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–+ servings

German Chocolate Poke Cake

A quick and forgiving dessert that combines a rich chocolate cake with sweetened condensed milk, toasted coconut, and pecans for a moist, flavorful treat that pleases any crowd.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 slices
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cake

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix Any brand will work.
  • 1 1/4 cups water
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs

For the Filling and Topping

  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz) The secret to the moist pockets.
  • 1 cup shredded coconut Toast lightly for extra flavor, if desired.
  • 1 cup chopped pecans Can substitute with walnuts.
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce Warm slightly for easier drizzling.
  • 1 cup chocolate frosting Microwave shortly to make spreading easier.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350 F. Grease a 9x13 baking pan lightly, or line it with parchment for easy cleanup.
  • Mix the chocolate cake batter according to package directions using water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

Baking

  • Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, checking at 22 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Making the Poke Holes

  • Once the cake is warm but not scalding, poke holes all over the cake with the end of a wooden spoon or a fork, spaced about 1 inch apart.

Adding the Filling

  • Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cake, focusing on the holes. Drizzle the caramel sauce in a grid pattern over the top.

Topping

  • Mix the shredded coconut and chopped pecans in a bowl; sprinkle evenly over the cake topping. Lightly press down with a spoon to ensure it sticks.

Cooling and Frosting

  • Let the cake cool to room temperature, about 45 minutes to an hour. Spread the chocolate frosting evenly on top when cooled.
  • Chill in the fridge for at least one hour before slicing to allow the filling to set.

Notes

For fancier occasions, dust with powdered sugar and serve with whipped cream or ice cream. Store in the fridge, tightly covered, for 4 to 5 days. Slices can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 25g
Keyword chocolate dessert, Easy Cake, German Chocolate Cake, Poke Cake, Potluck Dessert
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