German Chocolate Poke Cake is a decadent and irresistible dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate cake with a luscious filling, topped off with a gooey coconut-pecan frosting. This cake is perfect for special occasions, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving a sweet treat. The poke cake technique ensures that every bite is moist and filled with flavor. Let’s dive into the recipe and see how to create this delicious German Chocolate Poke Cake step-by-step.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 (3.4 oz) box chocolate instant pudding mix
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1½ cups mini chocolate chips
For the Filling:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
For the Ganache:
- 4 ounces German chocolate, chopped
- 4 ounces heavy cream
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1⅓ cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix and chocolate instant pudding mix.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil, whole milk, vanilla extract, and kosher salt to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Poke Holes: Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the surface of the warm cake.
- Add Filling: Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, making sure it fills the holes. Spread it evenly with a spatula if necessary. Let the cake cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Ganache
- Heat Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Do not boil.
- Add Chocolate: Remove from heat and add the chopped German chocolate. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Cool Ganache: Allow the ganache to cool slightly, then pour it over the cake, spreading it evenly. Let it set for about 15 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the Frosting
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, granulated sugar, egg yolks, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and turns a light caramel color, about 10-12 minutes.
- Add Coconut and Pecans: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Let the frosting cool to room temperature.
- Spread Frosting: Once cooled, spread the coconut-pecan frosting evenly over the ganache layer on the cake.
Cooking Notes
- Cake Mix: Use a high-quality chocolate cake mix for the best results. You can also make a homemade chocolate cake if you prefer.
- Ganache: Ensure the ganache is smooth before pouring it over the cake. If needed, you can strain it to remove any lumps.
- Frosting: Keep stirring the frosting mixture to prevent it from burning or curdling. It should be thick and creamy once done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the cake and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together, making it even more delicious.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Q: Can I use a different type of chocolate for the ganache? A: Yes, you can use semi-sweet or dark chocolate instead of German chocolate if you prefer a less sweet ganache.
Keto/Low Carb Version
To make a keto or low-carb version of German Chocolate Poke Cake, follow these modifications:
- Cake: Use a keto-friendly chocolate cake mix or make your own using almond flour and a sugar substitute like erythritol.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Make a low-carb version of sweetened condensed milk using heavy cream, butter, and a sugar substitute.
- Ganache: Use sugar-free chocolate and heavy cream.
- Frosting: Replace the granulated sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener and ensure the coconut and pecans are unsweetened.
German Chocolate Poke Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert that combines the best elements of a poke cake with the classic flavors of German chocolate cake. The combination of moist chocolate cake, sweetened condensed milk, rich ganache, and coconut-pecan frosting is simply irresistible. Try this recipe today and enjoy a slice of this delicious treat
Did you enjoy this German Chocolate Poke Cake recipe? Share your experience in the comments below and tag us on social media with your delicious creations! For more mouthwatering recipes and cooking tips, subscribe to our blog and follow us for the latest updates. Happy baking!
