Imagine a cake that’s not just a dessert but a little slice of paradise on your plate! Hawaiian Poke Cake is a creamy, colorful, and oh-so-delicious treat that brings a taste of the tropics right into your kitchen. This cake is surprisingly simple and quick to prepare, making it perfect for family gatherings or a sweet indulgence on a casual weekend. Legend has it that poke cakes were named because you poke holes in the cake before drenching it in tasty toppings. Isn’t that a fun twist? The best part? It’s incredibly versatile—you can personalize it with your favorite flavors. If you love light, refreshing cakes, this Hawaiian Poke Cake is like a burst of sunshine, especially when compared to more traditional cakes like chocolate or red velvet. So grab your mixing bowl and get excited because you’re about to create the most delightful dessert that everyone will rave about!
What is Hawaiian Poke Cake?
So, what’s in a name? Hawaiian Poke Cake—sounds fun, right? But what does “poke” even mean? Well, dear friends, the name comes from the charming technique of poking holes in the baked cake to allow all those wonderfully creamy puddings and toppings to soak in, creating a moist paradise in every bite. You might be asking yourself, “Why poke holes in my cake?” It’s simple! The way to a heart is indeed through the stomach, and nothing warms the heart quite like a cake soaked with coconut and pineapple goodness. Plus, it’s hard not to enjoy a dessert that feels like a mini vacation on a plate. Give it a try, and bring a little Hawaiian flair to your next dessert adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Poke Cake
There are so many reasons to love Hawaiian Poke Cake! First and foremost, it’s an absolute showstopper. With layers of decadent white cake combined with refreshing pineapple and creamy coconut, this dessert tastes just like a day at the beach. Imagine every bite bursting with flavors that remind you of sun-soaked summer days.
Moreover, making this cake at home saves you money compared to buying similar desserts at a bakery. You can whip up this delightful Hawaiian treat using simple, budget-friendly ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Isn’t that a win-win?
Lastly, the cake can be topped with a variety of ingredients that enhance its tropical vibes. Whether you prefer shredded coconut, whipped cream, or maraschino cherries, the options are endless! If you enjoy Southern classics like coconut cream pie, you’ll love the flavors in this cake just as much. So what are you waiting for? Dive in and give this Hawaiian Poke Cake a try!
How to Make Hawaiian Poke Cake
Quick Overview
Making Hawaiian Poke Cake is a breeze! With a preparation time of only about 20 minutes and minimal baking involved, you’ll have a fruity, creamy dessert ready to impress in no time. It’s all about that delicious combo of flavors that showcase sweet pineapple and rich coconut while keeping the texture moist and inviting.
Key Ingredients for Hawaiian Poke Cake
To create this mouthwatering Hawaiian Poke Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 box of white cake mix
- 1 cup of water
- 1/3 cup of vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 can (15 ounces) of crushed pineapple, drained (keep the juice!)
- 1 package (3.4 ounces) of instant coconut cream pudding
- 2 cups of cold milk
- 1 cup of shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
- Whipped cream for topping
- Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare the cake mix: In a mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat on medium speed until well blended, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Bake the cake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Poke the holes: After the cake has cooled slightly, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top, creating spaces for the delicious mixture to seep into.
- Mix the pudding: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant coconut cream pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until it thickens.
- Add the pineapple: Fold in the drained crushed pineapple and half of the shredded coconut into the pudding mixture.
- Pour the mixture: Carefully pour this creamy concoction over the cake, making sure it fills the holes and covers the surface evenly.
- Chill: Cover the cake and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
- Top the cake: Once chilled, spread whipped cream over the top and sprinkle with the remaining shredded coconut. Add maraschino cherries for a finishing touch if desired.
- Serve and enjoy: Slice the cake into squares, serve, and watch the smiles appear!
What to Serve Hawaiian Poke Cake With
While Hawaiian Poke Cake is a delightful stand-alone dessert, pairing it with complementary dishes can enhance the overall experience. Consider serving it alongside a refreshing fruit salad for a balanced meal. Coconut shrimp could also make for a great savory side dish that echoes the tropical flavors of the cake. To wash everything down, a chilled glass of iced tea or a tropical punch will accentuate those beachy vibes perfectly. Don’t hesitate to mix and match your favorite combinations!
Top Tips for Perfecting Hawaiian Poke Cake
Here are some handy tips to make sure your Hawaiian Poke Cake turns out perfectly every time:
- Ingredient Substitutions: If you’re not a fan of coconut, consider using vanilla or banana pudding instead for a different flavor profile.
- Timing: Make it a day ahead to allow flavors to meld for an even richer taste.
- Avoiding Crumbly Cake: Ensure you don’t overbake the cake, as this can lead to a dry texture. Stick to the recommended bake time!
- Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Add sliced bananas, kiwis, or even a splash of rum extract to give a twist to the traditional recipe.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftover Hawaiian Poke Cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. To ensure optimum freshness, make sure it’s well covered to keep moisture in. Unfortunately, this cake doesn’t freeze well due to the pudding and whipped cream topping. However, if you do have some plain cake left, you can freeze it without any toppings for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator before applying the toppings again. Trust me, you won’t want to let this tropical delight go to waste!
So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and embark on a wonderful journey to Hawaii with this easy and delightful Hawaiian Poke Cake!
Hawaiian Poke Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat on medium speed until well blended, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- After the cake has cooled slightly, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant coconut cream pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until it thickens.
- Fold in the drained crushed pineapple and half of the shredded coconut into the pudding mixture.
- Carefully pour this creamy mixture over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes and covers the surface evenly.
- Cover the cake and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
- Once chilled, spread whipped cream over the top and sprinkle with the remaining shredded coconut.
- Add maraschino cherries for a finishing touch if desired.
- Slice the cake into squares, serve, and enjoy!
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