Imagine a luscious slice of cake that transports you straight to the sunny beaches of Hawaii. The Hawaiian Poke Cake is like a tropical party on your plate, bursting with flavors that dance in your mouth and textures that make every bite an adventure. With a fluffy base drenched in delightful pineapple goodness and topped with whipped cream, this cake is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just celebrating the fact that it’s Tuesday. For more inspiration, check out this Hawaiian Poke Cake Recipe recipe.
Now, picture this: it’s a warm summer evening, and you’re surrounded by friends and family, all eagerly awaiting the dessert reveal. You whip out this beauty, and suddenly, everyone forgets about their diets. The aroma wafts through the air, and the vibrant colors draw everyone in. Trust me; once you serve this Hawaiian Poke Cake, you’ll find yourself becoming the unofficial dessert hero in your circle!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Hawaiian Poke Cake is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for bakers of any level.
- Its flavor profile combines sweet and tangy notes that appeal to all palates.
- The visual appeal will have your guests snapping pictures before they even take a bite.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough for any gathering—from luaus to casual get-togethers!
Ingredients for Hawaiian Poke Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Yellow Cake Mix: A classic base for this poke cake; make sure to follow package instructions for moist results.
- Pineapple Juice: Use 100% pure pineapple juice for a natural sweetness that enhances the cake’s flavor.
- Canned Pineapple Chunks: These add texture and bursts of flavor; be sure to drain them well before using.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This rich ingredient helps create that signature poke effect; don’t skip it!
- Whipped Topping: For that creamy finish; feel free to use homemade whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy.
- Shredded Coconut: Toasted coconut adds an extra layer of tropical goodness; sprinkle generously on top.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Hawaiian Poke Cake
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Mix
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and pineapple juice. Beat on medium speed until smooth this should take about two minutes. Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake according to package instructions usually around 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell like paradise!
Step 4: Create the Poke Holes
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about ten minutes. Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a fork, poke holes all over the top of the cake don’t be shy; think of it as giving your cake some much-deserved spa treatment!
Step 5: Add Sweetness
In a separate bowl, mix together the sweetened condensed milk and remaining pineapple juice. Pour this mixture evenly over the poked cake so every bite will be infused with sweetness.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Allow the cake to cool completely before topping it with whipped topping and shredded coconut. For best results, chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving so all those flavors meld together beautifully.
Transfer to plates and watch as everyone devours each slice while pondering how such an easy recipe could taste so heavenly! Enjoy your dessert triumph!
You Must Know
- This delightful Hawaiian Poke Cake is not just a treat for your taste buds; it’s a feast for the eyes.
- With its vibrant colors and tropical flavors, it’s perfect for parties or just a sunny day at home.
- You’ll quickly become the star of any gathering with this sweet masterpiece!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the cake mix according to the package instructions. Bake until golden brown, then while it cools, mix together your creamy toppings. This sequence ensures that everything comes together beautifully and you’re left with a moist, delectable Hawaiian Poke Cake.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your Hawaiian Poke Cake by swapping in different fruit toppings like mango or kiwi. You can also experiment with coconut extract instead of vanilla for an extra tropical twist. The possibilities are endless!
Storing & Reheating
To store your Hawaiian Poke Cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to five days. If you want to enjoy it warm, simply pop individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a perfectly moist cake, don’t overmix the batter; gently fold ingredients together instead.
- Letting the cake cool completely before adding toppings prevents them from sliding off.
- Always use fresh fruit for topping to enhance flavor and presentation!
Sometimes I make this cake just so I can watch my friends’ eyes light up when they take their first bite it’s pure joy wrapped in a slice of heaven!
FAQs :
What is Hawaiian Poke Cake?
Hawaiian Poke Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of pineapple, coconut, and whipped cream in a moist cake. The term “poke” refers to the technique of poking holes into the cake after baking, allowing for a sweet mixture to seep in. a delicious breakfast treat delightful summer dessert This creates a deliciously moist treat that’s perfect for summer gatherings or any festive occasion.
How do you make Hawaiian Poke Cake?
To make Hawaiian Poke Cake, start by baking a vanilla cake according to package instructions. Once cooled, poke holes in the top and pour a mixture of coconut cream and pineapple juice over it. Let it soak for a while before topping with whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.
Can I make Hawaiian Poke Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Hawaiian Poke Cake ahead of time! In fact, making it the day before serving enhances its flavor as the ingredients have more time to meld together. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Add any toppings just before serving to keep them fresh.
What are some variations of Hawaiian Poke Cake?
There are several delicious variations of Hawaiian Poke Cake! You can experiment by adding crushed macadamia nuts for crunch or using different flavored cake mixes like lemon or coconut. For an adult twist, consider incorporating rum or coconut-flavored liqueur into the soaking mixture for added depth of flavor.
Conclusion for Hawaiian Poke Cake :
Hawaiian Poke Cake is a flavorful dessert that brings a taste of the tropics to your table. With its moist texture and refreshing flavors of pineapple and coconut, it’s sure to impress your guests. Making this cake ahead of time allows the flavors to blend beautifully, creating an even more delightful experience. perfect pairing with poke cake Whether served at parties or family gatherings, this cake is a perfect choice for any occasion. Enjoy making this easy-to-follow recipe!

Hawaiian Poke Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 12 slices 1x
Description
Hawaiian Poke Cake is a vibrant tropical dessert that brings the taste of paradise right to your table. This fluffy yellow cake, infused with sweet pineapple and topped with creamy whipped topping and toasted coconut, is perfect for any occasion—from birthdays to casual gatherings. The poke technique ensures every bite is packed with flavor, making it an irresistible treat that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 can (20 oz) canned pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping
- 1 cup shredded coconut, toasted
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- 2. In a large bowl, mix the yellow cake mix with pineapple juice until smooth. Pour into the baking dish.
- 3. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes.
- 4. Poke holes all over the top using a wooden spoon handle or fork.
- 5. Mix sweetened condensed milk with remaining pineapple juice and pour over the poked cake.
- 6. Chill completely before topping with whipped topping and toasted coconut.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: For added flavor, try substituting mango or kiwi as toppings. To enhance moisture, let the cake chill overnight before serving.