German Chocolate Poke Cake
Servings: 12–16
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
Chill Time: 1–2 hours (recommended)
Total Time: About 2.5 hours
Ingredients
For the Cake:
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1 box German chocolate cake mix
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Ingredients listed on the box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
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1 can (14 oz / 400 g) sweetened condensed milk
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1 jar (12 oz / 340 g) caramel sauce or topping (optional, for added richness)
For the Coconut-Pecan Topping:
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1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter
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1 can (12 oz / 354 ml) evaporated milk
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1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
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3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
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1 ½ cups (120 g) sweetened shredded coconut
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1 cup (110 g) chopped pecans
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Bake the Cake:
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Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
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Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
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Prepare the cake mix according to package directions.
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Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2. Poke and Soak:
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Let the cake cool for 5–10 minutes after baking.
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Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes all over the cake — about 1 inch apart.
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Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, letting it soak into the holes.
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Optional: Drizzle caramel sauce evenly over the top as well for extra sweetness.
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Allow cake to cool completely before adding the topping. Chill in the refrigerator for best results.
3. Make the Coconut-Pecan Topping:
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In a medium saucepan, combine butter, evaporated milk, sugar, and egg yolks.
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Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon — about 10–12 minutes.
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Remove from heat and stir in coconut, pecans, and vanilla extract.
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Let cool slightly before spreading over the cake.
4. Assemble and Chill:
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Spread the cooled coconut-pecan mixture evenly over the top of the cake.
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Refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours to set and allow flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions:
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Serve chilled or at room temperature.
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Optional: Garnish with additional pecans or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
Storage:
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Refrigerate covered for up to 5 days.
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Best served within 2–3 days for peak texture.
Would you like a from-scratch chocolate cake base, or a cupcake variation of this recipe?