textured and colorful top layer. To the left of the dish is a white bowl with a thick brown sauce sticking to the sides, and below on the wooden surface is a whisk with a wooden handle and a few scattered nuts around it. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe come together to create a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. The store-bought cake mix helps streamline the process, while the sweetened condensed milk and hot fudge sauce are the magic combo that keeps the cake extra moist and indulgent.

German Chocolate Poke Cake, chocolate poke cake, coconut pecan cake, easy German chocolate cake, decadent chocolate dessert - Flat lay of three whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small pile of unshelled pecans, a small white ceramic bowl of glossy mini chocolate chips, a small white ceramic bowl of thick sweetened condensed milk, a small white ceramic bowl of rich hot fudge sauce, a tub of creamy coconut pecan frosting with visible coconut flakes and pecan pieces beside it, and a small white ceramic bowl containing golden vegetable oil, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chocolate cake mix: Using a boxed mix saves time and ensures consistent deliciousness—feel free to pick German chocolate flavor for an extra cocoa kick.
Water: Hydrates the cake batter for a tender crumb—no substitutions needed here for best results.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist without overpowering the chocolate flavor.
Eggs: Essential for structure and richness in the cake.
Sweetened condensed milk: Adds creaminess and sweetness that soak into the cake’s holes—don’t skip this!
Hot fudge topping: The secret to gooey chocolate pockets, combined with condensed milk for smoothness.
Coconut pecan frosting: Classic German chocolate cake topping that brings that chewy coconut texture with crunchy pecans.
Chopped pecans: Adds crunch and smokiness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet frosting.
Mini chocolate chips: Little bursts of chocolate flavor sprinkled on top for extra dimension.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love that this German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe is so adaptable. Over time, I’ve experimented with variations depending on what I have on hand or the occasion. Feel free to personalize it to fit your cravings or dietary needs—and I’ve jotted down some ideas below to get you started.

Variation: I sometimes swap out the cake mix for a homemade chocolate cake if I’m feeling ambitious—it makes it even richer and a little more rustic in texture.
Dairy-Free Option: Use a coconut-based frosting and dairy-free fudge sauce, and substitute eggs with flaxseed if you need to make it vegan.
Nut-Free: Skip the pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds or chopped pretzels for crunch—still amazing!
Extra Chocolatey: Toss in a handful of dark chocolate chunks inside the batter for melty surprises in every bite.

Step-by-Step: How I Make German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Batter with Love

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. I always spray my 9×13 baking dish with a nonstick cooking spray that contains flour—it helps make sure the cake releases smoothly later. In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. I use my hand mixer on medium speed for around two minutes until everything is blended well. This step ensures your cake batter is smooth with no lumps, which helps it bake evenly.

Step 2: Bake with Patience

Pour that luscious batter evenly into your prepared baking dish and place it on the center rack of your oven. Bake for 30-38 minutes, but start checking at 30 by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Once baked, set the cake aside and let it cool completely before moving on, because poking holes in warm cake can cause it to crumble.

Step 3: Poke the Cake and Add the Chocolate Magic

Now, grab the end of a wooden spoon (or anything similar) and gently poke holes all over the surface of your cooled cake—don’t be timid, but space the holes about 1 inch apart. In a bowl, mix together the sweetened condensed milk and hot fudge topping until they’re combined into a silky chocolate sauce. Pour this mixture evenly over the cake, making sure to guide it into the holes so the sauce seeps through the cake layers. This step is where the magic happens, transforming your cake into the perfect marriage of moist and rich.

Step 4: Top it With the Classic Coconut Pecan Frosting

Once the chocolate sauce is fully absorbed (you might want to let it rest for a few minutes), spread the entire tub of coconut pecan frosting over the top. This frosting is the signature finish, adding sweetness and a bit of chewy texture that screams “German Chocolate.” Then sprinkle chopped pecans and mini chocolate chips on top for crunch and extra bursts of chocolate flavor. Slice it up, serve, and get ready to swoon!

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Pro Tips for Making German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

Cool Completely First: Don’t rush to poke holes in warm cake or the holes can collapse and fudge won’t fully soak in.
Use a Spoon Handle for Poking: It’s the perfect size for making holes without tearing the cake.
Evenly Spread Sauce: Pour the chocolate fudge mixture slowly and use a spatula to coax it into all holes.
Try Using German Chocolate Mix: It intensifies the chocolate flavor and makes this recipe even more authentic and indulgent.

How to Serve German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

German Chocolate Poke Cake, chocolate poke cake, coconut pecan cake, easy German chocolate cake, decadent chocolate dessert - A slice of rich dark chocolate cake sits on a white plate with three stacked white plates underneath, on a white marbled surface. The cake has one thick layer of moist, dark chocolate cake with a slightly shiny texture. On top is a layer of light caramel-colored frosting covered with chocolate chips and whole pecans scattered evenly across. There is some chocolate sauce pooling around the base of the slice, adding a shiny, wet look. In the background, more of the cake is seen in a white baking dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with chopped toasted pecans and mini chocolate chips, but sometimes I like to toss on some shredded coconut for extra texture and a pop of color. Another fun touch is a light dusting of cocoa powder before serving if you want it a bit more dramatic.

Side Dishes

This cake stands tall as a dessert star, but I’ve found it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream. For a coffee shop vibe, serve with a hot cup of robust coffee or chai tea to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or holidays, I like to cut the cake into neat squares and place each piece into cupcake liners—makes it easier to share at parties! Another idea is to serve it with a drizzle of caramel sauce or even a sprinkle of edible gold dust for a festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator. It stays moist and delicious for up to 4 days. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before serving—it really helps bring out the flavors.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this cake! Slice it into portions, wrap each piece tightly in foil, then place them in a freezer bag. Frozen pieces last about 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temp before serving.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy the poke cake warm, pop a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. The fudge melts slightly and it tastes like you just baked it fresh. Just don’t overheat or the frosting may weep.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake instead of box mix for this German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade chocolate cake recipes work wonderfully here and often add a lovely depth of flavor. Just make sure your cake isn’t too dense so the fudge sauce can really soak in.
What is the best way to poke the holes without breaking the cake?

I recommend using the rounded end of a wooden spoon or a skewer and poking gently yet firmly while the cake is fully cooled. This avoids tearing the cake and ensures perfect holes for the fudge mixture to seep in.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Just use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and double-check that the pudding and frosting are gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I prepare the cake a day ahead?

For sure! This cake actually tastes better after sitting overnight as the flavors meld and the fudge sauce continues to soak through. Just keep it wrapped tightly in the fridge.
What if I don’t have coconut pecan frosting?

You can make your own frosting by mixing shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and a simple buttercream or cream cheese frosting. Or as a last resort, cream cheese frosting topped with toasted coconut can work too!

Final Thoughts

This German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe has a special place in my dessert repertoire because it’s incredibly easy to throw together yet feels so indulgent and impressive. Every time I share it with friends or family, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings smiles. If you’re craving a chocolate dessert with that unique gooey coconut pecan kick, don’t hesitate—grab those ingredients, give this recipe a go, and enjoy the delicious compliments coming your way!