German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe 🍫🎂

This German Chocolate Poke Cake is a mouthwatering dessert that combines rich chocolate cake, a sweet and creamy filling, and a luscious topping of coconut and pecans. The cake is filled with sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce, which creates a moist and flavorful treat that's sure to be a hit at any party or gathering. With its indulgent layers and irresistible flavor, this cake is the ultimate chocolate lover's dream!

Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving (based on 12 servings).

Best for: A decadent dessert for special occasions, family gatherings, or as a sweet treat to satisfy your chocolate cravings. This cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or whenever you want a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s easy to make and incredibly delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

• 1 cup caramel sauce

• 1 cup shredded coconut

• 1 cup chopped pecans

• 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip)

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (melted for drizzle)

Instructions:

1. Bake the Chocolate Cake:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.

• Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions. Usually, this requires adding eggs, oil, and water.

• Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and bake according to the package directions, typically 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

• Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes after baking. While the cake is still warm, use a fork to poke holes all over the surface of the cake, making sure to create deep holes.

2. Prepare the Filling:

• In a small bowl, mix together the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce. Stir until smooth and combined.

• Pour the mixture evenly over the warm cake, making sure it fills the holes you created. Allow the cake to soak up the filling for about 10-15 minutes.

3. Prepare the Topping:

• In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded coconut and chopped pecans.

• Spread the whipped topping (Cool Whip) over the entire surface of the cake.

• Sprinkle the coconut-pecan mixture evenly on top of the whipped topping.

• Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or on the stovetop, then drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of the cake.

4. Chill and Serve:

• Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together and the cake to set.

• Once chilled, cut the cake into squares and serve.

Energy-Saving Tip:

To save energy, you can bake the cake in a convection oven, which heats up more quickly and uses less energy compared to a traditional oven. If you don’t have a convection oven, consider using a toaster oven for smaller batches or quicker baking.

Who would benefit from this dish:

This German Chocolate Poke Cake is perfect for chocolate lovers and those who enjoy rich, indulgent desserts. It’s an excellent choice for people who enjoy coconut and pecans, as these ingredients provide extra flavor and texture. It’s great for gatherings and parties as it can be made in advance and served chilled, allowing for easy preparation.

Who should avoid this dish:

Due to the ingredients like caramel sauce, sweetened condensed milk, and whipped topping, this cake is quite high in sugar and calories, making it less suitable for individuals on low-sugar, low-calorie, or diabetic diets. Additionally, those with nut allergies should avoid the pecans, or substitute them with a safe ingredient. People who are lactose intolerant may need to skip the condensed milk and whipped topping or use dairy-free alternatives.

Enjoy this decadent German Chocolate Poke Cake as a sweet treat that’s perfect for any celebration or just as a special indulgence to share with loved ones