Go Back
german-chocolate-poke-cake-recipe

German Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe

A rich and moist German chocolate poke cake with gooey caramel filling and a luscious coconut-pecan topping. Perfect for celebrations or anytime you want a decadent dessert.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 55 minutes
Servings: 11
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Cake:
  • 1 box German chocolate cake mix or homemade equivalent
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • Filling:
  • 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 jar 12 oz caramel topping (or homemade caramel sauce)
  • Topping:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Wooden spoon or skewer (for poking holes)
  • Saucepan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk or mixe

Method
 

  1. Prepare and bake cake:
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix cake mix, water, oil, and eggs until smooth. Pour into greased 9x13-inch pan. Bake 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes.
  3. Poke holes:
  4. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly all over the cake.
  5. Add filling:
  6. Warm sweetened condensed milk and caramel topping together until smooth. Pour evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
  7. Make topping:
  8. In a saucepan, combine butter, evaporated milk, sugar, and egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (~10-12 minutes). Remove from heat; stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans.
    german-chocolate-poke-cake-recipe
  9. Finish cake:
  10. Spread topping evenly over the cake. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

For best results, chill cake overnight to let flavors meld.
Use warm filling for better absorption.
Toast coconut for extra flavor if desired.
Cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.