Easy Hawaiian Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake is a soft, ultra-moist tropical dessert soaked with sweet pineapple and topped with fluffy coconut cream. It’s one of the highest-performing cakes for food blogs and social media because it’s simple, colorful, and irresistibly creamy — perfect for summer parties, potlucks, or everyday sweet cravings.
⏱️ Prep Time
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Prep: 15 minutes
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Bake: 30 minutes
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Chill: 2 hours
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Total: about 2 hrs 45 mins
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Servings: 12
🍳 Equipment Needed
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9×13 baking pan
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Mixing bowls
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Electric mixer (or whisk)
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Wooden spoon (for poking holes)
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Spatula
🧾 Ingredients
Cake Base
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1 box yellow or white cake mix
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Ingredients required on the box (eggs, oil, water)
Pineapple Filling
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1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple with juice
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1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
Coconut Topping
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2 cups whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade)
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1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
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½ cup toasted coconut (optional but recommended)
📝 Ingredient Notes
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Do NOT drain pineapple — the juice makes the cake super moist.
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Condensed milk creates the rich poke-cake texture.
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Toasted coconut adds bakery-style flavor and crunch.
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Cake mix saves time but homemade yellow cake also works.
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1 — Bake the Cake
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Prepare cake batter according to package instructions.
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Bake in a greased 9×13 pan.
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Let cool about 10 minutes.
Step 2 — Poke the Cake
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Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake.
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Make holes about 1 inch apart.
Step 3 — Add Pineapple Mixture
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Mix crushed pineapple (with juice) + condensed milk.
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Slowly pour over the cake, letting it soak into the holes.
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Cool completely.
Step 4 — Chill & Frost
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Spread whipped topping evenly over cake.
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Sprinkle shredded coconut.
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Add toasted coconut if using.
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Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.
🥗 Nutrition Facts (Approx per slice)
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Calories: 360
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Carbs: 52g
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Fat: 14g
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Protein: 5g
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Sugar: 34g
⭐ Tips for Best Results
✅ Chill overnight for bakery-level moisture
✅ Use cold cake when adding topping so it stays fluffy
✅ Toast coconut in skillet for deeper flavor
✅ Add pineapple tidbits on top for visual appeal
