Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box of dark chocolate fudge cake mix
- 1 (3.4 oz) box of chocolate fudge instant pudding mix
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup of plain yogurt
- 3/4 cup of vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup of whole milk
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
For the Filling:
- 1 (14 oz) can of sweetened condensed milk
For the Ganache:
- 4 oz of chocolate, chopped (preferably dark chocolate for a richer flavor)
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
For the Frosting:
- 1 can of coconut pecan frosting
Preparation
- Preheat the Oven:
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). While it heats, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix the Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix and chocolate fudge instant pudding mix. These dry ingredients will help create a rich chocolate flavor.
- Add the eggs, plain yogurt, vegetable oil, whole milk, vanilla extract, and salt to the bowl. The yogurt adds moisture and density to the cake.
- Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture until it’s thoroughly combined and smooth. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes on medium speed.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven but keep it in the pan.
- Prepare the Poke Cake:
- While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top of the cake. Space the holes about 1 inch apart so the filling can seep into the cake evenly.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, making sure it fills the holes. This will add a sweet and creamy layer inside the cake.
- Make the Ganache:
- Place the chopped chocolate into a medium bowl. The finer the chop, the easier the melting will be.
- Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to bubble around the edges. Do not let it come to a boil.
- Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This allows the chocolate to gently melt.
- Stir the mixture until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Let the ganache thicken for about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cake has cooled and the sweetened condensed milk has soaked in, spread the ganache evenly over the top.
- Finally, spread the coconut pecan frosting over the ganache. This frosting adds a nutty texture and enhances the cake’s flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the cake set for a few minutes before slicing. This ensures each layer is nicely set for easier cutting.
- Serve at room temperature or chilled, based on your preference.
Enjoy your delicious German Chocolate Poke Cake! This rich, moist cake with its layers of chocolate, creamy filling, and nutty frosting is sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a special treat for yourself.
