German Chocolate Poke Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it transforms a simple box cake into a decadent dessert with very little effort. The poke technique lets the caramel mixture seep deep into the cake, making it extra moist and flavorful. I also love how the frosting adds texture with pecans and coconut, balancing sweetness with crunch. Since it chills before serving, I can prepare it ahead of time and let the flavors develop, which makes entertaining much easier.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:
1 box of German chocolate cake mix
1 1/2 cups of water
1/2 cup of vegetable oil
3 large eggs

For the Caramel Sauce Mixture:
1 can of sweetened condensed milk
1 cup of caramel sauce

For the Frosting:
1/2 cup of butter, softened
4 cups of powdered sugar
1/4 cup of milk
1/2 cup of caramel sauce
1 cup of chopped pecans
1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, I combine the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs, mixing until smooth.
I pour the batter into the pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, I whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and 1/2 cup of caramel sauce.
Using the end of a wooden spoon, I poke holes about an inch apart across the cake.
I pour the caramel mixture over the cake, spreading it so it seeps into all the holes.
For the frosting, I beat butter until creamy, then gradually mix in powdered sugar, milk, and the remaining caramel sauce until smooth.
I fold in pecans and coconut, then spread the frosting over the cake evenly.
Finally, I chill the cake for 1–2 hours before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 12 servings.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Chill Time: 1–2 hours
Total Time: About 55 minutes (plus chilling)

Variations

I sometimes swap the caramel for dulce de leche for a richer flavor. For a lighter option, I use a sugar-free cake mix or reduce the caramel. If I want a chocolate boost, I add chocolate chips to the batter before baking. Toasting the coconut before adding it to the frosting also gives the cake a deeper, nuttier flavor.

Storage/Reheating

I store this cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days. Since it’s best served chilled, I don’t usually reheat it, but if I want it slightly softer, I let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving. For longer storage, I freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and thaw them overnight in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I make this cake a day ahead?

Yes, I like making it the night before because chilling it longer enhances the flavor.

Can I use homemade caramel sauce?

Absolutely, I often use homemade caramel for a richer, fresher taste.

What type of coconut works best?

I prefer sweetened shredded coconut, but unsweetened works if I want to cut back on sweetness.

Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?

Yes, I’ve swapped pecans for walnuts before, and the texture is just as good.

How do I prevent the cake from getting soggy?

I let the cake cool for 5 minutes before adding the caramel mixture, so it absorbs without turning mushy.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, I use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix, and it turns out delicious.

Do I have to chill the cake before serving?

Yes, I’ve found that chilling helps the frosting set and lets the flavors meld together.

Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?

Yes, I’ve baked the batter in cupcake tins and poked smaller holes before adding the caramel mixture.

Can I use a different cake flavor?

I’ve tried this with devil’s food cake and it was just as tasty, though less traditional.

How long does it take for the frosting to set?

After about 1–2 hours in the fridge, the frosting firms up nicely.

Conclusion

I love how this German Chocolate Poke Cake combines rich chocolate, creamy caramel, and the crunch of pecans and coconut in every slice. It’s easy to prepare yet feels like a special dessert, perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or whenever I want a sweet treat that impresses. With make-ahead convenience and incredible flavor, this cake always disappears fast.