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 (can use 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· 4.8 from 5 reviews

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s easy to make and ridiculously tasty, you’ve got to try this German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe. It’s a moist chocolate cake with gooey pockets of fudge and luscious coconut pecan frosting that just melts in your mouth. Seriously, this recipe has been a crowd-pleaser every time I bring it, and I can’t wait to share it with you so you can have that same magic in your kitchen!

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple & Foolproof: Using a boxed chocolate cake mix keeps things easy but still delivers moist, rich cake every time.
Flavor Layers: The poke method lets sweet fudge sauce sink into the cake to add incredible depth and moistness.
Classic Coconut Pecan Topping: That frosting with crunchy pecans brings the signature German chocolate flavor to life perfectly.
Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a nostalgic favorite that’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough for parties.

German Chocolate Poke Cake, chocolate poke cake recipe, coconut pecan cake, easy German chocolate dessert, moist chocolate cake with fudge - 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

Each ingredient in this German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe was chosen to build layers of flavor without complicating the process. The cake mix provides the chocolate base, sweetened condensed milk and hot fudge keep things gooey, and the coconut pecan frosting gives that classic German chocolate vibe you know and love.

German Chocolate Poke Cake, chocolate poke cake recipe, coconut pecan cake, easy German chocolate dessert, moist chocolate cake with fudge - 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 use a good quality boxed mix to save time; you can pick German chocolate, dark, or even Devil’s Food depending on how rich you want it.
Water: Needed to get the cake batter to the right consistency. Room temperature water works best.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender without overpowering the flavor.
Eggs: Provide structure and richness — don’t skip or substitute without a plan!
Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and sticky creaminess that fills those poke holes perfectly.
Hot fudge topping: This adds rich chocolate gooeyness that seeps into the cake’s holes — highly recommend a quality brand or homemade if you have the time.
Coconut pecan frosting: The crowning glory — creamy, nutty, and coconutty, this is what makes it truly “German Chocolate.” You can find this ready-made in most grocery stores.
Chopped pecans: For that extra crunch and classic flavor contrast.
Mini chocolate chips: A fun little finishing touch that adds bursts of chocolate in every bite.

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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite things about this German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Over the years, I’ve played around with a few variations that make it feel fresh or fit various occasions — and honestly, that makes baking it even more fun.

Variation: When I want a nuttier punch, I toast the pecans lightly before sprinkling them on top — it brings out a warm aroma and crunch that’s irresistible.
Dairy-Free Twist: If you need dairy-free, try swapping the frosting for a coconut-based frosting and use a dairy-free chocolate fudge sauce. It’s not quite classic, but still delicious.
Seasonal Spin: Around Christmas, I like to add a dash of cinnamon to the cake batter and swap mini chips with crushed candy canes on top for a peppermint surprise.

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

Step 1: Mix the Batter

First up, preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch pan using a nonstick spray with flour. I love this kind because it helps prevent the cake from sticking and gives the edges a nice crust. In a large bowl, combine your boxed chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed to blend everything well for about two minutes — don’t skimp here, thorough mixing means a smoother cake with no clumps!

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and place it on the middle rack of your oven. Bake between 30 and 38 minutes — start checking around 30 minutes by poking a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, you’re good to go. It’s super important to let the cake cool completely before moving on to the next step, otherwise the filling won’t soak in right.

Step 3: Poke the Cake & Add the Fudge

Grab the handle or end of a wooden spoon and gently poke holes all over the top of the cooled cake. Don’t go too deep where you pierce the bottom, but deep enough so the fudge can seep in. In a bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and hot fudge until smooth and combined. Pour this luscious sauce over the cake, making sure it fills the holes — I usually pour a bit and gently spread it with a spatula to coax it into every crevice.

Step 4: Frost and Garnish

Now for the best part — spread a thick, even layer of coconut pecan frosting all over the cake’s surface. The contrast between the gooey fudge pockets and creamy, nutty frosting is what makes this cake truly amazing. Finally, sprinkle chopped pecans and mini chocolate chips on top to add texture and extra chocolate bursts in each bite. Slice, serve, and watch everyone fight over the last piece!

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Pro Tips for Making German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

Cool Completely Before Poking: I learned the hard way that if the cake is warm, the fudge sinks too quickly and makes a mess instead of little pockets of deliciousness.
Use Good Quality Fudge Sauce: The store-bought kind works great, but if you want to impress, homemade hot fudge sauce makes the cake next level.
Don’t Skip the Pecans: The texture contrast they add is the perfect foil for the sweetness and softness of the cake and frosting.
Even Spreading is Key: Take your time frosting so every bite has that perfect balance of cake and topping.

How to Serve German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

German Chocolate Poke Cake, chocolate poke cake recipe, coconut pecan cake, easy German chocolate dessert, moist chocolate cake with fudge - 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 love to keep garnishes classic here — extra chopped pecans and a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips give it the final touch of nostalgia and texture. Sometimes, I add a little toasted coconut for a toasty twist, especially in the summer when I want that coconut flavor to pop even more.

Side Dishes

This cake is a dessert all on its own — but if you’re serving it at a party, I like pairing it with simple vanilla bean ice cream or a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing counterpoint. The creaminess of the ice cream balances the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve dressed up the poke cake by serving it in individual Mason jars layered with whipped cream on top or adding dollops of fresh whipped cream around the edges before sprinkling the pecans. It makes it feel a little fancier without much extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked and frosted, I cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. It stays moist and fresh for up to 4 days — and honestly, leftovers are as good as the day you make it, if not better.

Freezing

If you want to freeze it, I recommend freezing the cake before frosting. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready, thaw completely, poke and add fudge topping, frost, and garnish fresh. It keeps the texture and flavors intact much better this way.

Reheating

I usually don’t reheat this cake — it’s best served cold or at room temperature. If you do want it slightly warmed, a few seconds in the microwave does the trick, but keep an eye on it so the frosting doesn’t melt completely.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! If you prefer making cake from scratch, go for your favorite chocolate cake recipe. Just make sure the cake is sturdy enough to hold the fudge sauce without collapsing. Slightly denser cakes work best for the poke method.
What if I don’t have coconut pecan frosting? Can I make it myself?

Yes! You can make homemade coconut pecan frosting by combining evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, butter, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans cooked and thickened on the stove. It’s a bit more work but so worth it if you want authentic homemade flavor.
Can this cake be made ahead for a party?

Definitely! You can bake the cake and poke it ahead of time, then add the fudge, frost, and garnish a few hours before serving. Just keep it refrigerated until ready, and the flavors will develop nicely.
Is there a way to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix that you love and double-check that all your other ingredients (especially frosting and fudge) are gluten-free. The rest of the recipe stays the same.

Final Thoughts

This German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe is one of those desserts I keep coming back to because it combines ease, nostalgia, and unbeatable flavor — and it always makes people smile. When you make it, you’ll quickly see why it’s a family favorite and why I love sharing it with friends. Trust me, once you try it, this cake will be your go-to for birthdays, potlucks, or cozy nights in. Go ahead, grab that boxed cake mix and make some magic happen in your kitchen!