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A close-up of a German Chocolate Poke Cake topped with coconut-pecan frosting, caramel drizzle, and melted chocolate, served in a baking dish on a wooden table.

German Chocolate Poke Cake

A moist and decadent German Chocolate Poke Cake infused with caramel and topped with a rich coconut-pecan frosting. Perfect for any occasion!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 32 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Cake, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 482 kcal

Ingredients
  

Cake Base

  • 1 box devil’s food cake mix
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 0.5 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot water

Poke Filling

  • 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup caramel sauce

Coconut-Pecan Frosting

  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 0.75 cup brown sugar
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 0.75 cup chopped pecans

Chocolate Drizzle

  • 0.5 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • In a large bowl, combine the devil’s food cake mix, buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the hot water while mixing until the batter is smooth.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes. Then, using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake.
  • In a medium bowl, mix together the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce until well combined.
  • Pour this mixture evenly over the warm cake, ensuring it fills the holes. Refrigerate the cake while preparing the frosting.
  • In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the evaporated milk, brown sugar, and egg yolks. Cook, stirring constantly, for 10-12 minutes until the mixture thickens.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans.
  • Let the frosting cool slightly, then spread it evenly over the chilled cake.
  • In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth.
  • Drizzle the melted chocolate over the frosted cake for a finishing touch.

Notes

For a fluffier cake texture, use room temperature eggs. Allowing the cake to rest overnight improves flavor absorption.
Keyword Chocolate Cake, Coconut-Pecan Frosting, German Chocolate Poke Cake