Name: German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 38 min
Total time: 1 h 44 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box chocolate cake mix (German Chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or Devil’s Food); 1 cup water; ½ cup vegetable oil; 3 eggs; 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk; 1 (11.75 ounce) jar hot fudge topping; 1 tub coconut pecan frosting; 1 cup chopped pecans; ¼ cup mini chocolate chips

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 52 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s rich, indulgent, and downright irresistible, then I’ve got just the thing for you: my German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe. This cake is a chocolate lover’s dream come true with moist cake, luscious fudge filling, and a dreamy coconut pecan frosting topping. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, so even if you’re not a pro baker, you’ll enjoy the process and the delicious results. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be your go-to dessert for family gatherings, potlucks, or just because!

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Why This Recipe Works

Layered Flavor: Combining chocolate cake with rich fudge and coconut pecan frosting creates an irresistible blend of textures and tastes.
Moist & Decadent: Poking holes and filling them with fudgy goodness keeps the cake ultra moist without being soggy.
Easy to Make: From box cake mix to simple toppings, you won’t need special skills or rare ingredients.
Customizable: You can tweak the chocolate intensity or nutty flavor to your heart’s content, making it perfect for your palate.

German Chocolate Poke Cake, chocolate poke cake, coconut pecan frosting cake, easy German chocolate cake, decadent poke cake dessert - A white baking dish filled with a light brown batter, spread evenly, and topped with a mix of small chopped nuts, dark chocolate chips, and seeds, creating a textured and colorful top layer. To the left of the dish is a white bowl with a thick brown sauce sticking to the sides, and below on the wooden surface is a whisk with a wooden handle and a few scattered nuts around it. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe brings together simple pantry staples that transform into an impressive dessert. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the mixpping moisture in the cake to the decadent surprises hidden inside.

German Chocolate Poke Cake, chocolate poke cake, coconut pecan frosting cake, easy German chocolate cake, decadent poke cake dessert - Flat lay of three whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small pile of unshelled pecans, a small white ceramic bowl of glossy mini chocolate chips, a small white ceramic bowl of thick sweetened condensed milk, a small white ceramic bowl of rich hot fudge sauce, a tub of creamy coconut pecan frosting with visible coconut flakes and pecan pieces beside it, and a small white ceramic bowl containing golden vegetable oil, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chocolate cake mix: I usually grab a dark chocolate or devil’s food mix for intense flavor, but you can try German chocolate cake mix to stick closer to tradition.
Water, vegetable oil, eggs: These typical cake ingredients help keep things moist and tender — I like to use eggs at room temperature for the fluffiest texture.
Sweetened condensed milk: Adds creamy sweetness that’s perfect for soaking into cake holes without making it soggy.
Hot fudge topping: Melty, gooey, and chocolaty — this pairs perfectly with the condensed milk to fill the poke holes with richness.
Coconut pecan frosting: The signature topping that gives the cake its German chocolate vibe; look for a good-quality tub or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous.
Chopped pecans: Toast them lightly for extra crunch and nutty aroma.
Mini chocolate chips: Sprinkled on top for an extra chocolate hit and cute little texture bursts.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how versatile this German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe is. Over the years, I’ve tossed in extra nuts, swapped out frosting, and even added a hint of espresso powder to the cake batter for grown-up richness. Feel free to get creative and make this dessert your own!

Variation: Adding shredded coconut on top of the frosting adds a tropical, chewy dimension — I tried it once and my guests asked for the recipe immediately!
Allergy-Friendly: You can substitute the vegetable oil with coconut oil or applesauce, and use a nut-free frosting to suit allergies.
Chocolate Intensity: Prefer a milder chocolate flavor? Use milk chocolate cake mix and skip the hot fudge topping.
Seasonal Twist: For holiday flair, sprinkle cinnamon or add chopped dried cherries along with the pecans.

Step-by-Step: How I Make German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Cake Batter Perfectly

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with a nonstick spray containing flour — this little trick really helps prevent sticking without messing up the texture. Then, in a medium bowl, combine your chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. I like using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes so everything comes together smoothly without overmixing, which can make your cake tough.

Step 2: Bake & Then Cool Completely

Pour your batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Pop it into the oven on the middle rack and bake for about 30-38 minutes — you want a toothpick inserted into the center to come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, but no gooey batter. Cooling is crucial here; let the cake cool fully before you poke those holes. Trust me, if it’s still warm, the filling will just slide right off instead of soaking in.

Step 3: Poke Holes & Prepare the Filling

Time to give the cake its signature soak! Using the end of a wooden spoon (or even a handle from a wooden spatula), gently poke holes all over the surface — about 1 to 2 inches apart works well. Then, mix your sweetened condensed milk and hot fudge topping in a bowl until smooth. Pour that luscious sauce right over the cake, spreading it around gently so it seeps into all the holes.

Step 4: Top with Coconut Pecan Frosting & Crunch

Once your fudge sauce is soaking in, spread the coconut pecan frosting evenly on top. I like using an offset spatula for smooth coverage. The nuts and mini chocolate chips sprinkled on last add that perfect textural contrast — don’t skimp on these because they really elevate the cake’s flavor and appeal.

Step 5: Slice, Serve & Enjoy!

Slice the cake into 12 generous pieces and get ready for the compliments. The combination of moist chocolate cake, rich fudge, and that classic coconut-pecan topping is pure bliss. I promise it tastes way more complicated than it is to make!

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Pro Tips for Making German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

Room Temperature Eggs: Using eggs at room temp helps your cake batter come together better and results in a softer crumb.
Don’t Rush Cooling: Make sure your cake is completely cool before poking holes to prevent the filling from running off.
Even Hole Spacing: Try to poke holes evenly across the cake so every bite has that fudgy goodness.
Toasting Pecans: Lightly toast pecans beforehand to bring out deeper, nuttier flavors that make a big difference.

How to Serve German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

German Chocolate Poke Cake, chocolate poke cake, coconut pecan frosting cake, easy German chocolate cake, decadent poke cake dessert - A slice of rich dark chocolate cake sits on a white plate with three stacked white plates underneath, on a white marbled surface. The cake has one thick layer of moist, dark chocolate cake with a slightly shiny texture. On top is a layer of light caramel-colored frosting covered with chocolate chips and whole pecans scattered evenly across. There is some chocolate sauce pooling around the base of the slice, adding a shiny, wet look. In the background, more of the cake is seen in a white baking dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it classic with extra chopped pecans and a few more mini chocolate chips sprinkled on top just before serving. Sometimes I add a few toasted coconut flakes too, which add a delightful chewy texture and make the cake look extra special.

Side Dishes

This cake is rich enough to stand on its own, but if you want to pair it, I recommend a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream to balance the sweetness. A simple cup of coffee or milk is also perfect alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or holidays, I’ve assembled this poke cake as individual mini servings in pretty glass parfait cups layered with extra coconut pecan frosting and chopped nuts. It’s a fun, elegant way to serve without worrying about slicing. You could even drizzle extra hot fudge on top for that extra wow factor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to cover leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap and keep it refrigerated — it stays moist and delicious for up to 3 days. Since it’s so rich, I find it’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later.

Freezing

Freezing this cake works well if you want to prep ahead. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge. The texture holds up nicely, though the nuts may soften slightly.

Reheating

I usually serve the cake cooled or just at room temperature, but if you want a warm slice, pop it in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This brings out the fudgy warmth without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I make this German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe from scratch without a cake mix?

Absolutely! You can use your favorite scratch chocolate cake recipe. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the poke filling—cakes with too much leavening or delicate crumb might not soak up the fudge well.
What if I don’t have coconut pecan frosting?

You can find coconut pecan frosting in many stores in the baking aisle, but if unavailable, you can substitute with cream cheese frosting and top with shredded coconut and chopped pecans for a similar effect.
Can I substitute the hot fudge topping?

Yes! If you prefer, you can melt high-quality chocolate chips with a bit of cream to make your own ganache or use chocolate syrup, though the texture will be less thick and gooey.
Is this cake best served the same day?

While it’s delicious fresh, the flavors actually meld nicely after a few hours or overnight in the fridge. Just be sure to cover it well to keep it from drying out.

Final Thoughts

I still remember the first time I made this German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe for a friend’s birthday — everyone was raving about how moist and decadent it was, and I knew I had a keeper. It’s the kind of dessert that feels both classic and fresh, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll find it’s pretty simple too. So go ahead, give it a shot, and prepare to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to get a slice. You’re going to love how the fudge fills every bite and the coconut pecan frosting crowns it all with the perfect finish!