German Chocolate Poke Cake (Print Version)

Moist chocolate cake with condensed milk, smooth ganache, and crunchy coconut pecan frosting for indulgent bites.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cake Batter

01 - 1 box chocolate cake mix
02 - 1 (3.4 oz) box chocolate instant pudding mix
03 - 4 large eggs
04 - 1 cup sour cream
05 - ¾ cup vegetable oil
06 - ½ cup whole milk
07 - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
08 - ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
09 - 1½ cups mini chocolate chips

→ Filling

10 - 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

→ Ganache

11 - 4 ounces German chocolate, chopped
12 - 4 ounces heavy cream

→ Coconut Pecan Frosting

13 - 1 cup evaporated milk
14 - 1 cup granulated sugar
15 - 3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
16 - ½ cup unsalted butter
17 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
18 - 1⅓ cups sweetened shredded coconut
19 - 1 cup chopped pecans

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
02 - In a large bowl or stand mixer, blend cake mix, instant pudding mix, eggs, sour cream, vegetable oil, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined. Fold in mini chocolate chips gently.
03 - Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
04 - Cool the cake for 10 minutes. Using a wooden spoon handle or skewer, poke holes evenly across the cake surface. Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the top, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Allow cake to cool completely.
05 - Place chopped German chocolate in a bowl. Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until it just begins to boil, then pour over the chocolate. Let sit for 4 minutes before whisking until smooth. Allow ganache to thicken for 5-10 minutes before spreading over cooled cake.
06 - Combine evaporated milk, granulated sugar, egg yolks, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until thickened and a light golden color forms, about 12 minutes. Remove from heat, then mix in vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and pecans. Cool to room temperature before spreading atop the ganache layer.
07 - Slice and serve immediately or refrigerate. Best served chilled.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Use room temperature ingredients for optimal texture and smooth mixing.
02 - Ensure the cake is completely cooled before applying ganache and frosting to prevent melting.
03 - This dessert is excellent when prepared a day in advance to allow flavors to meld.

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