Description
Indulgent german chocolate poke cake brings rich, moist layers of chocolatey bliss to dessert tables. Chocolate lovers will savor each decadent spoonful of this classic Southern-style treat that delivers pure comfort in every delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Cake Ingredients:
- 1 box German chocolate cake mix
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
Filling and Topping Ingredients:
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
Frosting Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large bowl, blend the cake mix with water, vegetable oil, and eggs until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Transfer the cake batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, verifying doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center which should come out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.
- Create a caramel mixture by whisking sweetened condensed milk with caramel sauce until thoroughly combined.
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon to puncture evenly spaced holes across the entire cake surface at 1-inch intervals.
- Slowly drizzle the caramel mixture over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the created holes and spreads uniformly.
- Cream the butter until light and fluffy, then gradually incorporate powdered sugar, milk, and remaining caramel sauce to create a smooth frosting.
- Gently fold chopped pecans and shredded coconut into the frosting mixture.
- Carefully spread the frosted topping across the entire cake surface, covering completely.
- Refrigerate the cake for 1-2 hours to allow flavors to meld and frosting to set before serving.
- Slice and serve the chilled German Chocolate Poke Cake.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs and butter for smoother cake batter mixing and better incorporation of ingredients.
- Ensure cake mix is fresh and not expired to guarantee optimal texture and rise.
- When poking holes, press gently but firmly to create consistent channels for caramel absorption without tearing cake.
- Chill cake for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and caramel to seep deeply into cake layers.
- For gluten-free version, substitute regular cake mix with gluten-free alternative and check all ingredient labels carefully.
- Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the cake’s overall taste profile.
- Consider reducing caramel sauce for diabetic-friendly version or use sugar-free caramel alternative.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 444
- Sugar: 48 g
- Sodium: 167 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 52 mg