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The Ultimate Ultra-Moist German Chocolate Poke Cake

Close-up of a rich slice of german chocolate poke cake with coconut pecan frosting on a white plate.
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Create an irresistibly moist German Chocolate Poke Cake. This recipe uses a sweet soak to infuse a rich chocolate cake base, topped with the classic, gooey coconut pecan frosting. It is an easy make-ahead dessert perfect for potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
  • Ingredients listed on cake mix box (eggs, oil, water)
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 cup cold milk
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 jar (12 oz) German chocolate frosting (or homemade)
  • 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Prepare and bake the chocolate cake according to the package directions using a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. While the cake is still warm from the oven, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork to poke holes evenly across the entire surface of the cake, about 1 inch apart.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce. Pour this mixture slowly and evenly over the entire warm cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. Let the cake cool completely at room temperature.
  4. Prepare the vanilla pudding according to package directions using 1 cup of cold milk. Let it set slightly.
  5. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the set pudding to create a light, creamy topping.
  6. Spread the pudding mixture evenly over the cooled, soaked cake.
  7. Prepare the German chocolate frosting according to jar directions or your recipe. If using store-bought, warm it slightly to make it easier to spread.
  8. Stir the flaked coconut and chopped pecans into the German chocolate frosting.
  9. Spread the coconut pecan frosting evenly over the pudding layer.
  10. Chill the cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to absorb the soak fully.

Notes

  • For an extra decadent soak, you can substitute the sweetened condensed milk with a mixture of 1 cup evaporated milk and 1/2 cup caramel sauce.
  • You can toast the pecans and coconut lightly before mixing them into the frosting for deeper flavor.
  • This is an excellent make-ahead dessert; it tastes even better the next day.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/german-chocolate-poke-cake/