# **German Chocolate Poke Cake: A Decadent Delight**
## **Introduction**
German Chocolate Poke Cake is a rich, moist, and indulgent dessert that combines the deep flavors of German chocolate cake with the creamy sweetness of condensed milk and caramel. This cake gets its name from the “poke” method, where holes are poked into the baked cake and filled with sweetened condensed milk and caramel, allowing the flavors to seep deep into every bite. Perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, this cake is sure to impress!
## **History of German Chocolate Cake**
Contrary to popular belief, German Chocolate Cake is not actually German in origin. It was named after **Samuel German**, an American chocolatier who developed a type of dark baking chocolate for the Baker’s Chocolate Company in the 1850s. The original recipe, featuring a coconut-pecan frosting, first appeared in a 1957 newspaper and quickly became a beloved American dessert.
The **Poke Cake** variation emerged in the 1970s as a way to make cakes even more moist and flavorful by poking holes and filling them with syrups, puddings, or sweetened milk.
## **Benefits of German Chocolate Poke Cake**
– **Ultra-moist texture** from the sweetened condensed milk and caramel infusion.
– **Rich chocolate flavor** enhanced by the caramel and condensed milk.
– **Easy to make**—uses a boxed cake mix for convenience.
– **Customizable**—can be topped with whipped cream, coconut, pecans, or chocolate shavings.
## **Ingredients**
### **For the Cake:**
– 1 box (15.25 oz) German chocolate cake mix
– 1 ½ cups water
– ½ cup vegetable oil
– 3 large eggs
### **For the Filling:**
– 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
– 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
### **Optional Toppings:**
– Whipped cream or whipped topping
– Toasted coconut flakes
– Chopped pecans
– Chocolate syrup or shavings
## **Instructions**
### **Step 1: Prepare the Cake**
1. Preheat oven to **350°F (175°C)**.
2. Grease a **9×13-inch baking pan** or line it with parchment paper.
3. In a large bowl, mix the **cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs** until smooth.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for **25-30 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
### **Step 2: Poke the Cake**
1. Let the cake cool for **10 minutes**.
2. Using the **handle of a wooden spoon** or a skewer, poke holes all over the cake (about **1-inch apart**).
### **Step 3: Add the Fillings**
1. Warm the **caramel sauce** slightly (if too thick) for easier pouring.
2. Slowly pour the **sweetened condensed milk** over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes.
3. Drizzle the **caramel sauce** evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
### **Step 4: Chill & Serve**
1. Refrigerate the cake for **at least 2 hours** (or overnight) to let the flavors meld.
2. Before serving, add optional toppings like **whipped cream, coconut, pecans, or chocolate drizzle**.
## **Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)**
– **Calories:** 350-400
– **Fat:** 15-18g
– **Carbohydrates:** 50-55g
– **Protein:** 5-6g
– **Sugar:** 35-40g
## **Conclusion & For the Lovers of Chocolate!**
This **German Chocolate Poke Cake** is a dream come true for chocolate lovers. Its **rich, gooey texture** and **decadent caramel infusion** make it irresistible. Whether served at parties or enjoyed as a personal treat, this cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and indulge in this **luscious, moist, and unforgettable dessert**! 🍫🍰
Would you like any variations, such as adding coconut-pecan frosting instead of caramel? Let me know how you’d customize it! 😊