German Chocolate Poke Cake
German Chocolate Poke Cake
German Chocolate Cake is one of the greats. Just think about that combination of rich chocolate cake and fudgy frosting and the even richer coconut pecan frosting… yum! But dare I say, this poke cake version might be even better than the original. It has all the same components, but because it’s a poke cake, the flavors permeate every single bite. It’s oh-so-moist and it’s easy to make (no layers to deal with!), but it’s not so easy to stop eating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re not familiar, a poke cake is a sheet cake wherein you poke holes all over the cake to allow the filling to seep down into every bite. And that’s just the case here. You start with a box of cake mix to make your life easy, but you bump up the flavor a bit by mixing in some yogurt and chocolate pudding mix. Once the cake has baked, you poke it all over, allowing the sweetened condensed milk to soak into every nook and cranny, resulting in a deliciously moist and flavorful cake.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Wooden spoon
- Medium saucepan
- Medium bowl
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box dark chocolate fudge cake mix
- 1 (3.4 oz) box chocolate fudge instant pudding
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
For the Ganache:
- 4 oz chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For the Frosting:
- 1 can coconut pecan frosting
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, pudding, eggs, yogurt, vegetable oil, milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat with an electric mixer until combined and pour into prepared pan.
- Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 30-40 minutes. Remove from oven and poke holes all over the cake with the handle of a wooden spoon.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk all over the cake and allow to soak into the holes. Let cool.
- While cake is cooling, place chopped chocolate in a medium bowl. Heat cream in a saucepan until just beginning to bubble around the edges. Pour over chocolate and allow to sit for 5 minutes.
- After 5 minutes, stir until chocolate melts. Allow ganache to thicken 5 to 10 minutes before spreading over the top of the cake.
- Spread coconut frosting over the ganache, serve and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before adding the ganache to prevent it from melting.
- For even more flavor, try adding a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the cake batter.
Additional Tips and Variations
- For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped pecans over the frosting before serving.
- Try using a caramel sauce instead of sweetened condensed milk for a caramel-infused cake.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
This cake is a treat, so enjoy it in moderation. Each serving is rich in flavor, offering a delightful way to indulge your sweet tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can make the cake a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and add the frosting just before serving.
Can I use a different type of cake mix? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other chocolate cake mixes if you prefer.
Conclusion
This German Chocolate Poke Cake is a delectable twist on a classic dessert that’s sure to impress your friends and family. With its rich, moist texture and layers of flavor, it’s a cake that’s hard to resist. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your results and any creative twists you make in the comments below!
