German Chocolate Poke Cake with Caramel & Pecan Frosting (Print version)

A soft chocolate poke cake soaked with caramel and condensed milk, then finished with creamy pecan coconut frosting.

# Ingredients:

For the cake

01 - 1 box (15.25 oz / 432 g) German chocolate cake mix
02 - 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) water, or amount listed on cake mix box
03 - 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil, or amount listed on cake mix box
04 - 3 large eggs, or amount listed on cake mix box

For the caramel soak

05 - 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
06 - 1 cup (240 ml) thick caramel sauce, divided

For the pecan coconut frosting

07 - 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
08 - 3 1/2 cups (420 g) powdered sugar
09 - 3-4 tablespoons (45-60 ml) milk
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
11 - 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
12 - 1 cup (110 g) chopped pecans, toasted and cooled
13 - 1 cup (85 g) sweetened shredded coconut

# Instructions:

01 - Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan well, including the corners.
02 - In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, oil, and eggs. Beat for about 2 minutes, scraping the bowl once, until the batter is smooth.
03 - Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the center springs back and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
04 - Let the cake cool for 5 minutes. Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes across the cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart and going nearly to the bottom.
05 - Whisk the sweetened condensed milk with 1/2 cup caramel sauce. Pour slowly over the warm cake, guiding the mixture into the holes with a spatula.
06 - Beat the softened butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons milk, vanilla, salt, and the remaining 1/2 cup caramel sauce. Beat until smooth, adding 1 more tablespoon milk only if needed.
07 - Stir the toasted pecans and shredded coconut into the frosting by hand until evenly distributed.
08 - Spread the frosting over the cake. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing, or overnight for the cleanest texture.

# Good to know:

01 - Chill at least 1 hour before serving for cleaner slices.
02 - Toast the pecans before adding them to the frosting for deeper flavor.
03 - Use the cake mix package amounts for water, oil, and eggs if they differ slightly.

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