Irresistible Hawaiian Poke Cake

The first time I made Hawaiian Poke Cake, it was purely out of curiosity—and maybe because I had a random can of pineapple juice staring at me from the pantry shelf. It was one of those chaotic Tuesday afternoons where the kids were hangry, the dog was muddy, and I needed a quick win. And oh, this cake delivered. The tropical flavors—sweet pineapple juice, creamy coconut milk, and fluffy whipped topping—were like a mini island vacation for my taste buds.

This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a vibe. Think sunshine, flip-flops, and a little Jimmy Buffett playing in the background. You bake the yellow cake, poke a few holes (get your frustrations out!), and pour in that luscious pineapple-coconut mixture so it soaks into every nook and cranny. Finish it with coconut, whipped topping, and cheerful maraschino cherries, and you’ve got something truly magical.

So, whether you’re planning a backyard luau or just craving a taste of summer, Hawaiian Poke Cake is your sweet ticket to paradise. Let’s dive in.


Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Poke Cake

  • Tropical escape on a plate – Pineapple, coconut, and a dreamy whipped topping bring serious island vibes.
  • Make-ahead magicHawaiian Poke Cake gets better as it chills, making it perfect for parties and potlucks.
  • Kid and grandma approved – Sweet, soft, and topped with cherries—what’s not to love?
  • One bowl + one pan = less mess – A win for busy bakers who hate dishes.

Ingredients

  • 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
  • 1 cup pineapple juice (100%)
  • 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (drained)
  • 1 cup whipped topping
  • ¼ cup maraschino cherries (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish like you mean it. This is the foundation for your perfect Hawaiian Poke Cake.

2. Bake the Cake:

Follow the instructions on your cake mix box. Pour the batter into your greased dish and bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden and fragrant. Let it cool slightly (enough that it won’t burn your fingertips), then poke holes all over the top using the end of a wooden spoon.

3. Add the Tropical Infusion:

Whisk together pineapple juice and coconut milk. Pour this juicy blend slowly and evenly over the cake so it sinks into the poked holes. This is where Hawaiian Poke Cake gets its signature juicy texture.

4. Coconut Topping:

While the cake is still moist, sprinkle on that sweet shredded coconut so it sticks like a sandy beach day memory.

5. Frost & Garnish:

Spread the whipped topping generously across the top. Scatter pineapple chunks and those cheerful maraschino cherries for the final festive touch.

6. Chill & Serve:

Pop your Hawaiian Poke Cake into the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. Trust me, the chill time makes all the difference.


Melania’s Tips for Perfect Hawaiian Poke Cake

  • Use full-fat coconut milk—this is not the time for “lite.”
  • Don’t skimp on poking holes; the more, the merrier (and juicier).
  • Want extra flair? Toast the coconut before sprinkling for a nutty flavor boost.
  • Let the cake cool enough so the topping doesn’t melt into a puddle.
  • For the most flavorful Hawaiian Poke Cake, let it rest overnight.

Bake It With the Littles

This Hawaiian Poke Cake is a playground for little hands:

  • Kids can poke holes (fun and supervised!)
  • Let them layer on toppings like a tropical art project
  • Practice counting with cherries (math is sweeter with sugar)

Pro tip: Give them their own section of the cake to decorate—it keeps things…peaceful.


Meal-Prep Magic

Hawaiian Poke Cake is a dream for make-ahead planning:

  • Bake and chill it the night before your gathering.
  • Keeps beautifully for up to 4 days in the fridge, covered.
  • Make it on Sunday and enjoy midweek tropical pick-me-ups.

It actually gets better after a day or two as the flavors soak in. Island flavor intensifies over time, just like a good beach tan.


Healthier Swaps Without Losing the Magic

Want to feel slightly virtuous while still indulging?

  • Use a sugar-free cake mix or make your own low-sugar yellow cake.
  • Opt for light whipped topping.
  • Sub unsweetened coconut for less sugar.
  • Try light coconut milk if you must, but know it won’t be as luscious.

Even with these swaps, Hawaiian Poke Cake keeps its charm and flavor.


Leftover Remix

If by some miracle you have leftovers of Hawaiian Poke Cake:

  • Cube it up and layer into mini tropical trifles.
  • Crumble and mix into vanilla yogurt for a beachy parfait.
  • Freeze individual slices for an on-demand treat (wrap tightly in plastic).

Bonus: chopped leftovers + a scoop of vanilla ice cream = instant aloha sundae.


Gift It Like a Pro

Want to make someone’s day?

  • Slice and stack your Hawaiian Poke Cake in parchment-lined bakery boxes.
  • Tie with twine and add a mini umbrella for flair.
  • Bring to your neighbor, teacher, or friend who’s been “doing it all.”

This cake travels well and stores beautifully, making it the ultimate edible gift.


FAQs

Can I use white cake mix instead of yellow?
Absolutely! It’ll be slightly lighter in flavor but still makes a delightful Hawaiian Poke Cake.

Can I freeze Hawaiian Poke Cake?
Yes! Wrap slices individually and store in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, just make sure it’s sweet and chopped into small chunks.

Is this cake overly sweet?
Not at all—thanks to the tangy pineapple and the fluffy whipped topping, Hawaiian Poke Cake is just right.


Final Thought

Hawaiian Poke Cake is everything we love about summer: simple, sweet, and a little bit whimsical. It’s the kind of dessert that brings people together, whether you’re hosting a backyard luau or just trying to jazz up your Tuesday. So next time you crave a taste of the tropics, whip up this poke-perfect treat—and don’t forget the cherry on top.

Looking for more tropical goodies? Check out my Authentic Hawaiian Macaroni Salad or this dreamy Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken!

And if you want to go full luau mode, this Allrecipe’s Tropical Salad with Pineapple Vinaigrette makes the perfect sidekick.

Leave a Comment