Hawaiian Poke Cake (Printable View)
Moist tropical cake soaked in coconut and condensed milk, topped with whipped cream and toasted coconut.
# Ingredient List:
→ Cake Base
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 Prepare:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter.
02 - In a large bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, crushed pineapple with juice, vegetable oil, and water. Beat with electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and well blended.
03 - Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
04 - Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake surface, spacing about 1 inch apart. Press holes about halfway through the cake depth.
05 - Whisk together sweetened condensed milk and coconut milk until smooth. Slowly pour mixture evenly over warm cake, allowing liquid to soak into holes.
06 - In a medium bowl, whisk pudding mix, cold milk, and pineapple juice for 2 minutes until thickened. Spread pudding evenly over cake surface.
07 - Cover pan with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until completely chilled and set.
08 - Spread whipped topping evenly over chilled cake using an offset spatula.
09 - Sprinkle toasted coconut over top. Garnish with fresh pineapple chunks and maraschino cherries. Slice into squares and serve cold.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The magic happens when those sweet milks seep into every single poke hole, creating incredibly moist pockets of tropical flavor throughout the entire cake
- Its one of those deceptive desserts that looks like you spent hours perfecting it but actually relies on a few smart shortcuts
02 -
- Poking the holes while the cake is still warm is crucial—the heat helps the liquids absorb and distribute more evenly throughout the crumb
- The chilling time isn't optional here, the cake needs those hours to set properly or you'll end up with a messy slide-off-the-fork situation
03 -
- Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly into the batter and help create a more even texture
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper leaving overhang on the sides—it makes lifting the cake out so much easier for clean slicing