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The Best German Chocolate Poke Cake

The Best German Chocolate Poke Cake

The Best German Chocolate Poke Cake is a moist and decadent dessert combining rich chocolate cake with a luscious coconut-pecan filling and a glossy chocolate glaze. The poke technique creates channels that infuse the cake with a creamy, sweet topping, resulting in an irresistible blend of textures and classic flavors perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Cake Base

  • 1 box good-quality chocolate cake mix (or homemade chocolate cake batter)
  • Ingredients required for cake mix (usually eggs, oil, water as per box instructions)

Coconut-Pecan Filling

  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Chocolate Glaze

  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips or fudge, for melting and drizzling

Instructions

  1. Bake the Chocolate Cake: Prepare the chocolate cake according to the box or your homemade recipe instructions. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool for about 15 minutes until warm but not hot.
  2. Poke the Cake: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes evenly across the top of the cake about 1 inch apart. These holes will allow the filling to soak deep into the cake.
  3. Prepare the Coconut-Pecan Filling: In a saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, butter, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency. Remove from heat and stir in shredded coconut and chopped pecans.
  4. Pour the Filling Over the Cake: Slowly pour the warm coconut-pecan filling over the poked holes, allowing it to seep deeply into the cake. This step ensures the cake is moist and flavorful throughout.
  5. Cool and Add Chocolate Glaze: Let the cake absorb the filling and cool completely. Melt the chocolate chips or fudge and drizzle or spread the glaze over the top of the cake, creating a rich, glossy finish. Chill the cake for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to help the filling thicken properly and blend well with the cake.
  • Do not overbake the cake; keep it moist to ensure it soaks up the filling perfectly.
  • Ensure even spacing when poking holes to allow the pudding to spread uniformly.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing to prevent the chocolate from melting or sliding.
  • Chop pecans to a medium size to maintain a balanced texture without overwhelming crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: German chocolate cake, poke cake, coconut pecan filling, chocolate glaze, moist chocolate cake, dessert, baking