This Coconut Poke Cake is, hands down, the very best coconut cake you will even have. It is so tender, it has a great crumb and loads of coconut flavor.
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When you want to serve the Best Coconut Poke Cake to your family this is the recipe that you are going to have to use. So tender, it has a great crumb and loads of coconut flavor.
What is a poke cake? A poke can is when you create little holes within the cake to pour some liquid for the cake to absorb.
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What We Love About This Delicious Coconut Poke Cake Recipe
If you hate dry cake, that doesn’t have a lot of flavor, then you will love this cake. You will love how very moist and luscious it is and is a favorite of all coconut lovers everywhere.
- 30 Minute Cake: An amazing fluffy cake that takes little time but has incredible flavor.
- Easy Ingredients: All found in pantry or fridge for this easy cake.
- Family Friendly: Coconut Lovers will love this coconut poke cake recipe.
- Adaptable: Can make it low-carb or dairy free, etc…
- Makes Great Leftovers: This delicious cake stays moist for a great time.
Ingredient Notes for Easy Coconut Poke Cake
- Boxed Cake Mix: 1 Boxed white cake mix (18 oz), plus ingredients to make cake for the box mix following box directions.
- Coconut Extract
- 5.4 oz Cream of coconut
- Frozen whipped topping, thawed such as Cool Whip
- Sweetened coconut flakes
Equipment Needed for Delicious Coconut Poke Cake
How to Make Coconut Cake Easy Recipe
These are the basic steps for making cake with coconut milk. Please refer to the recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
STEP 1: MAKE CAKE BATTER
First, prepare cake according to the box directions. Second, bake in a 13×9 baking dish.
STEP 2: POKE
Next, remove cake from the oven, and while still hot, poke small holes all over the top using a fork or the end of a wooden spoon and then open the can of coconut milk and stir it so it is completely combined, next pour 7 oz of the coconut milk over top of the warm cake.
STEP 3: COOL
Then, let cake cool completely. Spread whipped topping over the entire top of the cake. Finally, top with flaked coconut and then refrigerate for one hour before serving.
Prep and Storage Tips for Moist Coconut Poke Cake
HOW TO MAKE THIS EASY POKE CAKE RECIPE AHEAD OF TIME
If you want to make this cake ahead of time, that is no problem. It will sit in the refrigerator for several days.
Truly, this cake can last in the freezer, wrapped tightly for a few months.
HOW TO STORE THIS FAVORITE CAKE RECIPE
Store well wrapped with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep a moist cake.
HOW TO FREEZE THIS BEST CAKE RECIPE
Also, you can also freeze it if you need to, I recommend that you put the cake in unfrosted, then when it is time to serve, add the whip topping and coconut.
Frequently Asked Questions
This tender cake calls for CANNED coconut milk, it is not the same as the one in the carton with the other milk products. Cream of coconut works well too.
Of course, try adding an extra egg and/or try replacing the oil with twice the butter. Also, try milk in place of water. This will allow for best results and the best flavor.
Maraschino Cherries or crushed pineapple are great for this coconut lover’s dream cake.
Expert Tips for Making This Easy Coconut Cake Recipe
- Toast : To give a nutty flavor try toasted coconut.
- Sweeten: A little sweetened condensed milk with your coconut milk
- Drizzle: Decorate with a little melted dark chocolate and caramel sauce on top of the cale and make a little samoa cake.
- Coconut Cake: For the true coconut lover use a coconut cake mix instead of a white cake mix.
- Cream Cheese Icing: Replace the whipped cream with a cream cheese icing.
What to Serve with Coconut Poke Cake
- Stabilized Whipped Cream
- Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
- Mocha Latte
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Best Coconut Poke Cake
Ingredients
- 1 Boxed white cake mix (18 oz), plus ingredients to make cake
- 2 teaspoons Coconut extract, divided
- 5.4 oz Cream of coconut
- 8 oz Frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1 cup Sweetened flaked coconut
Instructions
- Prepare cake according to the package directions and stir in 1 teaspoon of coconut extract.
- Bake in a 13×9 baking dish according to package directions.
- Remove cake from the oven, and while still hot, poke holes all over the top using a fork.
- Pour the Cream of Coconut over top of the hot cake.
- Cool cake completely.
- While cake is cooling, stir thawed whipped topping with remaining teaspoon of coconut extract.
- Spread whipped topping mixture over the cooled cake.
- Top with flaked coconut.
- Refrigerate for one hour before serving.
Expert Tips
- Toast : To give a nutty flavor try toasted coconut.
- Sweeten: A little sweetened condensed milk with your coconut milk
- Drizzle: Decorate with a little melted dark chocolate and caramel sauce on top of the cale and make a little samoa cake.
- Coconut Cake: For the true coconut lover use a coconut cake mix instead of a white cake mix.
- Cream Cheese Icing: Replace the whipped cream with a cream cheese icing.
Can you use Cream of Coconut? I didn’t buy coconut milk for some reason. 🤷🏻♀️
I have never made it that way, i do not see why not as long as the consistency is thin enough.
Beautiful coconut cake, loved it!
Loved this coconut poke cake. My in-laws came to visit and they also loved it. Recommend it!
We love poke cakes and this one was delicious! Great for summer gatherings.
What kind of frozen whipped topping? Do you mean whip cream, can ready made kind? Can you please explain what you mean for frozen whipped topping. Thank you in advance.
I’m referring to Cool Whip. It’s different than traditional whipped cream. You find it in the freezer section of the grocery store. You can substitute whipped cream in this recipe, though.
Coconut Milk or Cream of Coconut that is sweetened ?
Coconut milk 🙂
Mmm…coconut is my very favorite, and coconut cake? Creamy, dreamy, delicious! Would love for you to share at Fridays Unfolded!
Alison
Nancherrow
Pinned! Yum.
I’ve made this before and it is TO DIE FOR! Always a hit at potlucks, too! Yum.
You just brought back fond memories for me! My mother used to make this cake and it was so good. Have a great day.
That sounds so moist and delicious….. thank you for sharing this. Gentle Joy
Christina, this looks amazing! I’m a big fan of poke cakes in general, and coconut is one of my favorite treats. Can’t wait to try this. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Mmmmm, this cake sounds fantastic and it is such an easy recipe. Thanks so much for sharing at Simple Supper Tuesday.