Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake your cake.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix with the required ingredients as per the instructions on the box. This typically means adding 3 eggs, 1 cup of water, and ½ cup of oil. Mix everything together until the batter is smooth and fully incorporated. The batter should be thick and creamy, but don’t worry if it’s a little runny that’s just how it should be!

Pour the cake batter into a greased 9x13-inch baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake it in your preheated oven for about 28 to 33 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Make sure not to overbake the cake; you want it to stay moist for that perfect poke cake texture.

After baking, take the cake out of the oven and allow it to cool completely. This is an important step if the cake is too warm, the sweetened condensed milk won’t soak in as effectively. Allow about 30 minutes to an hour for it to cool down.

Once your cake is cool, it’s time to make those famous poke holes! Gently use the handle of a wooden spoon or a straw to poke holes evenly across the cake. Be sure to space them evenly, but don’t worry about being perfect the more holes, the more the milk will soak in.

In a medium bowl, mix together brown sugar, melted butter, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir until well combined. Carefully pour this mixture over the cake, making sure it fills all the holes. Use a knife or the back of a spoon to carefully spread the mixture, making sure it absorbs deeply into the cake. You’ll want the cake to absorb all that sweet goodness!

Allow the cake and the milk mixture to set for about 5 minutes. This gives the cake a little extra time to absorb the milk and become even more moist and flavorful.

Once the cake has set, it’s time to top it with that irresistible coconut pecan frosting. In a small bowl, combine the shredded coconut and chopped pecans, then evenly spread them over the top of the cake. The frosting will add a perfect texture contrast to the moist cake, giving every bite a rich, nutty sweetness.