German Chocolate Poke Cake

This German Chocolate Poke Cake layers moist chocolate cake, sweetened condensed milk, velvety ganache, and coconut-pecan frosting for pure indulgence.

this Recipe

Can I be honest for a second? I wasn’t always a poke cake fan. The idea of poking holes into a perfectly good cake and drenching it with something seemed… odd. But then I tried a slice of German Chocolate Poke Cake at a friend’s party, and oh my goodness. It was like a flavor explosion in my mouth—rich, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet.

Fast forward to now, and this cake has become my go-to for any celebration (or random Tuesday, because why not?). The first time I made it, I was nervous—what if the ganache didn’t set, or the frosting was too sweet? But, spoiler alert, it came out amazing. Even my picky uncle—who’s known for his nothing’s ever good enough attitude—asked for seconds. And that’s when I knew I had a winner.

What I love most about this cake is how it feels fancy without actually being complicated. It’s a little messy, a lot indulgent, and 100% worth every bite. If you’re looking for a dessert that’ll impress without causing a kitchen meltdown, this is it.

Why You’ll Love This German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe?

• Super Moist: Thanks to the sweetened condensed milk, every bite melts in your mouth.
• Layers of Goodness: Chocolate cake, ganache, and coconut-pecan frosting—each layer brings something unique.
• Showstopper Look: It’s gorgeous with minimal effort. No piping bags or fancy tools needed!
• Crowd Favorite: Perfect for parties, family dinners, or, let’s be real, just a quiet night in.
• Easy to Customize: Swap ingredients or add extra toppings to make it your own.

Ingredient Notes:

This cake is all about layers, so each ingredient plays a key role:

• Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix: The base is rich and chocolatey. If you prefer, German chocolate or devil’s food cake mix works too.
• Chocolate Fudge Instant Pudding: Adds moisture and gives the cake its signature fudgy texture.
• Plain Yogurt: Keeps the cake tender and adds a subtle tang. Sour cream is a great alternative.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Soaks into the cake, creating pockets of sweetness. It’s the magic ingredient!
• Chocolate Ganache: Smooth, glossy, and made with just chocolate and cream. It’s the perfect rich layer.
• Coconut-Pecan Frosting: Adds texture and a nutty sweetness that takes this cake to the next level.

How To Make German Chocolate Poke Cake?

Making German Chocolate Poke Cake is easier than you think. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the Cake
   Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, yogurt, oil, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 30–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.(Tip: Don’t overmix the batter. A few lumps are okay—it keeps the cake tender.)
2. Poke the Cake
   Once baked, let the cake cool for about 10 minutes. Then, take the handle of a wooden spoon and poke holes all over the surface. This part is oddly satisfying, so don’t hold back.
3. Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk
   Slowly drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, making sure it seeps into those glorious little holes. Let the cake cool completely before moving on.
4. Make the Ganache
   Place the chopped chocolate in a bowl. Heat the cream in a small saucepan until it’s just about to boil, then pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for a few minutes before stirring until smooth. Let the ganache thicken slightly, then spread it over the cooled cake.(Pro Tip: If you want an extra glossy ganache, add a teaspoon of butter before stirring.)
5. Top with Frosting
   Spread the coconut-pecan frosting over the ganache. Don’t worry about making it perfect—the rustic look is part of the charm.
6. Chill and Serve
   Pop the cake into the fridge for at least an hour to let all the layers set. When you’re ready to serve, slice it up and watch the “oohs” and “ahhs” roll in.

Storage Options:

This cake gets better as it sits, so storing it is a breeze. Keep it covered in the fridge for up to five days. If you’re making it ahead for a party, you can prepare it the night before. Want to freeze it? Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge before serving.

Variations and Substitutions:

Feeling creative? Here are a few ideas to make this cake your own:

• Switch the Frosting: Not a fan of coconut? Try chocolate buttercream or whipped cream instead.
• Add Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pecans or coconut flakes on top for extra texture.
• Caramel Drizzle: Replace the condensed milk with caramel sauce for a richer flavor.
• Extra Ganache: Double the ganache layer for an ultra-chocolatey cake.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix and double-check that your other ingredients are gluten-free.

What to Serve with German Chocolate Poke Cake?

This cake is pretty perfect on its own, but pairing it with the right sides makes it even better:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cold contrast is chef’s kiss.
• Fresh Berries: A handful of strawberries or raspberries adds a refreshing tartness.
• Coffee or Espresso: A strong cup of coffee balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Whipped Cream: Because honestly, more creaminess never hurts.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yep! German chocolate or devil’s food cake mixes work perfectly.

How do I keep the ganache from being too runny?

Let it cool for a few minutes after mixing. It thickens as it cools, making it easier to spread.

So, what do you think? Ready to bake this indulgent, chocolatey masterpiece? Whether you stick to the recipe or add your own twist, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Let’s talk cake in the comments!

German Chocolate Poke Cake

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

The German Chocolate Poke Cake is a culinary ballet of flavors and textures. Beneath its crown of golden-brown coconut-pecan frosting lies a canvas of deep, dark chocolate fudge, punctuated with velvety pockets of sweetened condensed milk. The sensation of biting into this cake is akin to unveiling layers of hidden treasures, where each stratum unfurls a distinct note— from the lush creaminess of the ganache to the subtle tang of yogurt infused within its core.

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12 Servings

Ingredients

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For the Cake:

• 1 box dark chocolate fudge cake mix
• 1 3.4 ounces box chocolate fudge instant pudding
• 4 large eggs
• 1 c plain yogurt
• 3/4 c vegetable oil
• 1/2 c whole milk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Filling:

• 1 14 ounces can sweetened condensed milk

For the Ganache:

• 4 ounces chocolate chopped
• 1/2 c heavy cream

For the Frosting:

• 1 can coconut pecan frosting

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Instructions

 

Cake Recipe:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a baking pan measuring 9x13 inches.
2. In a bowl combine the cake mix, pudding, eggs, yogurt, oil, milk, vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
3. Pour the mixture into the pan. Bake for around 30 to 40 minutes or, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Once baked use the handle of a spoon to poke holes over the cake surface.
5. Drizzle condensed milk over the cake ensuring that it seeps into the holes. Allow it to cool completely.

Ganache Recipe:

1. Place chopped chocolate in a bowl.
2. Heat cream in a saucepan until it is just about to boil. Pour it over the chocolate.
3. Wait for 5 minutes. Then stir until you achieve a smooth consistency.
4. Allow the ganache to thicken for around 5 to 10 minutes before spreading it over the cooled cake.

Finishing Touches:

1. Spread coconut pecan frosting on top of the ganache layer.
2. Enjoy this homemade treat!

Notes

To make this German Chocolate Poke Cake gluten-free, simply swap the regular chocolate cake mix with a gluten-free version. Ensure your chocolate fudge instant pudding is also gluten-free. Always check labels, especially on packaged products like frostings, for hidden gluten. Avoid cross-contamination by utilizing sterile tools and surfaces. Dive into this delight, now tailored for gluten-free opulence!

Audrey

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Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

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