Description:
German Chocolate Poke Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
This moist chocolate cake is infused with a gooey, sweet coconut-pecan frosting, making it a deliciously decadent treat.
The poke cake method allows the frosting to seep into the cake, creating a perfectly balanced bite every time.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
1 box of German Chocolate cake mix (or 2 cups of homemade chocolate cake mix)
1 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
For the Filling:
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 jar (12 oz) caramel sauce (or make your own)
For the Frosting:
1 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large egg yolks, beaten
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
Bake the Cake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Prepare the German chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions, typically by mixing the cake mix, water, oil, and eggs in a bowl.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
Poke the Cake:
While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes evenly all over the cake (about 20-25 holes).
Be sure not to poke all the way through the cake, just deep enough to create pockets for the filling.
Prepare the Filling:
In a separate bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce together until well combined.
Pour this mixture evenly over the warm cake, making sure to fill the holes you’ve created. The liquid will seep into the cake.
Prepare the Frosting:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the evaporated milk, butter, and brown sugar.
Stir constantly until the mixture starts to simmer.
Once it starts to bubble, add the beaten egg yolks and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, coconut, and chopped pecans.
Let it cool for about 10 minutes before spreading it on top of the cake.
Assemble the Cake:
Once the frosting is ready and slightly cooled, spread it evenly over the top of the cake, covering the entire surface with the coconut-pecan mixture.
Allow the cake to cool completely before serving.
Tips:
Make it from scratch:
If you want to make the cake from scratch, you can substitute the boxed cake mix with a homemade chocolate cake recipe.
Serve cold:
For the best texture, refrigerate the cake for at least an hour after frosting. The frosting firms up a bit, making the cake even more delicious.
For a richer flavor:
You can add a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the cake batter to deepen the chocolate flavor.
Poke holes carefully:
Be sure not to poke the holes too deep, as you don’t want the filling to go all the way through the cake.
The goal is to have pockets filled with sweetness!
Variations:
Caramel Drizzle:
If you want extra caramel flavor, drizzle more caramel sauce over the top of the finished cake before serving.
Chocolate Frosting: Instead of the coconut-pecan frosting, you can opt for a classic chocolate buttercream frosting.
Add Fruit:
For a tropical twist, add chopped pineapple to the frosting along with the coconut and pecans.
Different Nuts:
If you don’t like pecans, feel free to substitute them with walnuts or almonds.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Corrections:
Overmixing the Cake Batter: Overmixing can cause the cake to be dense and tough. Mix the batter until just combined.
Not letting the cake cool enough before poking: Make sure the cake has cooled slightly, or else the filling may seep out too quickly.
Not filling the holes enough: Be generous when pouring the condensed milk-caramel mixture so that the cake is fully saturated and flavorful.
Enjoy!
Now, your German Chocolate Poke Cake is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it at parties, potlucks, or as a sweet end to a family meal. It’s sure to be a hit with anyone who loves the combination of chocolate, coconut, and pecans. Enjoy the moist, decadent, and irresistible layers of flavor!