Description
This German Chocolate Poke Cake is a decadent dessert combining moist chocolate cake with layers of sweetened condensed milk, caramel sauce, toasted coconut, and pecans, topped with fluffy whipped topping and optional chocolate garnishes. Perfect for those who love rich, gooey, and nutty flavors in a simple, make-ahead treat.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake
- 1 box German chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients required on the box, typically eggs, oil, and water)
For the Filling and Topping
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 1 (8-ounce) tub whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the German chocolate cake mix box. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Bake the Cake: Prepare the cake batter as directed on the cake mix box, then pour it into the greased baking dish. Bake for the time specified until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Poke the Cake: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, gently poke holes evenly across the surface of the warm cake. This will allow the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce to soak into the cake for added moisture and flavor.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and Caramel: Slowly pour the can of sweetened condensed milk over the cake, letting it seep into the holes. Next, spread the caramel sauce evenly over the cake’s surface.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely so the flavors meld and the filling sets.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the sweetened shredded coconut and toasted chopped pecans evenly.
- Assemble the Cake: Sprinkle the coconut and pecan mixture evenly over the cooled cake. Then, spread the whipped topping evenly over the entire cake surface.
- Garnish and Chill: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings on top if desired. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to enhance flavor and texture.
Notes
- Toasting the pecans before adding them enhances their nutty flavor and adds crunch.
- This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- Store any leftovers refrigerated for up to 4 days for optimal freshness.
