Hawaiian Poke Cake (Printable)

Vibrant tropical dessert combining moist cake, pineapple, coconut filling, and whipped topping

# What You'll Need:

→ Cake

01 - 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
02 - 3 large eggs
03 - 1 cup crushed pineapple with juice
04 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
05 - 1/2 cup water

→ Poke & Filling

06 - 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
07 - 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
08 - 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
09 - 1 cup cold milk
10 - 1/2 cup pineapple juice

→ Topping

11 - 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
12 - 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut, toasted
13 - Fresh pineapple chunks for garnish
14 - Maraschino cherries for garnish

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan thoroughly.
02 - Combine yellow cake mix, eggs, crushed pineapple with juice, vegetable oil, and water in a large bowl. Beat until batter is smooth and well blended.
03 - Pour batter into prepared baking pan. Bake for 28-32 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
04 - Allow cake to cool for 10 minutes. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes throughout the cake at approximately 1-inch intervals.
05 - Whisk together sweetened condensed milk and coconut milk until fully combined. Drizzle evenly over the warm cake, allowing liquid to seep into the holes.
06 - Combine instant vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and pineapple juice in a bowl. Whisk for 2 minutes until thickened. Spread pudding mixture evenly over the cake.
07 - Cover pan and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until completely chilled and set.
08 - Spread thawed whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake surface.
09 - Sprinkle toasted coconut over the top. Decorate with fresh pineapple chunks and maraschino cherries if desired. Slice and serve cold.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The contrast between creamy pockets and fluffy cake is like discovering a secret surprise in every bite
  • It's one of those desserts that tastes infinitely better than the minimal effort required
  • You can make it ahead and watch people's faces light up when they cut into it
02 -
  • Room temperature ingredients mix more smoothly and prevent weird lumps in your batter
  • The cake needs to be warm but not hot when you poke it or the holes will close back up
  • Make those holes with confidence too shallow and the filling won't penetrate properly
  • Refrigeration time is not optional this cake needs to set to achieve its full potential
03 -
  • Use the end of a chopstick if you can't find your wooden spoon handle
  • Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even rising
  • Buy an extra can of coconut milk just in case you want to add more soaking liquid

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