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A close-up of a moist slice of Easy German Chocolate Poke Cake topped with a rich chocolate frosting and gooey coconut pecan filling.

Easy German Chocolate Poke Cake

This recipe makes a moist chocolate cake that is easy to prepare. After baking, you poke holes in the cake and pour a coconut-pecan frosting over the top.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 people
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) Chocolate cake mix Plus ingredients listed on the box (usually eggs, oil, water)
For the Frosting
  • 1 cup Evaporated milk
  • 1 cup Granulated sugar
  • 4 large Egg yolks Lightly beaten
  • 1 cup Chopped pecans
  • 1 cup Sweetened flaked coconut
  • 1/2 cup Butter Softened
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package directions for a 9x13 inch pan. Bake the cake. Remove the cake from the oven when done.
  2. While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes all over the top of the cake. Space the holes about 1 inch apart.
  3. Prepare the frosting. In a medium saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, sugar, and egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Do not let it boil.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the softened butter, pecans, coconut, and vanilla extract until combined.
  5. Pour the warm frosting evenly over the top of the warm cake, making sure some of the frosting seeps into the holes you poked.
  6. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving. The frosting will set as it cools.

Notes

You can use a store-bought German chocolate frosting if you prefer to skip making the topping from scratch. If you do this, wait until the cake is completely cool before applying the frosting.