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german chocolate poke cake slice on a white plate.
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German Chocolate Poke Cake

This easy German Chocolate Poke Cake uses a boxed mix and a homemade coconut-pecan topping for a rich, gooey dessert everyone will love!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Cooling Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 55 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: german chocolate cake, german chocolate poke cake
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 255kcal
Author: Kasey Schwartz

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • 9x13 cake pan
  • Small Saucepan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • Rubber spatula

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 1 box (15.25 oz) German chocolate or chocolate cake mix
  • Ingredients listed on the box usually eggs, oil, and water
  • 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk

For the Topping

  • 1 14 oz can evaporated milk
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Drizzle of chocolate syrup or ganache optional
  • Extra toasted coconut or pecans for garnish optional

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions and bake in a greased 9×13-inch pan.
  • Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes. Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake.
  • Slowly pour the can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. Set aside.
  • Combine evaporated milk, butter, brown sugar, and egg yolks in a saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 10–12 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in coconut, pecans, and vanilla. Let cool slightly.
  • Spread the coconut-pecan mixture evenly over the cooled cake. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving to let everything set up.
  • Drizzle with chocolate syrup or ganache and sprinkle with extra toasted pecans or coconut before serving.

Notes

  • Stir the topping constantly: It thickens quickly and can burn if left unattended.
  • Allow the full chilling time: The flavors meld and the cake sets beautifully.

Nutrition

Calories: 255kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 37mg | Potassium: 102mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 307IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg