If you love rich, gooey desserts, this German Chocolate Poke Cake will be your new favorite. It combines a moist chocolate cake, a fudgy filling, and a sweet coconut pecan topping for a decadent treat everyone will rave about. Best of all, it’s simple to make with pantry-friendly ingredients.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
A FUN TWIST ON A CLASSIC DESSERT
German Chocolate Cake is already a crowd favorite, but turning it into a poke cake makes it extra indulgent. The holes filled with chocolate fudge sauce and condensed milk keep every bite moist and flavorful. This version is a quick, semi-homemade dessert that feels special without the fuss of a layered cake.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What chocolate cake mix works best?
Any boxed chocolate cake mix will do German Chocolate, Devil’s Food, dark chocolate, or even milk chocolate. Choose the one that matches your preference for richness.
What if I don’t like coconut?
You can skip the coconut pecan frosting and swap in chocolate buttercream or cream cheese frosting instead. It won’t be traditional, but it will still taste amazing.
Does this poke cake need to be kept refrigerated?
Yes, since it has condensed milk and fudge filling, refrigeration is best. Keep it covered in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
How to store leftover German Chocolate Poke Cake?
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, it will last up to 5 days.
Can you freeze German Chocolate Poke Cake?
Yes! Slice the cake, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chocolate cake mix | 1 box |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Vegetable oil | ½ cup |
| Eggs | 3 |
| Sweetened condensed milk | 1 (14 oz) can |
| Hot fudge topping | 1 (11.75 oz) jar |
| Coconut pecan frosting | 1 tub |
| Chopped pecans | 1 cup |
| Mini chocolate chips | ¼ cup |
HOW TO MAKE GERMAN CHOCOLATE POKE CAKE:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix together the cake mix, water, oil, and eggs with a hand or stand mixer for 2 minutes.
- Pour batter into the prepared dish and bake 30–38 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely, then use the end of a spoon to poke holes evenly across the surface.
- In a bowl, stir together sweetened condensed milk and hot fudge until smooth.
- Pour this mixture over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes.
- Spread coconut pecan frosting over the top.
- Sprinkle with chopped pecans and mini chocolate chips. Slice and enjoy!
NUTRITION INFORMATION (per serving)
| Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat | Sodium | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 595 kcal | 67 g | 8 g | 35 g | 431 mg | 3 g | 49 g |
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands used. For healthy eating guidelines, visit USDA Dietary Guidelines.
CRAVING MORE RECIPES?
If you loved this German Chocolate Poke Cake, try these next:
German Chocolate Poke Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix German chocolate, Devil’s food, dark, or milk chocolate
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 11.75 oz jar hot fudge topping
- 1 tub coconut pecan frosting
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch pan with nonstick baking spray.
- Beat cake mix, water, oil, and eggs on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
- Pour batter into the pan and bake 30–38 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the cake completely, then poke holes all over using the handle of a wooden spoon.
- Whisk sweetened condensed milk and hot fudge until smooth and pour over the cake, guiding it into the holes.
- Spread coconut pecan frosting evenly over the top.
- Finish with chopped pecans and mini chocolate chips. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Refrigerate leftovers because of the condensed milk and fudge filling.
- Store covered up to 5 days; freeze slices up to 2 months (wrap well).
- For a no-coconut option, swap in chocolate buttercream or cream cheese frosting.
Nutrition
German Chocolate Poke Cake
This easy poke cake is a shortcut way to enjoy the flavors of German Chocolate Cake in half the time. Perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or any time you need a crowd-pleasing dessert.