German Chocolate Poke Cake: Family Fun in Every Bite

Introduction

Transform humble ingredients into a show-stopping dessert with this easy German Chocolate Poke Cake recipe! This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply satisfying a serious chocolate craving. Get ready to wow your loved ones with this moist, decadent, and surprisingly simple cake. It’s almost too good to be true!

Why This Works

This German Chocolate Poke Cake recipe works because it combines the best of both worlds: the moistness of a classic poke cake with the rich, nutty flavor of a German chocolate cake. The poking process creates little pockets for the luscious coconut-pecan frosting to sink into, resulting in a texture that’s both soft and delightfully decadent. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers!

Key Ingredients

• 🎂 Cake:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
• 🥥 Frosting:
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 🧈
  • 4 cups powdered sugar 🍬
  • 1 cup evaporated milk 🥛
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🍦
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut 🥥
  • 1 cup pecan halves 🌰

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.

2️⃣ Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3️⃣ Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.

4️⃣ Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.

5️⃣ Add Coffee: Gradually add the hot coffee, mixing until the batter is smooth.

6️⃣ Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

7️⃣ Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto wire racks to cool completely.

8️⃣ Poke Holes: Once cooled, use a wooden skewer or the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the tops of both cakes.

9️⃣ Make Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until combined. Add the evaporated milk and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth and creamy. Stir in the coconut and pecans.

🔟 Frost & Serve: Pour the frosting evenly over the top of one cake layer. Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake. Serve and enjoy!

Handy Tips

• Don’t overmix the batter! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
• Make sure your butter is softened for the frosting – this will make it much easier to beat.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Heat Control

Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures the cake bakes evenly and doesn’t dry out. If your oven runs hot, consider reducing the temperature slightly and checking for doneness a few minutes earlier.

Crunch Factor

The pecans in the frosting add a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the moist cake. The coconut also adds a pleasant textural element.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For an even easier frosting, use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer.
• Add a pinch of salt to the frosting to enhance the sweetness.
• Use different nuts, like walnuts or macadamia nuts, for a unique flavor twist.

Storage Tips

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best served at room temperature.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This cake is perfect for gifting! Present it in a pretty cake carrier or a decorative box lined with parchment paper. You could also add a small tag with the recipe.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Chocolate Chip Swirl: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the cake batter before baking.
🌟 Espresso Kick: Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the cake batter for a richer chocolate flavor.
🌟 Toasted Coconut: Toast the coconut before adding it to the frosting for a deeper, more intense flavor.
🌟 Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle melted caramel sauce over the frosted cake for an extra touch of sweetness.

Troubleshooting

• Cake is dry: This could be due to overbaking. Next time, check for doneness a few minutes earlier.
• Frosting is too thick: Add a tablespoon or two of milk to thin it out.
• Frosting is too thin: Add a little more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of milk? You can experiment with other types of milk, but evaporated milk gives the frosting the best consistency.
• Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the cakes a day or two in advance. Just frost them right before serving.
• Can I freeze this cake? Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before frosting.

Conclusion

This German Chocolate Poke Cake is sure to become a family favorite! It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and don’t forget to share your pictures and reviews on RateMyRecipes.com! Enjoy!