
05/22/2025
🍫 German Chocolate Poke Cake
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
1 box of German chocolate cake mix (or use a homemade chocolate cake mix)
Ingredients called for on the box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
For the Filling:
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 jar (12 oz) caramel ice cream topping (or homemade caramel sauce)
For the Topping:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
1 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
Instructions:
Bake the Cake:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the German chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions (usually with water, eggs, and oil).
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake according to the package instructions (typically 30-35 minutes) until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes.
Poke the Cake:
Using the end of a wooden spoon or a fork, gently poke holes all over the top of the warm cake (about 20-30 holes). Make sure not to go all the way to the bottom.
Add the Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the sweetened condensed milk and caramel topping. Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the cake, making sure it gets into the holes.
Let the cake sit for about 15 minutes to absorb the caramel mixture.
Make the Coconut-Pecan Topping:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and evaporated milk. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans until well combined.
Top the Cake:
Evenly spread the coconut-pecan topping over the cooled cake. Let it cool completely in the pan.
Chill & Serve:
Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, so it can set and the flavors meld together. The cake will be extra moist and flavorful after chilling.
Slice and serve!
🍰 Tips:
Make Ahead: This cake is perfect for making ahead of time and letting the flavors develop overnight.
Extra Chocolate: If you want an extra chocolatey kick, drizzle some chocolate ganache over the coconut topping or sprinkle some mini chocolate chips on top before serving.
Storage: Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.