Coconut Cream Poke Cake is an ultra-moist, creamy dessert made by poking holes into a baked cake and filling it with a rich coconut mixture. It’s then topped with fluffy whipped cream and toasted coconut for a light, tropical flavor that melts in your mouth—perfect for parties and your recipe website traffic.
⏱️ Recipe Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: ~2 hours 45 minutes
- Servings: 12
🧰 Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon (for poking holes)
- Whisk or mixer
🧈 Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 box white or yellow cake mix
- Ingredients required on the box (eggs, oil, water)
For the Filling
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract (optional)
For the Topping
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (or fresh whipped cream)
- 1½ cups shredded coconut (toasted or plain)
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Sweetened condensed milk makes the cake rich and creamy.
- Coconut milk adds deep coconut flavor.
- Toasting coconut gives a crunchy texture + stronger flavor.
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Bake the Cake
Prepare and bake the cake in a 9×13-inch pan according to package instructions. Let it cool for about 10 minutes.
2. Poke Holes
Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake (about 1 inch apart).
3. Make the Coconut Filling
In a bowl, mix sweetened condensed milk + coconut milk + coconut extract.
4. Pour Over Cake
Slowly pour the mixture over the cake, making sure it fills the holes. Let it soak in completely.
5. Chill
Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better).
6. Add Topping
Spread whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake.
7. Add Coconut
Sprinkle shredded coconut on top (toast it first for best flavor).
🍽️ Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 350–400 kcal
- Carbs: 45 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Protein: 5 g
⭐ Tips for the Best Poke Cake
- Pour the filling while the cake is still slightly warm so it absorbs better.
- Chill well for maximum flavor and texture.
- Use toasted coconut for a bakery-style finish.
- Don’t skip the poke holes—they’re key to the creamy texture!
🔄 Variations
1. Pineapple Coconut Poke Cake
Add crushed pineapple for a tropical twist.
2. Chocolate Coconut Version
Use chocolate cake mix + coconut filling (like a Mounds cake).
3. Coconut Tres Leches Style
Add evaporated milk to make it even richer.
4. From Scratch Version
Replace cake mix with homemade vanilla sponge.
