German Chocolate Poke Cake
A delightful German Chocolate Poke Cake featuring moist chocolate layers soaked in rich caramel custard, topped with a creamy, textured coconut-pecan frosting. Perfectly balancing chocolate, coconut, and nuts, this easy-to-make cake is ideal for any occasion and customizable to suit various dietary preferences.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Cake Base
- 1 box Chocolate Cake Mix (or gluten-free chocolate cake mix for gluten-free version)
- Ingredients called for on the cake mix box (typically eggs, oil, water)
Custard Mixture
- 1 can (12 oz) Evaporated Milk (or coconut milk for dairy-free version)
- 1 can (14 oz) Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 4 large Egg Yolks
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
Coconut-Pecan Frosting
- 1 1/3 cups Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
- 1 cup Chopped Pecans (or walnuts/toasted almonds as alternative)
- Bake the Chocolate Cake: Prepare the boxed chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Poke the Cake: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a large fork, poke deep holes all over the surface of the warm cake to allow the custard to seep in thoroughly.
- Prepare the Custard Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter. Stir constantly for 8 to 10 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns golden. Remove from heat, then stir in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans.
- Pour the Custard Over the Cake: Slowly pour or spoon the warm custard mixture evenly over the poked cake, making sure the custard fills all the holes for maximum moisture and flavor infusion.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight to let the custard set and flavors meld. Serve chilled for the best creamy and rich experience.
Notes
- Let the cake cool before poking to prevent it from breaking apart.
- Ensure to poke holes all over the cake for even custard absorption.
- Use fresh shredded coconut and pecans for optimal texture and flavor.
- Stir constantly when thickening the custard to avoid scorching.
- Chilling overnight intensifies the flavors and creaminess of the cake.
- Gluten-Free option: use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix.
- Dairy-Free adaptation: substitute evaporated milk with coconut milk and use dairy-free butter.
- For extra chocolate, drizzle melted dark chocolate on top before serving.
- Add crushed pineapple to the frosting mixture for a tropical twist.
- Use ready-made coconut frosting for a quicker no-bake alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: German Chocolate Cake, Poke Cake, Coconut Pecan Frosting, Chocolate Dessert, Moist Chocolate Cake, Easy Dessert, Party Cake, Gluten-Free Dessert