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An extreme close-up shot of a slice of chocolate caramel poke cake, highlighting the moist crumb and gooey caramel filling.

Turtle Poke Cake: The Ultimate Recipe for Decadence

This Turtle Poke Cake is the ultimate decadent dessert! A moist German chocolate cake is soaked with caramel and condensed milk, then topped with whipped cream, pecans, and more chocolate and caramel for an easy, crowd-pleasing treat.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 15 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 410
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chocolate Cake
  • 1 box German Chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz)
  • 1 Ingredients listed on cake mix box (eggs, oil, water)
For the Filling
  • 1 jar caramel sauce (14 oz), warmed
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
For the Topping
  • 1 tub frozen whipped topping (8 oz), thawed
  • 0.5 cup chopped pecans, toasted
  • Additional caramel sauce for drizzling
  • Hot fudge or chocolate sauce for drizzling

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch Baking Pan
  • 2 Mixing Bowls
  • 1 Wooden Spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. Prepare German Chocolate cake mix according to package directions. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake as directed, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool for 15 minutes.
  2. While the cake is warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top. In a small bowl, whisk together the warmed caramel sauce and sweetened condensed milk. Pour the mixture evenly over the cake, letting it sink into the holes.
  3. Allow the cake to cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight. Once chilled, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the cake.
  4. Just before serving, sprinkle with toasted pecans. Drizzle generously with additional caramel and chocolate sauce. Slice and serve.

Notes

Toast Pecans: Toasting the pecans enhances their nutty flavor and adds great texture.
Chill Time is Key: Don't skip the refrigeration time! It allows the filling to meld with the cake, creating an ultra-moist dessert.
Storage: Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.