German Chocolate Poke Cake Bars

If you love the rich combination of chocolate, coconut, and pecans, these German Chocolate Poke Cake Bars bring all three together in one irresistibly soft and gooey dessert. A moist chocolate cake is baked until tender, poked while still warm, and filled with a luscious layer of chocolate goodness before being topped with sweet coconut and crunchy pecans.

Unlike a traditional German chocolate cake, these bars are easy to prepare, simple to serve, and perfect for sharing. They are especially delicious when chilled, allowing the filling to soak into every bite and giving the dessert a wonderfully fudgy texture.

Why You’ll Love These Cake Bars

These bars have everything you want in an easy chocolate dessert:

• Rich chocolate flavor from the moist cake and chocolate filling
• Sweet coconut for the classic German chocolate taste
• Toasty pecans for crunch and nuttiness
• Gooey layers that make every bite extra indulgent
• Easy preparation without having to assemble a complicated layer cake
• Perfect for gatherings because the bars can be cut into individual portions

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• Ingredients called for on the cake mix package, usually eggs, oil, and water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Filling

• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Coconut-Pecan Topping

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

Optional Garnish

• Extra chopped pecans
• Extra shredded coconut
• Chocolate drizzle
• A light dusting of powdered sugar

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray or butter. For easier removal, you can also line the bottom with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides.

This recipe works best in a rectangular pan because the finished cake can be cut into neat, dessert-bar portions.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cake Batter

Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package directions, using the required eggs, oil, and water.

Stir in the vanilla extract for an additional layer of flavor.

Mix just until the batter is smooth and the ingredients are incorporated. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the finished cake less tender.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.

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