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The Best German Chocolate Poke Cake

The Best German Chocolate Poke Cake

The Best German Chocolate Poke Cake is a moist and rich chocolate dessert featuring a luscious coconut and pecan custard filling that seeps into the cake. Topped with melted chocolate or frosting, it’s a decadent treat perfect for celebrations or any special occasion, combining deep chocolate flavors, creamy coconut texture, and a crunchy nutty finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Cake Base

  • 1 box moist chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients required by mix, usually eggs, oil, water)

Coconut-Pecan Filling

  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups flaked coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Topping

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for melting or frosting)
  • Optional: chocolate frosting
  • Optional garnishes: toasted pecans, extra flaked coconut, edible gold dust, whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cake: Start by baking a moist chocolate cake from your chosen cake mix in a 9×13 inch pan according to package instructions. Once baked and slightly cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon or fork to poke holes all over the surface to allow the filling to seep deep into the cake.
  2. Make the Coconut Filling: In a saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, butter, egg yolks, vanilla extract, flaked coconut, and chopped pecans. Cook gently over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a creamy custard.
  3. Pour the Filling Over the Cake: Slowly spoon the warm coconut-pecan custard evenly over the cake, making sure it fills each poke hole. This infuses moisture and flavor throughout the cake layers.
  4. Chill and Top: Refrigerate the cake for at least four hours or overnight to let flavors meld and texture set perfectly. Before serving, spread a layer of chocolate frosting or melted chocolate chips on top for an indulgent finish.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smoother mixing and better texture.
  • Don’t skip poking the cake; the holes allow filling to penetrate deeply for moistness.
  • Stir constantly when cooking the filling to prevent lumps and keep the custard silky.
  • Chill the cake overnight to enhance flavor blending and make slicing easier.
  • Lightly toast pecans to bring out their nutty aroma and flavor boost.

Nutrition

Keywords: German chocolate poke cake, chocolate cake, coconut custard, pecan topping, easy dessert, poke cake, party cake