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