German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

Name: German Chocolate Poke Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 150 min
Ingredients: 1 box Duncan Hines Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix; 1 (3.4 oz) box Chocolate Fudge Instant Pudding; 4 large eggs; 1 cup sour cream; ¾ cup vegetable oil; ½ cup whole milk; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; ¼ tsp kosher salt; 1½ cup mini chocolate chips; 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk; 4 ounces German chocolate (chopped); 4 ounces heavy cream; 1 batch Coconut Pecan Frosting

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This German Chocolate Poke Cake takes the classic dessert recipe to a whole new level with a tender chocolate cake soaked in sweetened condensed milk and topped with a rich chocolate ganache and sweet coconut pecan frosting!

Guys, this German Chocolate Poke Cake might be one of the sweetest things to ever come out of my kitchen! When it comes to dessert, this cake means some serious business!

If you’re a German Chocolate Cake fan, chances are you’re going to love this modern take on the classic!

A tender chocolate cake is baked in a 9×13-inch pan then soaked in sweetened condensed milk and topped with a silky smooth chocolate ganache made with German Chocolate.

It’s finished off with a super delicious Coconut Pecan Frosting which is the key to a delicious German Chocolate Cake recipe!

Overhead shot of a German Chocolate Poke Cake in a 9x13-inch pan.

Where Did German Chocolate Cake Come From?

Contrary to its name, the original cake recipe originated in the United States, not Germany. In the 1850s, a man named Samuel German developed a specific type of dark chocolate for Baker’s Chocolate Company. The company then named the chocolate Baker’s German’s Sweet Chocolate in honor of him.

But it wasn’t until over 100 years later that this chocolate became famous. A Texas homemaker made the first German’s Chocolate cake with it in 1957 and sent the recipe to the local newspaper who published it. And somewhere along the trail or recipe reprints, the name lost the apostrophe and became German Chocolate Cake.

How To Make It:

This cake has a lot going on, but you don’t need to be a skilled baker to make it. You don’t need any fancy piping or anything like that, just a bit of time and unfortunately, a whole lot of dishes!

Step 1: You’ll begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F and mixing up your cake batter and baking it in a 9×13-inch cake pan until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Once baked, you’ll use a wooden skewer or the handle of wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake.

Chocolate cake in a 9x13-inch pan with a woman's hand holding a wooden skewer poking holes in the cake.

Step 2: Pour a can of sweetened condensed over the cake layer and spread it out with a spoon making sure to cover the whole thing. It’s best to do this step while the cake is still warm so the milk absorbs better. Let sit for 30 minutes.

Can of sweetened condensed milk being poured over a chocolate cake.

Step 3: Next, you’ll prepare your ganache with the Geran’s Sweet Chocolate and heavy cream. Once the ganache has thickened up, but it still spreadable, pour it over the top of the milk-soaked cake.

Chocolate ganache being poured over the top of a chocolate cake.

Step 4: Finally, prepare and top the cake with the Coconut Pecan Frosting, spreading it evenly over the top of the cake but it doesn’t need to go all the way to the edge.

Coconut Pecan Frosting being poured onto a chocolate cake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does It Need To Be Refrigerated?

No, but it can be. A German Chocolate Cake will last for about 4 days at room temperature but up to 1 week in the fridge. I recommend pulling it out of the fridge about an hour before serving.

Can German Chocolate Cake Be Frozen?

It absolutely can, however, it can be hard to do given the size of the pan, so I recommend wrapping it really well in freezer-safe aluminum foil and plastic wrap. These 2-gallon freezer bags could be a good storage solution too!

Does German Chocolate Cake Have Coconut?

The cake itself doesn’t have any coconut in it, but the iconic Coconut Pecan Frosting that tops it does.

Slice of German Chocolate poke Cake on a small white plate with a glass of milk and another slice of cake in the background.

Traditionally, German Chocolate Cake is topped with a Chocolate Frosting, but I opted for chocolate ganache instead because I thought it was a bit easier and a little more fitting for this poke cake recipe.

I wanted something that would soak into the holes and add extra decadence.

And trust me, this cake is definitely decadent!

This cake is destined to be a crowd favorite and it’s sheet cake nature makes it easy to transport for potlucks and family get-togethers!

More Delicious Poke Cake Recipes:

German Chocolate Poke Cake

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