Description
Rich German chocolate poke cake delights dessert enthusiasts with layers of moist chocolate cake, creamy coconut frosting, and caramel drizzle. Chocolate lovers will savor each indulgent bite of this classic Southern-style sweet treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 box German chocolate cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
Liquid and Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1/4 cup milk
Topping and Garnish Ingredients:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure easy cake removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend the cake mix with water, vegetable oil, and eggs until the batter becomes smooth and homogeneous.
- Transfer the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly, and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for approximately 5 minutes, creating small gaps for the topping to penetrate.
- Whisk together sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce in a medium bowl until the mixture becomes uniform and glossy.
- Using a wooden spoon handle, create systematic holes across the cake surface at 1-inch intervals, ensuring even distribution.
- Carefully pour the caramel mixture over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes and create a rich, moist texture.
- Cream the butter until light and fluffy, then gradually incorporate powdered sugar, milk, and remaining caramel sauce until the frosting reaches a smooth consistency.
- Gently fold chopped pecans and shredded coconut into the frosting, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Generously spread the frosting over the entire cake surface, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Refrigerate the cake for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to set firmly.
- Slice and serve the chilled German Chocolate Poke Cake, revealing its decadent layers and inviting texture.
Notes
- Select a high-quality chocolate cake mix for richer flavor and better texture.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to create a smoother cake batter.
- Use a wooden spoon handle with a rounded end to make clean, consistent holes in the cake for even caramel absorption.
- Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the frosting.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular cake mix with a gluten-free alternative and check all ingredient labels.
- Reduce sugar content by using sugar-free caramel sauce and a low-sugar cake mix for a lighter dessert option.
- Make the cake ahead of time and refrigerate overnight to let flavors meld and develop a more intense taste profile.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 40 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg