Growing up in the South I attended my share of potlucks, family reunions, and church dinners. I was always happy to bypass the “normal food” and skip right to the dessert table. Desserts were a rare treat at my house so I piled my plate high when I had a chance. One of the first dishes I remember seeing on almost every dessert table was this easy coconut poke cake. It tastes like you fussed, but you really didn’t.
Easy Coconut Poke Cake Recipe
I had forgotten about this recipe until one of Bryan’s coworkers asked me to make her a coconut cake before she went on medical leave. Then, not only did I remember the recipe, I decided I needed to cook one for our family as well.
I adapted the traditional recipe I received from one of my cousins to give this a little more “oomph.” It begins with a boxed white cake mix. I always add a little something to my cake mixes to make them taste homemade. In this case, I used several of the substitutions from my Boxed Cake Mix Hacks; such as changing the number of eggs, replacing water with coconut milk, and using butter instead of oil. I was out of coconut extract so I substituted vanilla, but if you have coconut extract you can toss that in too.
Cooking Tips:
- You can make this cake gluten-free simply by using a gluten-free cake mix.
- This cake has to be refrigerated but it tastes even better after it’s completely cooled.
- You can substitute a yellow cake mix for a white cake mix if desired.
- If you prefer, you can use 1 cup of coconut milk in the cake mix instead of 1/2 cup coconut milk and 1/2 cup whole milk.
- If your cake has a rounded top, here’s a fast way to flatten it. Place a (clean) damp dishtowel over the top of the cake. Press down on the top of the cake for 30 seconds. It will be flattened!
- When “poking” holes in the top of the cake, opt on the side of more holes. You want the topping to be able to drench the inside of the cake and make it moist.
Easy Coconut Poke Cake Recipe
20
servings30
minutes25
minutesA delicious coconut cake that tastes like you fussed.
Ingredients
1 (15.3-ounce) boxed white cake mix
4 eggs
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
1/2 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract OR coconut extract
For Topping
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup coconut milk
For Frosting
1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
3/4 cup coconut milk
Directions
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a large bowl, add cake mix, eggs, butter, coconut milk, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Using a mixer, beat on medium speed until batter is completely blended.
- Spray a 13″ by 9″ pan with nonstick cooking spray. Spread batter evenly across pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Remove cake from oven. Using the handle of a wooden spoon “poke” holes across the top of the cake.
- In a small bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk and the coconut milk together until blended. Pour mixture evenly over the top of the cake. Allow the cake to cook for 20 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, mix the whipped topping, coconut milk, and coconut flakes together until blended. Spread the mixture evenly across the top of the cooled cake. Wrap cake tightly in aluminum foil. Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving.
- Store cake in the refrigerator for up to four days.
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Boxed Cake Mix Hacks – a collection of recipes and tips to turn an ordinary boxed cake mix into an extraordinary dessert with minimal fuss, preparation, or ingredients.
The Best Flourless Chocolate Cake Recipe – The absolute best chocolate cake recipe for anyone who needs a gluten-free dessert.
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I love poke cakes, and this coconut poke cake is one of the best I’ve ever tried! Thanks so much for sharing!
Coconut poke cake looks delicious my favorite nuts. I would love to try this cake.
Coconut is my favorite flavor! I should make this poke cake this weekend!
I could eat that whole pie. Can you guarantee that I won’t gain weight if I do that.
I have a family who would love this cake. I haven’t been of fan of coconut but it does look delicious.
I love a good poke cake recipe. I have a friend who’s obsessed with all things coconut, she’ll love this. I’m allergic to coconut, so for myself I’ll just leave that out
I’ve never made a poke cake, but sounds fun to try. We’ll have to give this one a shot!
I. Love. Coconut. This coconut poke cake is something I would make and devour all by myself. I’m going to totally give it a try, with supervision, so that I don’t eat it all at once 😉
This coconut cake looks so so good! Coconut is one of my favorites. Can’t wait to make.
This looks like a delicious dessert! My in-laws make a lot of delicious poke cakes, but I’ve never seen a coconut poke cake before. I’ll have to try this.
This cake looks really divine. Looking forward to giving this recipe a try.
Ooo this looks like a tasty dessert. I am excited to try this out. I love coconut stuff.
Yes! Coconut cake, there is something about it and oh it goes so well with a cup of tea.
That is making my mouth absolutely water! It looks so good, and it’s so easy. Winner!