If you’re a fan of creamy coconut flavor and moist, tender cake, then get ready to fall head over heels for our Coconut Cream Poke Cake recipe. This dessert is the perfect blend of sweet, rich, and indulgent, making it a standout treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a birthday party, or simply craving a delicious dessert to enjoy with your family, this cake is sure to impress. So, grab your apron and let’s get baking!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 (15.25 oz.) package white cake mix
- 1 (15 oz.) can coconut cream, divided into 2, 1/2-cup portions
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 2 (3.4 oz) packages instant coconut cream pudding
- 2 1/2 cups milk
For the Topping:
- 1/2 (16 oz.) package frozen whipped topping
- 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes, toasted (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, 1/2 cup of coconut cream, water, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth it out into an even layer.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant coconut cream pudding mix and milk until smooth and thickened.
- Once the cake has cooled slightly, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface of the cake.
Step 4: Add the Filling
- Pour the prepared coconut cream pudding mixture over the warm cake, making sure to fill the holes.
- Use a spatula to spread the pudding evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
Step 5: Chill the Cake
- Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the pudding has set.
Step 6: Add the Topping
- Once the cake has chilled, spread the frozen whipped topping over the top of the cake in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the toasted sweetened coconut flakes over the whipped topping, if using.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
- Slice the Coconut Cream Poke Cake into squares and serve chilled.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Cook’s Notes:
- To toast the coconut flakes, spread them out in an even layer on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
- For an extra burst of coconut flavor, you can sprinkle additional coconut flakes between the cake layers before adding the filling.
- Feel free to customize the cake by adding chopped nuts or drizzling chocolate sauce over the top before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I use a different flavor of pudding for the filling?
Yes, you can customize the filling by using a different flavor of instant pudding mix, such as vanilla or banana cream, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Coconut Cream Poke Cake is perfect for making ahead of time for parties or gatherings. Simply prepare the cake up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Is there a keto-friendly version of this recipe?
For a keto-friendly version of this recipe, you can use a low-carb cake mix and sugar-free pudding mix. Replace the sweetened coconut flakes with unsweetened coconut flakes and use a keto-friendly whipped topping made with heavy cream and sweetened with a keto-approved sweetener.
With its luscious layers of cake, creamy coconut pudding filling, and fluffy whipped topping, this Coconut Cream Poke Cake is sure to become a new favorite in your dessert rotation. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a sweet indulgence, this easy-to-make dessert is guaranteed to delight your taste buds. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and whip up a batch of this irresistible Coconut Cream Poke Cake today!
