Here’s a soft, moist, and super easy Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake, made with simple ingredients and explained step by step Perfect for potlucks, summer desserts, and family gatherings.
🍍🥥 Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake
⏱ Prep Time:
10 minutes
⏱ Cook Time:
30 minutes
⏱ Chill Time:
2–3 hours
🍽 Serves:
12 slices
🧾 Ingredients
For the Cake:
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Vanilla or white cake mix – 1 box
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Eggs, oil, and water – as per cake mix instructions
For the Pineapple Filling:
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Crushed pineapple (with juice) – 1 can (20 oz / 565 g)
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Sugar – ¼ cup (optional, adjust to taste)
For the Coconut Topping:
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Sweetened condensed milk – 1 can (395 g)
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Coconut milk or coconut cream – ½ cup
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Whipped topping (Cool Whip) or whipped cream – 2 cups
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Shredded coconut – 1 cup (toasted or plain)
Optional Garnish:
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Maraschino cherries
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Extra toasted coconut
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Bake the Cake
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Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
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Prepare cake batter according to package instructions.
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Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Poke the Cake
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Use the handle of a wooden spoon or straw.
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Poke holes all over the cake, about 2–3 cm apart.
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Make sure holes go deep but not through the bottom.
Step 3: Pineapple Soak
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In a bowl, mix crushed pineapple with its juice.
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Stir in sugar if desired.
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Spoon pineapple mixture evenly over the cake.
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Gently press so it fills the holes.
Step 4: Coconut Milk Layer
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In a bowl, whisk condensed milk and coconut milk together.
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Slowly pour mixture evenly over the cake.
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Let cake absorb liquid for 15–20 minutes.
Step 5: Add Whipped Topping
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Spread whipped topping evenly over cake.
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Sprinkle shredded coconut generously on top.
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Add cherries if using.
Step 6: Chill
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Cover and refrigerate for 2–3 hours (overnight is best).
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Slice and serve cold.
⭐ Tips for Best Results
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Use white cake for best tropical flavor
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Do not drain pineapple
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Toast coconut lightly for extra aroma
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Chill well so flavors blend
🔁 Variations
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Add rum extract (½ tsp) for extra Hawaiian flavor
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Use yellow cake mix for richer taste
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Layer sliced bananas before whipped topping
🍽 Storage
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Refrigerate up to 4 days
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Do not freeze (texture changes)
