Dreamy Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake Recipe

Dreamy tropical flavors dance through this hawaiian pineapple coconut poke cake that promises pure dessert bliss.

Sweet chunks of golden fruit nestle between moist cake layers.

Creamy coconut cream weaves magic into every delectable bite.

Memories of island sunshine burst across your palate with each forkful.

Soft, luscious textures invite you to savor each heavenly spoonful.

Unexpected bursts of tropical brightness make this dessert absolutely irresistible.

Grab a plate and let deliciousness transport you to a beachside paradise.

Ingredients for Hawaiian Poke Cake Magic

• White Cake Mix: Provides the foundation for the cake, light and fluffy base.
• Crushed Pineapple: Replaces water for added moisture and tropical flavor, choose canned pineapple with natural juice.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall cake flavor with warm, sweet notes.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds rich, creamy sweetness that soaks into cake layers.
• Coconut Cream: Brings tropical coconut flavor and extra moisture.

• Whipped Cream: Light and airy topping that complements the tropical cake.
• Shredded Coconut: Provides texture and additional coconut flavor, can use sweetened or unsweetened.
• Maraschino Cherries: Bright red garnish that adds visual appeal and sweet accent, optional but traditional.

How to Prepare Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Give the pan a quick spray or butter coating to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Cake Batter Magic

• Yellow cake mix
• Crushed pineapple with juice
• Vanilla extract

Follow the package instructions, but swap out water with crushed pineapple and its juicy goodness. Whisk everything together until the batter looks smooth and dreamy.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the vibrant batter into your prepared pan. Slide it into the preheated oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick comes out clean and the top turns a golden sunshine color.

Step 4: Cool Down

After removing from the oven, let the cake rest and cool for about 10 minutes. This short pause allows the cake to settle and makes the next steps easier.

Step 5: Poke and Soak

Use the handle of a wooden spoon to create holes across the entire cake surface. These little tunnels will allow delicious toppings to seep deep into the cake.

Step 6: Tropical Topping Extravaganza

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Coconut cream
• Shredded coconut

Pour the condensed milk and coconut cream over the cake, making sure it fills all the little holes. Sprinkle shredded coconut on top for extra tropical texture.

Step 7: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours. This allows all the flavors to mingle and create a supremely moist dessert.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Slice into this Hawaiian-inspired masterpiece and transport yourself to a beachside paradise with every bite!

Tips for Fluffy Cake with Juicy Toppings

• Drain Pineapple Perfectly: Squeeze out excess liquid from crushed pineapple to prevent a soggy cake texture and ensure the batter maintains the right consistency.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of coconut extract alongside vanilla to enhance the tropical taste profile and create a more complex dessert experience.
• Check Cake Doneness Carefully: Use the toothpick test by inserting it into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is perfectly baked.
• Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh, high-quality crushed pineapple and a good-brand vanilla extract to elevate the overall taste and richness of the Hawaiian poke cake.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap regular cake mix with gluten-free or low-sugar alternatives to accommodate different dietary restrictions without compromising the cake's delicious tropical essence.

Keep Your Poke Cake Moist After Baking

• Store cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping the texture moist and fresh.
• Wrap the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on medium power to restore softness without becoming rubbery.
• Enjoy the cake cold straight from the refrigerator for a refreshing tropical dessert experience with enhanced pineapple and coconut flavors.

Drinks and Snacks That Pair Well

• Pair this sweet cake with a chilled piña colada, blending rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice to echo the cake's tropical flavors.
• Serve alongside a scoop of coconut or vanilla ice cream, creating a luxurious temperature and texture contrast that amplifies the cake's tropical essence.
• Add a side of fresh mango slices or passion fruit compote to enhance the cake's bright, fruity profile and provide a tangy counterpoint to the sweet dessert.
• Pair with a smooth Hawaiian Kona coffee or a light coconut-infused cappuccino to balance the cake's sweetness and provide a complementary island-inspired finish.

Ways to Refresh Your Poke Cake Recipe

• Gluten-Free Tropical Delight: Swap regular cake mix with a gluten-free yellow cake mix, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy this Hawaiian-inspired dessert.
• Vegan Pineapple Paradise: Replace eggs and milk in the cake mix with unsweetened applesauce and almond milk, creating a plant-based version that's equally moist and flavorful.
• Low-Sugar Coconut Dream: Use a sugar-free cake mix and replace some pineapple juice with stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall sugar content for diabetic-friendly option.
• Dairy-Free Sunshine Cake: Substitute dairy ingredients with coconut milk and use a dairy-free cake mix to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals while maintaining the tropical essence.

Pineapple Poke Cake FAQs

“Poke” refers to creating holes in the baked cake so that delicious fillings can seep into the cake, making it extra moist and flavorful.

• Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

While canned crushed pineapple works best for this recipe because it provides consistent moisture and juice, you can use fresh pineapple if you finely chop it and reserve some juice for mixing.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this cake?

You’ll just need a 9×13-inch baking dish, a mixing bowl, and standard baking tools like a whisk or mixer. No special equipment is required.

• Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! This recipe uses a cake mix as a base, which makes it very easy for novice bakers to create a delicious dessert with minimal baking experience.

What Makes Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake So Tropical

• Leverage a boxed cake mix to create a delicious dessert with minimal effort and maximum flavor in just 30 minutes.
• Infuse traditional cake with vibrant pineapple and coconut flavors, transforming an ordinary dessert into an exotic island-inspired treat.
• Perfect for last-minute gatherings or weekend desserts, this cake appeals to both kids and adults with its sweet, fruity profile.
• Serves multiple people easily, making it ideal for potlucks, summer parties, or casual family dinners without complex preparation steps.

Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Tropical paradise meets dessert bliss in this Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake, where luscious flavors dance across each moist, creamy slice. Sweet pineapple and rich coconut merge into a delightful island-inspired treat that transports hungry guests straight to beachside relaxation.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base:

• 1 box yellow or white cake mix
• Eggs (as specified on box)
• Oil (as specified on box)
• Water (as specified on box)

Main Filling Ingredients:

• 1 (20 ounces / 567 grams) can crushed pineapple, with juice
• 1 (14 ounces / 397 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can cream of coconut
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) pineapple juice

Finishing and Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (8 ounces / 227 grams) tub Cool Whip
• ½ cup (45 grams) shredded sweetened coconut, toasted
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) crushed pineapple, drained
• ¼ cup (30 grams) chopped macadamia nuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F and prepare a rectangular baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. Combine boxed cake mix with crushed pineapple, including its natural juice, and incorporate vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Transfer the vibrant golden batter into the greased baking dish, ensuring an even distribution.
4. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake according to package guidelines, typically requiring 25-30 minutes for optimal texture and golden-brown appearance.
5. After removing from the oven, allow the cake to rest and slightly cool for approximately 10 minutes, which helps stabilize its structure and prevents crumbling during subsequent preparation steps.

Notes

• Swap regular cake mix for gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising flavor.
• Enhance moisture by poking holes throughout the cake while slightly warm, allowing pineapple-coconut filling to seep deeply into every layer.
• Control sweetness by choosing a less sugary cake mix or reducing added sugar, balancing the natural sweetness from crushed pineapple.
• Experiment with toasted coconut flakes as a final garnish to add delightful crunch and intensify tropical flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 405
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg