German Chocolate Poke Cake is the ultimate twist on a beloved classic that elevates moist chocolate cake into a rich, creamy, flavor-packed dessert. Picture a luscious dark chocolate fudge cake soaked with sweetened condensed milk, layered with velvety chocolate ganache, and crowned with a rich coconut-pecan frosting. It’s an effortless yet crowd-pleasing masterpiece. This recipe blends ease and elegance, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impressive party tables. Within minutes, you can transform simple ingredients into an indulgent, memorable cake that your guests will rave about. Let’s explore how to bring this decadent dessert to life!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Moist Texture: Sweetened condensed milk soaks into the cake, making it incredibly moist.
- Layered Indulgence: Chocolate cake, ganache, and coconut-pecan frosting create a luxurious flavor experience.
- Quick and Easy: Uses cake mix and pre-made frosting to save time without sacrificing quality.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for holidays, potlucks, or satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) dark chocolate fudge cake mix
- 1 package (3.4 oz) chocolate fudge instant pudding mix
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
For the Ganache:
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For the Frosting:
- 1 can (16 oz) coconut pecan frosting
How to Make German Chocolate Poke Cake
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
- Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, yogurt, oil, milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until smooth.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Poke and Soak: As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, grab the handle of a wooden spoon and gently poke holes evenly across the surface. Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly across the top and let it soak in.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Make the Ganache: Place chopped chocolate in a bowl. Heat heavy cream until it begins to bubble, then pour over chocolate. Let sit 5 minutes before stirring smooth. Let thicken slightly.
- Add Ganache: Spread ganache evenly over cooled cake.
- Top with Frosting: Spread coconut pecan frosting on top. Slice and serve!
Helpful Tips
- Use Full-Fat Yogurt: It ensures a richer texture and better flavor.
- Don’t Rush Cooling: Letting the cake cool completely prevents the frosting from melting.
- Deep Holes Matter: Ensure your holes are deep enough for the filling to permeate.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: They mix more easily and evenly.
Substitutions and Variations
- Cake Mix Options: Use German chocolate or devil’s food for variety.
- Yogurt Alternatives: Swap with sour cream for added tang.
- Homemade Frosting: Replace canned frosting with a from-scratch coconut-pecan version.
- Add Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pecans or chocolate chips on top for texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes! Prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate. It actually tastes better the next day.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days to maintain freshness.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap well and freeze for 1-2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Conclusion
The German Chocolate Poke Cake is a rich, ultra-moist, and delightfully simple dessert that merges classic flavors with a contemporary twist. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a cake that tastes like it came from a high-end bakery. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just for yourself, this cake delivers every time. Give it a try, snap a photo, and share your delicious results. Don’t forget to explore more poke cake recipes for your next baking adventure!
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German Chocolate Poke Cake: The Ultimate Moist & Decadent Dessert
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
German Chocolate Poke Cake is rich, moist, and irresistibly easy. With layers of chocolate cake, ganache, and coconut-pecan frosting, this crowd-pleasing dessert is perfect for any celebration. Try it today and impress your guests!
Ingredients
1 box (15.25 oz) dark chocolate fudge cake mix
1 package (3.4 oz) chocolate fudge instant pudding mix
4 large eggs
1 cup plain yogurt
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup whole milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 can (16 oz) coconut pecan frosting
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
- Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, yogurt, oil, milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until smooth.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Poke and Soak: As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, grab the handle of a wooden spoon and gently poke holes evenly across the surface. Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly across the top and let it soak in.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Make the Ganache: Place chopped chocolate in a bowl. Heat heavy cream until it begins to bubble, then pour over chocolate. Let sit 5 minutes before stirring smooth. Let thicken slightly.
- Add Ganache: Spread ganache evenly over cooled cake.
- Top with Frosting: Spread coconut pecan frosting on top. Slice and serve!
Notes
For extra flavor, use sour cream instead of yogurt or add chopped pecans on top for crunch. Let the cake sit overnight for maximum moistness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Protein: 6g