Coconut Cream Poke Cake {The Coconut Poke Cake recipe that broke the Internet!!!} (2024)

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Coconut Cream Poke Cake – Best Coconut Poke Cake Recipe!

This delicious coconut poke cake will have you coming back for seconds! This Coconut Cream Poke Cake uses a simple white cake mix, topped with cream of coconut, coconut whipped topping and sprinkled with toasted coconut for the ultimate coconut poke cake recipe!

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Love coconut cake? This super moist coconut poke cake is much more simple to make than a layer cake, and tastes even better!

Made with the help of a simple white cake mix, along with a few other ingredients to give it an amazing coconut flavor. This coconut cream poke cake recipe is perfect for your next pot luck, cookout or celebration where sharing dessert is encouraged.

What do I need to make coconut poke cake?

Here’s a quick-reference shopping list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this poke cake:

  • White Cake Mix, 15.25 oz.
  • 1 can Cream of Coconut, 15 oz. (This can be found in the International Foods section of your grocery store. Goya is a popular brand.)
  • Water
  • Eggs
  • Vegetable or Coconut Oil
  • Whipped Topping, like Cool Whip – 8 oz. container. You can also use my Homemade Cool Whip recipe, which is a much healthier alternative to store-bought whipped topping.
  • Sweetened Flake Coconut

For exact ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions be sure to reference the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Thanks!

Coconut Cream Poke Cake {The Coconut Poke Cake recipe that broke the Internet!!!} (2)
Coconut Cream Poke Cake {The Coconut Poke Cake recipe that broke the Internet!!!} (3)

How do you make coconut poke cake?

  1. Begin by baking the white cake in a 9 x 13″ pan. After coming out of the oven, let rest for 5-10 minutes. While the cake is still warm, poke holes in the cake about 1″ apart. Using a chop stick or the end of a wooden spoon works well.
  2. Once the holes are poked in the cake, drizzle the cake with 1/2 cup of the cream of coconut. Drizzle into the holes and on top of the cake.
  3. Refrigerated the cake for one hour or until completely cooled.
Coconut Cream Poke Cake {The Coconut Poke Cake recipe that broke the Internet!!!} (4)
Coconut Cream Poke Cake {The Coconut Poke Cake recipe that broke the Internet!!!} (5)
  1. While cake is cooling, mix together the whipped topping with the remaining 1/2 cup of cream of coconut.
  2. To the cooled cake, spread the whipped topping mixture over the top, gently pressing the topping into the holes of the cake.
Coconut Cream Poke Cake {The Coconut Poke Cake recipe that broke the Internet!!!} (6)
Coconut Cream Poke Cake {The Coconut Poke Cake recipe that broke the Internet!!!} (7)
  1. Next, top the cake with coconut. Feel free to toast some (or all) of the sweetened flake coconut if you like. To toast the coconut, sprinkle on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes, stopping to stir/toss the coconut every 2 minutes as to not over-brown. Toasting the coconut is optional.
Coconut Cream Poke Cake {The Coconut Poke Cake recipe that broke the Internet!!!} (8)
Coconut Cream Poke Cake {The Coconut Poke Cake recipe that broke the Internet!!!} (9)
  1. Slice your cake into squares and enjoy. This cake makes 12 servings, so slicing 3 squares by 4 squares is ideal.
Coconut Cream Poke Cake {The Coconut Poke Cake recipe that broke the Internet!!!} (10)

Need A New 9 x 13″ Pan? This Anolon 9 x 13″ Bronze Pan with Lid is Amazing!

This 9 x 13″ non-stick pan is a staple in every kitchen. Great for cakes, desserts, casseroles and more, it includes a lid, which makes it ideal for transporting.

Ingredient Substitutions and Recommendations:

  • White Cake Mix – Can’t find a white cake mix? A boxed coconut cake mix, vanilla or yellow cake mix can be used instead. Note: a yellow cake mix will change the appearance (be much more yellow) but flavor will be consistent.
  • Whipped Topping/Cool Whip – Instead of Cool Whip, you can substitute stabilized whipped cream.
  • Cream of Coconut – Some readers have used coconut milk instead of cream of coconut with success. I have not tested this, so I cannot confirm the results. Cream of coconut and coconut milk are two very different products. Coconut milk has a lower fat content and more water, while cream of coconut is much thicker.

Frequently asked questions about making coconut cream poke cake:

Is cream of coconut the same as coconut cream?

No cream of coconut and coconut cream are not the same. The cream that rises to the top of coconut milk is coconut cream. Cream of coconut is a sweetened version (added sugar) of coconut cream. Because of the added sugar, these are not interchangeable.

Where do I find cream of coconut?

You can find Cream of Coconut or crema de coco in the international foods section of your grocery store. If your grocery store does not carry Cream of Coconut, you can find it on Amazon here.

Is a vanilla cake mix the same as a white cake mix?

No. While the flavor will be similar, a vanilla cake mix will vary in color slightly from a white cake mix.

Can real whipped cream be used instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, real whipped cream can be used as a substitute for Cool Whip topping. For best results, make sure you’re using a stabilized whipped cream recipe.

What can I serve with coconut cake?

Coconut cake goes great with coffee or tea. Here are a few of my drink recipes and co*cktails that would be complementary to this coconut cream poke cake:

  • Vanilla Bean Iced Coffee
  • Coconut Margarita
  • Pina Colada Champagne Punch
  • Easy Iced Coffee
  • Almond Joy Mocha Frappuccino
  • Healthy Pina Colada Smoothie
  • Toasted Coconut Hot Chocolate
  • Cinnamon Mocha Iced Coffee at Real Housemoms

This cool, delicious cake is such a wonderful dessert for any occasion. It’s perfect for a pot luck, a sweet treat to share at the office, and also makes for a fantastic party dessert.

I love how the coconut whipped topping goes into the holes of the cake, making it super moist and delicious. The coconut on top adds a wonderful texture to the cake and completes the cake perfectly!

Love coconut? Check out my Coconut Smoothie, Chocolate Coconut Date Balls, and my Pina Colada Cupcakes.

If you loved this coconut poke cake recipe, check out some of my other favorite cake and coconut recipes:

  • Chocolate Almond Joy Poke Cake
  • Coconut Cream Pound Cake
  • Red Velvet Cake Parfaits
  • Buttermilk Chocolate Cake
  • Lemon Poke Cake
  • Chocolate Poke Cake
  • Red Velvet Sheet Cake
  • Red Velvet OREO Poke Cake
  • Pumpkin Caramel Cream Cheese Poke Cake
  • Carrot Cake Sheet Cake
  • Lemon Bundt Cake
  • German Chocolate Brownies with Coconut Pecan Frosting

Here’s the recipe for this amazing Coconut Poke Cake:

Coconut Cream Poke Cake {The Coconut Poke Cake recipe that broke the Internet!!!} (16)

Coconut Cream Poke Cake

Erin Indahl-Fink

A dreamy, delicious coconut cake that will have you coming back for seconds! Creme of coconut is baked into a fluffy white cake making it super moist. The cake is then topped with coconut whipped cream and toasted coconut for the ultimate coconut treat!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 116 kcal

Equipment

  • Stand Mixer This KitchenAid Stand Mixer is a go-to appliance in my kitchen!

  • 9 x 13" Pan I love this non-stick 9 x 13" Cake Pan!

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9×13" pan with non-stick baking spray. Set aside. Open the can of coconut cream and thoroughly mix it together with a small whisk. Set aside.

  • With a hand or stand mixer, mix the cake mix, 1/2 c. of coconut cream, water, egg whites and oil. Mix batter until smooth. Pour into the prepared pan, and bake for 26-28 minutes until golden brown.

  • Remove cake from oven. Using a plastic straw or the end of a chop stick, poke holes in the cake approximately 1" apart. While cake is still hot, drizzle the cake with the second 1/2 c. portion of the coconut cream, making sure to drizzle into the holes and on top of the cake. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour, or until completely cooled.

  • Fold together the remaining 1/2 c. of coconut cream into the thawed container of whipped topping. Spread evenly over the cake. Top with the coconut flakes. Slice and enjoy. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Notes

When opening the can of coconut cream, pour the entire contents into a bowl or large glass measuring cup. The coconut cream will have separated in the can. Using a whisk, make sure the entire contents of the can is evenly mixed together before dividing out the three, 1/2 c. portions.

Storage: Store the cake, covered or in a resealable container, in the refrigerator. The cake will keep for up to 5 days refrigerated.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 116kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 1gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.1gSodium: 31mgPotassium: 34mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gCalcium: 2mgIron: 0.1mg

Keyword coconut poke cake, coconut cream poke cake, coconut cake recipe

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

You Might Also Like These Recipes

  • Lemon Poke Cake
  • Chocolate Poke Cake
  • Mixed Berry Cobbler with Cake Mix
  • Coconut Smoothie
  • Apple Cobbler with Cake Mix
  • Skinny Malibu Pina Coladas
Coconut Cream Poke Cake {The Coconut Poke Cake recipe that broke the Internet!!!} (2024)

FAQs

Why is my poke cake soggy? ›

Make sure the holes aren't too close together or too far apart—if they're too close together, your cake could be too moist; if they're too far apart, there may not be enough filling throughout the cake.

What is the history of poke cake? ›

According to Lynne Galia of the Kraft Heinz Company, the Jell-O gelatin poke cake, developed by General Foods Kitchens, first appeared in print advertising and in Jell-O recipe booklets in 1976. The subsequent Jell-O pudding poke cake recipe was introduced in 1981.

What is a substitute for coconut cream pudding? ›

Is There a Substitute for Coconut Instant Pudding? If you can't find the coconut instant pudding, go with vanilla instant pudding and add a teaspoon of coconut extract. Still make the pudding with the 1 cup of milk per the instructions.

Does Costco make coconut cakes? ›

Southern Coconut Cake

This southern coconut layer cake has light and tender coconut cake layers, a creamy coconut filling, and coconut cream cheese frosting. It's a coconut lover's dream come true!

How do you fix a mushy cake? ›

Adjusting the cooking time and temperature

If your cake has a soggy middle, the first thing to try is bringing the temperature down a little and baking for slightly longer. I'd suggest reducing the temperature by 20 degrees and increasing the baking time for 7 minutes.

Is poke Chinese or Japanese food? ›

Poke is a traditional Hawaiian dish and sushi originates in Japan. Hawaiian food takes a lot of influence from Japanese food, but poke is Hawaiian. Traditionally, poke is made from ahi tuna or octopus (tako) that has been roughly cut into bite sized pieces and marinated with whatever was on hand.

Is Poke Bowl Chinese or Japanese? ›

A poke bowl (original spelling 'poke bowl', pronounced “poh-KAY bowl”) is a Hawaiian dish that has its roots deeply rooted in Japanese cuisine. “Poke” means “cut into pieces” and the name refers to the slices or cubes of raw fish that are served in a bowl along with rice, dressing, vegetables and seasonings.

What is the original Hawaii poke? ›

It was originally made with small Hawaiian reef fish

Poke is rooted in the days when native Hawaiian fishermen would slice up smaller reef fish and serve them raw, seasoned with whatever was on hand—usually condiments such as sea salt, candlenut, seaweed and limu, a kind of brown algae.

Can I use canned coconut cream instead of coconut milk? ›

The good news about coconut cream and coconut milk is that although they may be different consistencies, they're very similar. You can use coconut cream in place of milk if you dilute it with additional water. Different coconut cream brands vary on fat content.

Can I use coconut cream instead of solid coconut cream? ›

Some enquirers loosely refer to it is creamed coconut, which is solidified concentrated coconut fat. The two products are different in shape and form but coconut cream can easily be substituted by creamed coconut and be put to the same use.

Does canned coconut cream taste like coconut? ›

Compared to normal coconut milk, coconut cream has a much higher fat content, containing around 19-22% fat. Coconut cream still retains the delicious coconut flavor that coconut milk has, but is much thicker as it is essentially coconut milk with less water.

Where does Tom Cruise get his coconut cake? ›

At the beginning of every holiday season, Cruise is known to send many of his friends and co-stars a white chocolate coconut bundt cake from Doan's Bakery in Woodland Hills, California.

Does Duncan Hines make coconut cake mix? ›

Whip up a decadent coconut dessert with Dolly Parton's Coconut Flavored Cake Mix from Duncan Hines®!

How do you store cake so it doesn't get soggy? ›

Store under cake cover or large bowl.

If you don't have a cake cover, cakes with creamy frostings also can be covered lightly with foil, plastic wrap, or wax paper.

Why is my carrot cake soggy? ›

If you leave mix lying around or have a not quite hot enough oven the carrot sinks a bit and you get a soggy bottom.

Why is my vegan cake soggy? ›

You could try different ones or try reducing the water and/or oil content a little. If you're adding things like fruit to the batter it can release juices during baking that can make cakes soggy. I usually reduce my water and oil content a little when I bake these types of cakes.

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