1. What is the point of a poke cake?

The point of a poke cake is to create a moist and flavorful dessert by poking holes in the baked cake and then filling those holes with a liquid, like pudding or frosting. This allows the flavor to seep into the cake, making each bite rich, moist, and delicious. It’s a fun and easy way to add extra flavor and texture!

2. What is the misconception of German chocolate cake?

A common misconception about German chocolate cake is that it comes from Germany. In reality, it was named after Samuel German, who created a type of baking chocolate used in the cake's original recipe. So, despite its name, it has nothing to do with Germany!

3. What's the difference between German chocolate cake and regular chocolate cake?

The key difference is in the frosting. While regular chocolate cake often has a simple chocolate frosting, German chocolate cake is traditionally topped with a rich coconut-pecan frosting. The frosting’s sweet, gooey texture is what really sets this cake apart and gives it its signature flavor.

4. What is a Tom Selleck cake?

A Tom Selleck cake is a fun and quirky name for a cake that’s made with a rich, decadent frosting, often involving coconut and pecans, similar to the one used in German chocolate cake. It’s called this because of the "mustache-like" appearance the frosting can sometimes have when applied, referencing the famous mustache of actor Tom Selleck! It’s a playful name, but the cake itself is still all about that sweet, indulgent frosting.

German Chocolate Poke Cake: 7 Simple Steps to Make It

Description

This German Chocolate Poke Cake is everything you love about German chocolate cake, but with an extra twist of gooey, coconut-pecan goodness soaking through every bite. Perfect for any occasion, this indulgent treat is sure to impress!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

1 box of German chocolate cake mix (or your favorite chocolate cake mix)
Ingredients required on the box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

For the Coconut-Pecan Topping:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup evaporated milk
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 large egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

Bake the Cake:
- Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the cake mix box.
- Prepare the German chocolate cake mix as directed, usually adding eggs, oil, and water.
- Bake in a 9×13-inch baking dish for the time indicated on the box (usually around 30 minutes) or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Poke the Cake:
- Once the cake is baked and still warm, use the end of a wooden spoon or a fork to poke holes all over the cake. Make sure the holes go deep, but don’t break the cake apart.
Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk:
- While the cake is still warm, pour the can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top of the cake, making sure it fills all the holes. Allow the cake to absorb the milk and cool down for a few minutes.
Make the Coconut-Pecan Topping:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the evaporated milk and granulated sugar, stirring until it begins to thicken (about 5 minutes).
- Whisk in the egg yolks and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes thick and creamy.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Stir until everything is fully incorporated.
Top the Cake:
- Spread the coconut-pecan topping evenly over the cake, making sure it covers the entire surface. The topping should sink slightly into the holes, giving it that decadent texture.
Cool and Refrigerate:
- Let the cake cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight is even better if you have time!).
Serve:
- Slice and serve chilled. This cake is perfect for a crowd, so be prepared for it to disappear quickly!

Notes

Add Whipped Cream: For an extra creamy touch, top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Make Ahead: This cake tastes even better after sitting in the fridge overnight, so feel free to make it a day ahead for a stress-free dessert.
Add Chocolate Chips: Want to make it extra chocolatey? Add a handful of chocolate chips to the coconut-pecan topping.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of the cake)
Calories: 400 kcal
Sugar: 45g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: German chocolate poke cake, Easy German chocolate cake, Chocolate poke cake, Coconut pecan topping, Moist chocolate cake, Homemade poke cake,