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· 4.5 from 24 reviews

If you’re craving a dessert that’s both nostalgic and decadently delicious, this German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe is the answer. It’s that perfect blend of moist chocolate cake, rich fudge, and luscious coconut-pecan frosting that melts in your mouth every single time. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want it on your dessert table for every occasion.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple & Accessible: Uses pantry staples and a boxed cake mix for an easy, no-fuss dessert.
Moist & Flavorful: Poking holes and pouring fudge mixture locks in moisture and adds rich chocolate flavor.
Classic Topping Combo: The signature coconut-pecan frosting brings authentic German chocolate cake vibes.
Crowd-Pleaser: This cake is a guaranteed hit at family dinners, potlucks, or holiday parties.

German Chocolate Poke Cake, chocolate poke cake recipe, coconut pecan cake, moist chocolate cake with fudge, easy German chocolate 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 trusts a few key ingredients to give you that classic taste without complicating your prep. The boxed chocolate cake delivers a tender crumb, while the sweetened condensed milk and hot fudge sauce create a gooey, irresistible layer inside. And don’t skip the coconut pecan frosting—it’s the star of the topping that perfectly balances the chocolate!

German Chocolate Poke Cake, chocolate poke cake recipe, coconut pecan cake, moist chocolate cake with fudge, easy German chocolate 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 like the flexibility here—you can use German chocolate, devil’s food, or even milk chocolate mixes depending on your preference.
Water: Just enough to hydrate the cake mix and keep things moist without making the batter too runny.
Vegetable oil: Adds richness and keeps the cake tender; you could swap it for canola or avocado oil if you want.
Eggs: They’re essential for structure and a fluffy texture; make sure they’re at room temp to mix in easily.
Sweetened condensed milk: This is where the magic happens—it brings that luscious sweetness and creamy texture soaking into the cake.
Hot fudge topping: Adds an extra chocolate punch and melts right into the poke holes for gooey goodness.
Coconut pecan frosting: Look for a tub in the bakery aisle—this is classic German chocolate cake frosting that combines coconut flakes and crunchy pecans.
Chopped pecans: For an added crunch and nutty flavor on top.
Mini chocolate chips: Because more chocolate is always a good idea, especially in tiny 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.

Make It Your Way

I love that this German Chocolate Poke Cake recipe is so versatile. Sometimes I swap the hot fudge for caramel sauce to mix things up, or I add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty combo. You should absolutely tailor this to your taste buds and whatever you have on hand!

Variation: Adding a splash of espresso powder to the cake batter really amplifies the chocolate flavor—I tried this on a whim and it blew everyone away.
Dietary tweaks: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix; just make sure your other ingredients are GF-friendly.
Seasonal twist: Swap chopped pecans for toasted walnuts or add dried cherries on top around the holidays.

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

Step 1: Mix Your Batter with Love

First things first: Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray, preferably one with a little flour in it—I find it helps the cake release beautifully. Then, in a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. I like to use my hand mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes to get a smooth, lump-free batter. Don’t rush this part; it really helps the texture turn out perfect.

Step 2: Bake That Beauty

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared dish and pop it in the oven’s middle rack. Bake for about 30 to 38 minutes, but here’s a trick: start checking at 30 minutes with a toothpick. When it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s done. Overbaking can dry the cake, so keep an eye on it!

Step 3: Poke and Pour

Once the cake is completely cool, grab the handle end of a wooden spoon and poke holes all over—about an inch apart works well. This is where things get fun! In a bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk and hot fudge topping until it’s smooth. Pour this dreamy mixture evenly over your cake, making sure it seeps into all those holes. I usually use a spatula to spread it out gently if needed.

Step 4: Frost & Finish

Time for the star topping! Spread the coconut pecan frosting evenly over the cake’s surface. Don’t be shy here; a thick layer really makes this cake sing. To finish, sprinkle the chopped pecans and mini chocolate chips on top for that irresistible crunch and chocolate pop. Slice, serve, and watch your friends and family devour it.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Cool Before Poking: If the cake is warm when you poke it, the fudge might sink too quickly and get lost underneath.
Use a Spoon Handle: The rounded end makes holes that are perfect for soaking up the fudge; it’s better than a fork or skewer.
Don’t Skip the Frosting: The coconut pecan frosting balances the richness and adds texture, so it’s worth hunting down if you can’t find it locally.
Slice with a Hot Knife: Run your knife under hot water before cutting to get cleaner slices with fewer crumbs.

How to Serve German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

German Chocolate Poke Cake, chocolate poke cake recipe, coconut pecan cake, moist chocolate cake with fudge, easy German chocolate 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 stick with the chopped pecans and mini chocolate chips, but sometimes I add a light dusting of cocoa powder or a few toasted coconut flakes on top. For a fancy touch, drizzle some extra hot fudge right before serving. It makes the cake look irresistible and adds an indulgent finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs splendidly with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. For a more festive vibe, I serve it alongside fresh berries to cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or holiday gatherings, I’ve layered this cake in a trifle bowl with extra coconut frosting and fudge sauce drizzles between layers. It’s always a showstopper! You can also cut it into mini squares, place them in decorative cupcake liners, and offer a bite-sized treat at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover German Chocolate Poke Cake in an airtight container in the fridge—it keeps well for up to 4 days. I’ve noticed that letting it come to room temperature before serving really revives its flavors.

Freezing

Freezing works great if you want to make it ahead. I wrap individual slices tightly with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight to keep the texture intact. The cake still tastes amazing, just a little less crisp on top.

Reheating

If you reheat your slice, a few seconds in the microwave (around 15–20 seconds) softens the fudge frosting layer beautifully. Just be careful not to overdo it or the frosting might melt too much and get runny.

FAQs

Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a box mix in this German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade chocolate cake works wonderfully here if you want a fully scratch-made dessert. Just make sure your cake is firm enough to hold the poke holes without falling apart—usually a dense, moist chocolate cake is best.
Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute dairy-free sweetened condensed milk and a vegan chocolate fudge sauce to make this dairy-free. Look for coconut-based frostings or make your own coconut-pecan frosting with dairy-free ingredients to keep that classic flavor.
How long should I let the cake cool before poking holes and adding the fudge mixture?

It’s important to let the cake cool completely—about an hour at room temperature—so the fudge mixture doesn’t melt into the cake too quickly, which can make it soggy instead of delectably moist.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prep the cake a day ahead, then assemble the poke step and frosting when ready to serve. This keeps everything tasting fresh but saves you time on the day of your event.

Final Thoughts

This German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those desserts that brings people together—the kind you slice up and share, smiles spreading across the room with every bite. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it finds a spot on your favorite dessert rotation. Once you’ve tasted that rich, fudgy sweetness paired with the crunchy coconut pecan topping, you’ll know exactly why it’s such a beloved classic. Happy baking!