Description
This German Chocolate Poke Cake is a decadent dessert featuring a moist chocolate cake infused with a rich, gooey coconut-pecan filling, topped with creamy chocolate frosting. The classic poke cake technique allows the luscious filling to soak into the cake, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
- Ingredients required by the cake mix (typically water, oil, and eggs)
For the Filling:
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
For the Frosting:
- 1 can (16 oz) chocolate frosting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cake evenly.
- Prepare Pan: Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix Cake Batter: Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions, combining it with water, oil, and eggs as specified.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 28-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cake Slightly: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to firm up slightly before poking holes.
- Make Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine evaporated milk, granulated sugar, and butter. Stir until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Coconut and Pecans: Stir in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans, mixing evenly throughout the filling.
- Cook Filling: Cook the filling mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly.
- Poke Cake: Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer, poke holes all over the cooled cake about 1 inch apart to allow the filling to seep in.
- Pour Filling: Pour the warm coconut-pecan filling evenly over the cake, making sure the filling seeps into all the holes.
- Chill Cake: Allow the cake to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld and the filling set.
- Frost Cake: Once the cake is chilled, spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the top for a smooth, rich finish.
- Serve: Slice the cake and serve chilled for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure not to overbake the cake; check with a toothpick early to avoid dryness.
- For an extra nutty flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the filling.
- This cake can be prepared a day ahead and stored refrigerated for enhanced flavor.
- Use a wooden skewer to poke uniform holes to ensure even distribution of the filling.
- You can substitute shredded sweetened coconut with unsweetened if you prefer less sweetness in the filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American