Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a tropical vacation in every bite, you need to try this Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of sweet pineapple, creamy coconut, and moist cake that practically melts in your mouth. The magic comes from poking holes in the cake and pouring pineapple juice right into it, infusing every slice with juicy, tropical flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard party or just treating yourself, this poke cake is sure to become a beloved favorite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together beautifully to create the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Each one plays an essential role—whether adding moisture, tropical sweetness, or a delightful crunch on top.

• Yellow cake mix: Provides a light, fluffy base that soaks up all the delicious pineapple juice perfectly.
• Eggs, oil, and water: As required by the cake mix, these bring the cake batter together with just the right consistency.
• Crushed pineapple (20 oz), undrained: Adds juicy sweetness and moisture that makes this poke cake so special.
• Shredded coconut (1/2 cup): Offers a chewy texture layer inside the cake, enhancing every bite with tropical flair.
• Whipped topping (8 oz tub) or heavy cream, whipped: Creates a fluffy, creamy frosting that balances fruity tanginess beautifully.
• Sweetened shredded coconut (1/2 cup), toasted: Gives a crunchy, golden finish that adds both flavor and eye appeal.
• Maraschino cherries (1/4 cup, optional): Pops of bright color and sweetness to decorate and elevate the presentation.

How to Make Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Start by following the instructions on your yellow cake mix box, combining eggs, oil, and water as directed. This sets the stage for a moist and tender cake base that will soak up the pineapple syrup and flavors.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in your prepared batter, spreading it evenly. Bake according to the package directions, usually about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let your kitchen fill with that irresistible cake aroma.

Step 3: Poke Holes and Add Pineapple

Once the cake is hot from the oven, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to gently poke holes all across the surface. This step is crucial because the pineapple juice will seep deep into these holes, ensuring each bite bursts with juicy tropical goodness.

Step 4: Pour Crushed Pineapple

Slowly spoon the undrained crushed pineapple evenly over the cake, letting the sweet juice trickle into all of the holes. Don’t be shy—this juicy layer is the heart of the Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake Recipe.

Step 5: Cool the Cake Slightly

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This lets the pineapple soak in while the cake is still warm but not too hot to hold the whipped topping.

Step 6: Spread Shredded Coconut

Sprinkle the half cup of shredded coconut evenly over the pineapple layer to add delicious texture and tropical flavor inside the cake.

Step 7: Frost with Whipped Topping

Spread the whipped topping or whipped heavy cream gently over the cooled cake. This creamy blanket complements the sweet, juicy cake beneath perfectly.

Step 8: Add Toasted Coconut and Cherries

Finish your creation by sprinkling the toasted shredded coconut on top for a golden crunch. If you’re feeling festive, tuck in some maraschino cherries as colorful accents that invite smiles.

Step 9: Refrigerate and Serve

Pop the cake into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling period lets the flavors marry beautifully and firms up the frosting for neat, clean slices that look as good as they taste.

How to Serve Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance the tropical vibe by adding extra toasted coconut or a sprinkle of finely chopped macadamia nuts on top. Fresh pineapple slices alongside each portion can also add a refreshing brightness and a juicy burst.

Side Dishes

This poke cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, sticky coconut rice, or even tropical fruit salad. These sides support and amplify the cake’s island-inspired essence for a full, indulgent experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try serving the cake in clear glasses as individual parfaits with layers of cake, pineapple, and whipped topping. You can also create bite-sized poke cake cupcakes that showcase all those tropical flavors in every single portion. Presentation is part of the fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your poke cake covered tightly in the refrigerator to maintain moisture and freshness. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy every luscious bite.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover cake by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to preserve its flavors and texture.

Reheating

Since this cake is best served chilled, reheating isn’t typically recommended. If you prefer a warmer dessert, enjoy individual bites heated briefly in the microwave but be careful not to melt the whipped topping.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh pineapple works great, just be sure to crush it and add some of the juice to mimic the moisture content canned pineapple provides.

Is it necessary to poke holes in the cake?

Yes, poking holes allows the pineapple juice to soak deep into the cake, creating that perfectly moist and flavorful texture that defines a poke cake.

Can I substitute the whipped topping with cream cheese frosting?

You could, but it will change the texture and flavor significantly. The light whipped topping complements the tropical notes better, keeping the cake airy and refreshing.

How long should I refrigerate the cake before serving?

Plan to refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours so the flavors have time to meld and the topping firms up nicely for perfect slices.

Is this poke cake suitable for a crowd?

Definitely! This recipe yields 12 generous servings and is great for gatherings, potlucks, or any time you want to impress with minimal fuss.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have the full scoop on making this crowd-pleasing Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake Recipe, I encourage you to dive in and bring a bit of tropical sunshine into your kitchen. It’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to brighten up any day. Trust me, once you try it, this poke cake will become your go-to dessert for sharing smiles and sweet aloha vibes!

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