Catch the enticing aroma of chocolate wafting through your kitchen as you prepare to dive into a slice of German Chocolate Poke Cake. This dessert is not just a cake; it’s a delicious hug in dessert form, with luscious layers of chocolate and coconut that will have your taste buds dancing like no one’s watching.
Imagine serving this delightful creation at your next gathering, where each poke reveals a hidden treasure of flavor. The rich, moist cake paired with creamy frosting promises to be the star of every dessert table, making it impossible for guests to resist going back for more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This German Chocolate Poke Cake is incredibly easy to whip up, even for novice bakers.
- The flavor combination of chocolate and coconut is mouthwatering and comforting.
- Its beautiful presentation makes it perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to casual get-togethers.
- Plus, you can customize it with your favorite toppings or fillings!
Ingredients for German Chocolate Poke Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure, use sifted flour to ensure lightness in the cake.
- Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor without added sugars.
- Baking Powder: This helps the cake rise, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly; feel free to adjust based on your sweetness preference.
- Eggs: These provide moisture and structure; use large eggs for best results.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist; you can substitute with melted coconut oil if desired.
- Buttermilk: Adds tenderness and flavor; if unavailable, mix milk with vinegar as a substitute.
- Boiling Water: This step enhances the cocoa flavor, making it richer and deeper.
For the Frosting:
- Sweetened Coconut Flakes: Provides texture and sweetness; toast them lightly for extra flavor.
- Pecans or Walnuts: Adds crunch; chop them roughly so they blend well but still provide bite.
- Cream Cheese: Use softened cream cheese for smoothness in frosting; this balances sweetness beautifully.
- Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the frosting; adjust based on your taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make German Chocolate Poke Cake
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a rectangular baking pan (9×13 inches works perfectly) so your cake doesn’t stick like an overzealous party guest.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and granulated sugar until well combined. This dry mix is where all the magic begins!
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat together eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and boiling water until smooth. The hot water helps dissolve the cocoa powder for that deep chocolatey goodness.
Step 4: Blend Everything Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix—think about how you feel when someone asks you about politics at dinner!
Step 5: Bake It Up
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. While it bakes, take a moment to enjoy that heavenly smell wafting through your home.
Step 6: Create Pokes
Once baked, allow your cake to cool slightly before using a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the surface—this is where all that yummy frosting will soak in later!
Step 7: Prepare Frosting
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine coconut flakes, chopped nuts, cream cheese, and powdered sugar. Stir continuously until melted and creamy. Pour this delightful mixture over your poked cake while it’s still warm so it seeps into those holes.
Serving suggestion: Slice into squares and serve with whipped cream or fresh berries on top for an extra touch of elegance. Enjoy every decadent bite!
You Must Know
- This delightful German Chocolate Poke Cake is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s an adventure in baking.
- The unique combination of rich chocolate cake, creamy coconut frosting, and a gooey surprise waiting inside will charm anyone who takes a bite.
- Perfect for celebrations or just because it’s Tuesday!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by baking the chocolate cake according to the package instructions. Once cooled, poke holes with a skewer to create pockets for the delicious filling. While the cake cools, prepare the frosting to ensure everything is ready for assembly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the coconut for nuts if you’re feeling adventurous! Add some vanilla extract or almond flavoring to enhance the taste. You could also experiment with different cake mixes for a fun twist on this classic dessert.
Storing & Reheating
Store your German Chocolate Poke Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To enjoy it warm, simply microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds—just enough to bring back that gooey goodness!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and more even baking.
- Don’t skimp on cooling time; letting the cake cool completely ensures that the filling doesn’t seep out too quickly.
- When poking holes, don’t be shy—more holes mean more delicious filling.
Baking this cake always brings back memories of my friend’s birthday party last year when everyone raved about how moist and flavorful it was. Watching them devour it made all those hours in the kitchen totally worthwhile!
FAQs:
What is German Chocolate Poke Cake?
German Chocolate Poke Cake is a delightful dessert that features a moist chocolate cake, infused with a rich coconut and pecan frosting. This indulgent treat gets its name from German’s chocolate, a specific type of dark-baking chocolate, rather than the country itself. The ‘poke’ aspect refers to the holes created in the cake after baking, allowing the luscious frosting to seep into every bite. This results in a cake that is both flavorful and incredibly moist.
How do I substitute ingredients for German Chocolate Poke Cake?
To make a delicious German Chocolate Poke Cake without pork or alcohol, you can use chicken broth or fruit juice as a flavor enhancer in the cake mix. For the frosting, replace any animal-derived gelatin with plant-based options like agar-agar or pectin. These substitutions will help maintain the integrity of the recipe while adhering to dietary preferences. Always be sure to check labels on pre-packaged ingredients for any non-compliant components.
Can I make German Chocolate Poke Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare German Chocolate Poke Cake ahead of time! Bake the cake and allow it to cool completely before adding the coconut and pecan frosting. It’s best to refrigerate the cake overnight after frosting it to allow flavors to meld together. When ready to serve, simply slice and enjoy this delicious treat. Storing it properly will keep it fresh for up to three days in the refrigerator.
What are some variations of German Chocolate Poke Cake?
There are several fun variations you can try with German Chocolate Poke Cake! Consider adding layers of fresh fruit such as cherries or strawberries between layers for added flavor and texture. Alternatively, you can incorporate different types of nuts or even use a vanilla frosting instead of coconut pecan. Experimenting with cocoa powders or flavored extracts can also enhance its taste while keeping the base recipe intact.
Conclusion for German Chocolate Poke Cake:
In summary, German Chocolate Poke Cake is an irresistible dessert that combines moist chocolate cake with a rich coconut and pecan topping. By using appropriate substitutes for pork and alcohol, this recipe remains accessible for various dietary needs. Preparing this cake ahead of time allows flavors to develop beautifully, making it perfect for gatherings. With simple ingredient swaps and creative variations, you can enjoy this classic dessert while staying true to your preferences.
German Chocolate Poke Cake
German Chocolate Poke Cake is a scrumptious dessert that combines a moist chocolate cake with a rich coconut and pecan frosting. The unique ‘poke’ method allows the delicious frosting to seep into every bite, creating an indulgent treat perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-make cake is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and boiling water until smooth.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients; stir until combined without overmixing.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before poking holes all over the surface with a fork or skewer.
- For frosting, combine coconut flakes, chopped nuts, cream cheese, and powdered sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until melted and creamy. Pour over the warm cake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (113g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Enhance flavor by adding vanilla extract to the batter or experimenting with flavored extracts in the frosting. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
