Piña Colada Poke Cake Recipe
This Piña Colada Poke Cake brings the tropical flavors of pineapple, coconut, and a hint of rum together in a moist, flavorful treat. Using a simple white cake mix enhanced with coconut milk and crushed pineapple poured into poke holes, this chilled dessert is topped with fluffy cool whip and sweet shredded coconut for a refreshing and easy-to-make cake perfect for warm weather or gatherings.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Cake
- 1 (15.25 ounce) box white cake mix (plus ingredients required on the box, typically eggs, oil, and water)
Pineapple Mixture
- 1 (14 ounce) can coconut milk
- 1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple (including juices)
- 1 (3 ounce) package vanilla pudding mix
- 2 tablespoons rum (optional)
Topping
- 1 (8 ounce) tub cool whip
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- Prepare the Cake: Follow the instructions on the cake mix box to prepare the batter, typically combining the mix with water, eggs, and oil, then pour into a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake the Cake: Bake the cake according to the package directions until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Mix Pineapple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the coconut milk, crushed pineapple with juices, vanilla pudding mix, and rum if using. Stir well to fully incorporate all ingredients.
- Poke the Cake: Immediately after removing the cake from the oven, use a straw or chopstick to poke holes all over the surface of the cake to allow the pineapple mixture to soak in.
- Add Pineapple Mixture: Pour the pineapple mixture evenly over the cake, using the back of a spoon to smooth it out and ensure it seeps into the holes.
- Chill the Cake: Let the cake cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it for at least 3 hours to set and allow the flavors to meld.
- Finish with Topping: Spread the cool whip evenly over the chilled cake and sprinkle the shredded coconut on top for added texture and flavor.
- Serve: Slice the cake into pieces and serve chilled for a tropical, creamy dessert experience.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the rum.
- Ensure the cake is fully cooled before refrigerating to maintain texture.
- Sweetened shredded coconut adds extra sweetness; unsweetened can be used for less sugar.
- Can be made a day ahead to let flavors meld perfectly.
- Use a straw or chopstick of adequate length to reach all parts of the cake when poking holes.
Keywords: piña colada poke cake, tropical cake, pineapple cake, coconut cake, poke cake recipe, easy dessert, rum cake