Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake

This Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake is so delicious and the perfect tropical summertime dessert! All you need is a yellow cake mix, crushed pineapple, coconut cream and vanilla pudding, whipped cream, and shredded coconut!

Try my Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake for a delicious, tropical dessert! All you need is a boxed yellow cake mix, crushed pineapple, coconut cream and vanilla pudding, whipped cream topping, and toasted shredded coconut. This easy poke cake is perfect for Summer potlucks and parties! #pokecake #hawaiianpokecake #pineapplepokecake #coconutpokecake #cake

Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake

Hey everyone!

Today’s recipe is a delicious cake I made this past weekend and it’s the perfect summertime treat – Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake.

This Hawaiian Poke Cake couldn’t be easier to make with a French vanilla cake mix flavored with pineapple juice and filled with a delicious vanilla and coconut cream pudding that’s mixed with crushed pineapple.

Top it off with a layer of creamy whipped topping and toasted shredded coconut and you’ll feel like you’re on vacation!

If you wanna learn how to make this delicious summer cake, check out my video tutorial over here and don’t forget to subscribe to my Youtube Channel!

Try my Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake for a delicious, tropical dessert! All you need is a boxed yellow cake mix, crushed pineapple, coconut cream and vanilla pudding, whipped cream topping, and toasted shredded coconut. This easy poke cake is perfect for Summer potlucks and parties! #pokecake #hawaiianpokecake #pineapplepokecake #coconutpokecake #cake

Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake

With both today’s Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake, my Quick Pineapple Upside Down Cake, and my most recent Pina Colada Cake, there seems to be a recurring tropical dessert theme going on at our house and I’m not mad about it!

To me, pineapple and coconut are total summer dessert staples and poke cakes are always the perfect delicious choice for easy entertaining.

If you’re craving something tropical, then save today’s recipe below and give my Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake a try!

Try my Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake for a delicious, tropical dessert! All you need is a boxed yellow cake mix, crushed pineapple, coconut cream and vanilla pudding, whipped cream topping, and toasted shredded coconut. This easy poke cake is perfect for Summer potlucks and parties! #pokecake #hawaiianpokecake #pineapplepokecake #coconutpokecake #cake

What’s So Great About Poke Cakes?  

In case poke cakes like this delicious Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake are new to you, I’m here to tell you that they’re basically the best summer cake EVER!

They’re easy to make, and super delicious making them a great dessert choice.

 

Why is it called a poke cake? 

Well, just like the name implies, it’s a cake made by poking holes in the baked cake, and then filled with a jello mixture, pudding, condensed milk, or other sweet filling.

Because it’s filled with something, poke cakes are one of the most moist delicious cakes you can make. Seriously, they’re SO good!

 

Are poke cakes easy to make? 

Yes! Poke cakes are a great choice for family gatherings, parties, and potlucks because they’re super easy to put together and don’t require a lot of cake decorating skills.

In fact, I love them so much that I’ve shared several other yummy recipes on the blog that I KNOW YOU’LL LOVE.

 

Check out these Easy Poke Cakes:

 

Try my Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake for a delicious, tropical dessert! All you need is a boxed yellow cake mix, crushed pineapple, coconut cream and vanilla pudding, whipped cream topping, and toasted shredded coconut. This easy poke cake is perfect for Summer potlucks and parties! #pokecake #hawaiianpokecake #pineapplepokecake #coconutpokecake #cake

Easy Hawaiian Poke Cake

 

Moving on to today’s cake, I really love all the tropical flavor components in this Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake, and love how you can play around with the flavors based on your preferences.

Don’t like coconut as much? Switch up the toasted coconut on top for some broiled pineapple slices.

Another great idea would be to add some rum extract to your cake for that yummy pina colada flavor.

Check out my tips section below for some easy and delicious substitution ideas!

 

Recommended tools for Hawaiian Poke Cake:

Try my Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake for a delicious, tropical dessert! All you need is a boxed yellow cake mix, crushed pineapple, coconut cream and vanilla pudding, whipped cream topping, and toasted shredded coconut. This easy poke cake is perfect for Summer potlucks and parties! #pokecake #hawaiianpokecake #pineapplepokecake #coconutpokecake #cake

Tips for Making Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake

Although this cake is SUPER easy to make, I did want to include a few important instructions below that will help make your Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake taste absolutely amazing!

 

Save Your Pineapple Juice

Drain your pineapple and use the pineapple juice as the water ingredient in your cake mix.

If for some reason you don’t get a full cup out of your pineapple (which I always do, no problem), you can always add water until it reaches a full cup amount.

 

Let Your Cake Cool Before Poking

Let your cake cool for about 10-15 minutes after baking before poking the holes in the cake with this wooden spoon. If you do it immediately the end of the spoon will stick to the cake and make a mess.

 

Poke Holes Evenly Across Cake

Speaking of poking holes, make sure you space out your holes evenly to ensure you get the pudding filling in every slice.

There’s nothing more disappointing than getting a slice of a poke cake only to find out your piece doesn’t have any of the filling.

 

Don’t Overmix Your Pudding

Do not overmix your pudding. You don’t want your pudding to be fully set, but instead want it to be a pourable consistency.

If it gets too thick, you can always add a little bit more milk to it to make it the right consistency.

 

Refrigerate Your Cake Before Topping

After filling the holes and spreading the pudding mixture on top of the cake, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour or more before adding the whipped topping layer

 

Toast Your Coconut

Although you could totally just put untoasted coconut on your cake, I recommend toasting it for a better flavor, texture, and of course it will look prettier!

And best of all, it’s very easy to make.

To prepare, spread your sweetened coconut flakes evenly on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 3 minutes at a time, stirring in between, until the coconuts are toasted to your desired level.

 

Yummy Variations/Substitution Ideas

Coconut Cream – If you can’t find coconut cream pudding, you can substitute vanilla pudding, cheesecake pudding, or a can of cream of coconut, which you can find in the baking aisle.

Fruit Topping – Coconut, pineapple, or even maraschino cherries can all be added on top, if desired. Feel free to mix and match to your taste preferences!

Cake – You can easily substitute a white cake mix, French vanilla cake mix, or pineapple cake mix instead of a yellow cake mix.

 

How to Store Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake

Fridge – Leftover cake should be covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated. It will last for 3-4 days refrigerated.

Freezer – This cake can be frozen for up to 3 months; To freeze, let the cake chill completely before wrapping with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Once ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge.

 

 

Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake Recipe

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Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake

  • Author: Kindly Unspoken
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 35
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12-16 slices 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking (Oven)
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake is so delicious! All you need is a cake mix, crushed pineapple, coconut cream and vanilla pudding, whipped cream, and shredded coconut!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 15.25 oz box French vanilla or yellow cake mix
  • 1 20 oz can crushed pineapple, drained with juice reserved for cake
  • 1 3.4 oz package coconut cream instant pudding mix*
  • 1 3.4 oz vanilla instant pudding mix
  • 4 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup sweetened coconut flakes, toasted in oven*
  • 1 16 oz container frozen whipped topping or 3 cups fresh whipped cream
  • Maraschino cherries and/or pineapple slices, for garnish if desired

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a deep dish 9×13 pan with non-stick spray.
  • In a large mixing bowl, prepare cake mix according to the box directions, substituting 1 cup of pineapple juice drained from your crushed pineapple instead of water. If you don’t have enough to make 1 cup, add water.
  • Bake in the oven as instructed on cake box or until a toothpick comes out of the center clean.
  • Remove cake from oven and place on a cooling rack for 10-15 minutes.
  • Using the end of a wooden spoon, poke holes in the cake evenly spaced apart.
  • With an electric hand mixer or whisk, beat together milk and pudding mix until it starts to slightly thicken but is still pourable. Stir in the drained pineapple and mix until combined. Pour mixture over warm cake, making sure pudding mixture goes into poked holes. You will have a nice layer of pudding on top, but depending on the size and depth of your dish, you might have some leftover pudding. Cover with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour.
  • *While the cake is refrigerated, spread your sweetened coconut flakes evenly on a large baking sheet and bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 3 minutes at a time until they reach your desired toast level.
  • Once set, spread a layer of whipped topping and top with toasted shredded coconut. If desired, garnish with pineapple slices or maraschino cherries.

Notes

Storage Instructions:

Fridge – Leftover cake should be covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated. It will last for 3-4 days refrigerated.

Freezer – This cake can be frozen for up to 3 months; To freeze, let the cake chill completely before wrapping with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Once ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Coconut Cream Pudding Substitutions – If you can’t find coconut cream pudding, you can substitute vanilla pudding, cheesecake pudding, or a can of cream of coconut, which you can find in the baking aisle.

Keywords: Hawaiian poke cake, coconut poke cake, coconut pineapple poke cake, pineapple poke cake, poke cake, easy poke cake, potluck desserts, pineapple coconut cake, pineapple coconut poke cake

MORE PINEAPPLE DESSERTS YOU’LL LOVE:

 

Try my Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake for a delicious, tropical dessert! All you need is a boxed yellow cake mix, crushed pineapple, coconut cream and vanilla pudding, whipped cream topping, and toasted shredded coconut. This easy poke cake is perfect for Summer potlucks and parties! #pokecake #hawaiianpokecake #pineapplepokecake #coconutpokecake #cake

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Hope you enjoyed today’s recipe for my Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake! Do you love pineapple and coconut? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks for stopping by! – Cara

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Try my Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake for a delicious, tropical dessert! All you need is a boxed yellow cake mix, crushed pineapple, coconut cream and vanilla pudding, whipped cream topping, and toasted shredded coconut. This easy poke cake is perfect for Summer potlucks and parties! #pokecake #hawaiianpokecake #pineapplepokecake #coconutpokecake #cake

Try my Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake for a delicious, tropical dessert! All you need is a boxed cake mix, crushed pineapple, coconut cream and vanilla pudding, whipped topping, and toasted shredded coconut. This easy poke cake is perfect for potlucks and parties! #pokecake #hawaiianpokecake #pineapplepokecake #coconutpokecake #cake

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Recipe rating

 

17 Comments

  1. Marie McDaniel wrote:

    I made this and took it to a neighborhood luaoe ,it was a hit ! It definitely fit the occasion ,not one bite left .Thanks for this delicious treat!

    Posted 4.28.23 Reply
    • Kindly Unspoken wrote:

      You’re very welcome! So glad everyone enjoyed it, and I really appreciate the 5 star rating!

      Posted 5.1.23 Reply
  2. Janessa wrote:

    Thoughts on doing two packages of the coconut pudding vs one vanilla & one coconut?
    Thanks!

    Posted 12.5.22 Reply
    • Kindly Unspoken wrote:

      It will just have a stronger coconut flavor but equally delicious. Enjoy!

      Posted 12.6.22 Reply
  3. Constance Deats wrote:

    Our family loved this cool summer dessert. Will definitely make it again. Thank you.

    Posted 5.31.22 Reply
    • Kindly Unspoken wrote:

      You’re very welcome! So glad you all enjoyed it and thank you for the 5 star rating! 🙂

      Posted 6.1.22 Reply
  4. Tasha wrote:

    Such and easy and delicious recipe.I did have to thin the pudding with milk because I over beat it.I had quite a bit of pudding left over. I actually took a little off of the cake because there was so much. I did use a 13×9 pan. I sprinkled the toasted coconut on top and added some crushed pecans.

    Posted 3.21.22 Reply
    • Kindly Unspoken wrote:

      I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed it, Tasha! Great idea with adding some crushed pecans. And yes, if the 13×9 pan isn’t deep, you will have some leftover pudding. My kids always enjoy snacking on it, so they don’t complain -haha.

      Posted 3.22.22 Reply
  5. Lisa wrote:

    Can u make this in a Bundt pan.

    Posted 3.8.22 Reply
    • Kindly Unspoken wrote:

      I’ve never personally tried it, but it should work. The only difference would be the baking times. If you try it, let me know how it turns out!

      Posted 3.9.22 Reply
  6. Mikey wrote:

    Really want to make . Cannot find the coconut creme pudding . Any substitute flavor I can use . Thank you

    Posted 6.8.21 Reply
    • Kindly Unspoken wrote:

      Hi Mikey! Sorry to hear you’re having trouble finding the pudding – I’ve noticed my local Walmart has stopped carrying it as well. Not sure which state you’re located but I’ve had luck finding it at Food Lion. If you still can’t locate it, you can always substitute another box of vanilla pudding, cheesecake pudding, or a can of cream of coconut if you want a stronger coconut flavor. Hope you love the cake once you make it!

      Posted 6.9.21 Reply
      • Ana wrote:

        Hi! How much of the cream of coconut should I sub for the instant pudding? I can’t find the coconut instant pudding either! Thank you 🙂

        Posted 5.20.22 Reply
        • Kindly Unspoken wrote:

          Hi Ana, you will use one can of cream of coconut. I believe it’s a 13 or 14 oz size can. You can also substitute cheesecake pudding or vanilla pudding, if you prefer that instead.

          Posted 5.24.22 Reply
  7. Betty wrote:

    This was extremely easy and very delicious!!

    Posted 5.3.21 Reply
    • Kindly Unspoken wrote:

      Thank you, Betty! So glad you enjoyed it!

      Posted 5.3.21 Reply