Coconut Poke Cake Recipe

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Moist, fluffy, and bursting with coconut flavor, this Coconut Poke Cake is the kind of dessert that instantly transports you to a tropical daydream. Each bite is infused with creamy coconut milk that seeps into every corner of the sponge cake, topped with a cloud of whipped cream and a generous sprinkling of toasted coconut flakes. It’s light, luscious, and beautifully simple.

Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or just craving a sweet treat after dinner, this cake is always a crowd-pleaser. The best part? It starts with a boxed cake mix, making the prep delightfully easy while still delivering homemade taste.

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Why You’ll Love This Coconut Poke Cake

This Coconut Poke Cake is a dream come true for coconut lovers. Not only is it ultra-moist and indulgent, but it also comes together with minimal effort. The coconut cream adds a rich texture, while the whipped topping keeps it light. It’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, birthdays, or any day you need a sweet escape.

Plus, it stays moist for days in the fridge, which means it’s a great make-ahead option for busy weeks or events.

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What Kind of Cake Mix Should I Use?

A classic white or yellow boxed cake mix is ideal for this recipe. White cake mix gives you a beautiful light base that allows the coconut flavor to shine through, while yellow cake mix adds a buttery richness. You can also use a coconut-flavored cake mix if you want to double down on the tropical flavor.

Make sure to follow the box instructions for baking, but we’ll be adding our own coconut twist once it’s out of the oven!

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Ingredients for the Coconut Poke Cake

Every ingredient in this Coconut Poke Cake plays a role in making it moist, flavorful, and irresistibly delicious. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why:

• Boxed White or Yellow Cake Mix: A simple base that provides a fluffy, neutral sponge to soak up the coconut flavor.
• Eggs, Oil, and Water (for cake mix): Essential for mixing up the boxed cake. Follow the instructions on the box for the perfect texture.
• Cream of Coconut: This is the secret star of the recipe. It’s thick, sweet, and rich with coconut flavor, perfect for drizzling into the cake.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds extra moisture and a luscious, creamy sweetness.
• Whipped Topping (like Cool Whip): Light and airy, this forms the final layer that balances the rich coconut flavors underneath.
• Toasted Shredded Coconut: Adds texture and a beautiful finish on top, with a lightly nutty and crispy crunch.

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How To Make the Coconut Poke Cake

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Prepare your boxed white or yellow cake mix according to the package directions. Bake in a 9×13 inch pan and let it cool for about 15 minutes once it’s done.

Step 2: Poke the Cake

Use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the warm cake. The more holes, the better the coconut mixture can seep in!

Step 3: Mix and Pour the Filling

In a bowl, whisk together the cream of coconut and sweetened condensed milk. Slowly pour this mixture over the cake, letting it sink into the holes. Let the cake cool completely before the next step.

Step 4: Add Whipped Topping

Once the cake is fully cooled, spread a generous layer of whipped topping evenly over the top.

Step 5: Toast and Sprinkle Coconut

Toast your shredded coconut in a skillet or oven until golden brown, then sprinkle it generously over the whipped topping.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld and the texture set. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

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How to Serve and Store This Coconut Poke Cake

This cake serves about 12 to 15 people, making it a great choice for parties or family gatherings. The texture gets even better as it sits, so don’t hesitate to make it a day ahead.

To serve, simply slice it cold from the fridge and place it on dessert plates. The creamy filling and fluffy topping hold up beautifully, and the toasted coconut adds just the right touch of crunch.

For storing, cover the cake pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Avoid freezing, as the whipped topping and creamy filling don’t thaw well.

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What to Serve With Coconut Poke Cake?

Coffee or Espresso

A hot cup of coffee or a strong shot of espresso balances the cake’s sweetness with a bitter edge.

Fresh Berries

Serve the cake with a side of fresh raspberries or blueberries for a burst of tartness.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert combo.

Tropical Fruit Salad

Think pineapple, mango, and kiwi—these fruits enhance the tropical vibe.

Mint Iced Tea

A cool glass of mint iced tea offers a refreshing contrast to the rich cake.

Pineapple Sorbet

This adds a light and fruity touch that complements the coconut flavor beautifully.

Chocolate Drizzle

For the chocolate lovers, a thin drizzle of dark chocolate over each slice can be a game-changer.

Sparkling Water with Lime

Keep it simple with something bubbly and citrusy to refresh your palate between bites.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use coconut milk instead of cream of coconut?
No, coconut milk and cream of coconut are not the same. Cream of coconut is sweetened and much thicker, which is essential for achieving that rich, sweet texture in the cake.

Do I have to toast the coconut topping?
Toasting the coconut adds a deeper flavor and a slight crunch, which contrasts beautifully with the soft cake. While it’s optional, it’s highly recommended.

Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes! In fact, it’s best made the night before. Letting the cake chill overnight helps all the flavors meld together and creates the perfect moist texture.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Absolutely. Just make sure your whipped cream is stabilized if you plan to make the cake ahead of time. Otherwise, it may deflate.

Is this cake overly sweet?
It’s definitely a sweet dessert, but the whipped topping and toasted coconut help balance it. Pairing it with coffee or fresh fruit also cuts the sweetness.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add pineapple or maybe a chocolate drizzle? Did you try it with homemade whipped cream?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and delicious treats on Tanya Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feel-good recipes!

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Conclusion

This Coconut Poke Cake is everything you want in a dessert—easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and bursting with flavor. It’s the perfect treat for coconut fans and a guaranteed hit at any gathering. From the moist, creamy filling to the fluffy whipped topping and golden toasted coconut, every bite is a tropical escape.

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