Craving a rich, moist chocolate dessert with a tropical twist? This German Chocolate Poke Cake recipe is the perfect solution. Combining a moist chocolate cake base with gooey caramel and a decadent coconut pecan topping, this cake is easy to make and ideal for any occasion. Let’s walk through how to create this indulgent German Chocolate Poke Cake recipe that’s sure to impress your guests!
Ingredients:
Ingredients for the German Chocolate Poke Cake recipe:
- 1 box (15 oz) German chocolate cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 jar (12 oz) caramel sauce
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional, for garnish)
Execution
Step-by-Step Method for the German Chocolate Poke Cake recipe:
- Prepare the cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Prepare the German chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions by mixing it with the oil, eggs, and water. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Poke the cake: While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly across the surface of the cake.
- Add the filling: Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, letting it seep into the holes. Next, drizzle the caramel sauce over the top, ensuring it fills the holes as well.
- Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature.
- Top the cake: Spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the cake. Sprinkle the shredded coconut and chopped pecans on top. For an extra touch, add chocolate chips as a garnish.
- Serve: Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. Slice and enjoy this decadent dessert!
Tips:
For the Best German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe:
- Use high-quality caramel sauce: Opt for a rich, buttery caramel sauce to soak into the cake. This ensures your German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe has a moist, flavorful texture with a luscious, gooey finish. Homemade caramel or a premium store-bought brand works best.
- Toast the coconut and pecans: Lightly toast the shredded coconut and chopped pecans before adding them to the cake. Toasting brings out their natural oils and adds a warm, nutty flavor with a slight crunch, making your German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe even more decadent.
- Customize the topping: Get creative with the toppings to suit your preferences. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips for a burst of extra chocolate flavor, drizzle melted chocolate for a beautiful presentation, or add crushed toffee for a delightful caramelized crunch.
- Add a cream cheese layer: For an extra indulgent touch, spread a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese frosting between the caramel layer and the whipped topping. This adds richness and pairs perfectly with the chocolate and caramel flavors.
- Make it ahead: This cake is ideal for prepping in advance! The poke cake method allows the caramel and chocolate to seep into the cake layers, intensifying the flavor over time. Refrigerate the cake overnight, covered tightly, to let the flavors meld together and create an even more delicious treat.
- Store it properly: Keep the cake covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to retain its moisture. If you’re serving the next day, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to soften slightly before serving.
- Use high-quality chocolate: Whether it’s for the cake batter, melted chocolate drizzle, or chocolate chips, always choose good-quality chocolate. The deep, rich flavor will make a noticeable difference in the final result.
- Serve with flair: Garnish individual slices with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of toasted coconut, and a pecan half for a stunning presentation that’s sure to impress your guests.
These tips will help you create the most decadent and delicious German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe every time!
FAQs:
- What makes a German chocolate cake different?
- A German chocolate cake stands out for its rich, sweet flavor and unique frosting made with coconut, pecans, and evaporated milk. Unlike traditional chocolate cakes, German chocolate cake uses a milder, sweeter German’s Sweet Chocolate in the batter, which gives it a distinctive flavor. It’s also layered with the decadent coconut-pecan frosting, making it a truly indulgent dessert.
- What is a Tom Selleck cake?
- A Tom Selleck cake, also known as a Chocolate Pudding Cake or Layered Chocolate Delight, is a creamy layered dessert. It typically features:
- A chocolate cake base.
- A layer of sweetened condensed milk or chocolate pudding.
- Topped with whipped cream and chocolate chips or shavings.
It’s a rich, no-fuss dessert often compared to poke cakes due to its similar creamy and decadent textures.
- What’s the best way to poke holes in a cake?
- To poke holes in a cake:
- Use a utensil: A wooden spoon handle, skewer, or fork works best for creating evenly spaced holes.
- Make deep holes: Ensure the holes go all the way through the cake so the filling can seep in fully.
- Poke while warm: For best results, poke the holes while the cake is still warm, as it absorbs liquid more easily.
- What happens if you add sweetened condensed milk to a cake mix?
- Adding sweetened condensed milk to a cake mix makes the cake extra moist, rich, and flavorful. It can also add sweetness and density to the cake. When used in poke cakes, the sweetened condensed milk seeps into the holes, creating a creamy, gooey texture that enhances the cake’s overall indulgence.
