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Tropical Pina Colada Poke Cake is sheer indulgence. Pineapple, coconut and even a little rum add to this moist, tender cake. Inspired by your favorite tropical cocktail.
Pina Colada Poke Cake is pure summer in cake form. It is a cocktail-inspired easy dessert recipe that is sure to be a hit. This cake is perfect for your family barbecue, cookouts, or family reunions.
Serve it with pina coladas or with use this virgin pina colada recipe if you want to save the alcohol for the cake!
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What We Love About This Pina Colada Cake Recipe
Who invented the poke cake? Find out more here. The tropical flavors of this cake make it a summertime favorite.
- 30 Minute Meal: This is a great cake to make ahead of time and it only takes about thirty minutes.
- Easy Ingredients: All found in pantry or fridge.
- Family Favorite: Not so much for the younger crowd, however great for adult get-togethers. You will get rave reviews and you’ll get asked to make it again next time.
- Adaptable: Can make it using a low-calorie box cake mix or, dairy free, etc.
Ingredient Notes for Pina Colada Cake Recipes
- White Cake Mix: Any brand that you like to use, prepare as described on the package
- Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is best in this recipe
- Pina Colada Drink Mix: This delivers a fresh island taste with a blend of rich pineapple and smooth coconut flavors
- Rum: A gold rum or dark rum is best for this recipe, use what you like to drink
- Coconut Cream Pudding Mix: Vanilla pudding as a different flavor can be used in place of the coconut cream
- Whipped Topping: Cool Whip or any brand that you wish. Sugar free or low fat can be used as the cake topping.
Equipment Needed for Pina Colada Cake Recipe
- Wilton Recipe Right Non-Stick 9 x 13-Inch Oblong 2 Cake Pan Multipack
- KitchenAid Classic Mixing Bowls
- OCTAVO 5 Speed Hand Mixer Electric
- Wooden Spoon
How to Make Pina Colada Poke Cake
These are the basic steps for making pina colada cake recipe. Please refer to the recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
STEP 1: BAKE
First, bake cake according to package directions. Allow cake to partially cool on a wire rack.
STEP 2: POKE HOLES
Next, poke holes with a fork or the handle of a wooden spoon.
STEP 3: PUDDING
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix together pudding mix with 1 cup Pina Colada drink mix and 1/3 cup rum. Pour pudding mixture over the cake and spread around to make sure it gets in the holes.
STEP 4: TOPPING
In a medium bowl, mix together one container whipped topping with 1/4 cup Pina Colada mix and 2 tablespoons rum. Spread this over the top of the cake and then top with remaining whipped cream.
STEP 5: REFRIGERATE
Finally, refrigerate for at least an hour prior to serving. Garnish with fresh pineapples.
Prep and Storage Tips for Pineapple Poke Cake
HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE AHEAD OF TIME
Make this cake ahead of time and keep in the fridge for a day or two, but not too long or it may get soggy.
HOW TO STORE THIS PERFECT SUMMER DESSERT RECIPE
Always store this cake in the refrigerator.
HOW TO FREEZE THIS PINA COLADA CAKE RECIPE
Freeze this cake unfrosted in the freezer wrapped well in plastic wrap or foil, or in an airtight container. It will maintain its texture for up to three months.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pina Colada Desserts
Of course, you can use a gluten free cake mix or a low calorie cake mix, pudding and whipped topping.
To make a family friendly version of this fun recipe, use the extract. Therefore, your coconut lovers of all ages can enjoy this cake.
Too much of a good thing can make this cake too moist. 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.
Expert Tips for Making This Pina Colada Poke Cake Recipe
- Add Toasted Coconut and Maraschino Cherries: Toast some shredded coconut flakes in the oven until brown then use the cherries as decoration.
- Short cut tip: Icing can be used in place of whipped topping. Make sure you whip it first.
- Variation tip: Different flavor cake mix can be used, such as coconut, a box of yellow cake mix, or pineapple cake mix.
- Dietary consideration tip: Lower calorie or lower carb can be used.
Did you try this recipe?
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Pina Colada Poke Cake
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 white cake mix, prepared as directed on package instructions
- 1 cup fresh pineapple
- 1 ¼ cups Pina colada drink mix, divided
- ⅓ cup rum, plus 2 tablespoons, divided
- 3.4 ounces coconut cream pudding mix
- 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed
Instructions
- Bake cake according to package instructions. Allow to partially cool on a wire rack.
- Poke holes with a fork or wooden skewer.
- Mix together pudding mix with 1 cup Pina Colada drink mix and 1/3 cup rum. Pour over the cake and spread around to make sure it gets in the holes.
- Mix together one container whipped topping with 1/4 cup Pina Colada mix and 2 tablespoons rum. Spread this over the top of the cake and then top with remaining whipped cream.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour prior to serving. Garnish with fresh pineapples.
Expert Tips
- Add Toasted Coconut and Maraschino Cherries: Toast some shredded coconut flakes in the oven until brown then use the cherries as decoration.
- Short cut tip: Icing can be used in place of whipped topping. Make sure you whip it first.
- Variation tip: Different flavor cake mix can be used, such as coconut, a box of yellow cake mix, or pineapple cake mix.
- Dietary consideration tip: Lower calorie or lower carb can be used.
The Pina Colada Poke Cake recipe is superb! I made this for the event, and everyone enjoyed it.
What an easy, summery cake! We used it for a family birthday celebration and everyone wanted another piece. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
This is such a delicious cake! Perfect for a celebration or holiday!