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.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German-American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free cake mix)
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Keywords: German chocolate poke cake, chocolate cake, coconut custard, pecan topping, easy dessert, poke cake, party cake