We’re about to share one of our favorite crowd-pleasing desserts that transforms an ordinary cake into something extraordinary. Pineapple poke cake combines the tropical sweetness of pineapple with moist vanilla cake and creamy topping for a dessert that’s impossible to resist.
This brilliant cake gets its name from the “poking” technique where we create holes throughout the baked cake and pour delicious pineapple filling directly into every bite. The result? A supremely moist cake that’s bursting with tropical flavor in every forkful.
What makes this dessert truly special is its incredible versatility and make-ahead convenience. Whether you’re planning a summer barbecue potluck dinner party or simply craving something sweet and refreshing we guarantee this pineapple poke cake will become your new go-to recipe. It’s surprisingly simple to make yet delivers restaurant-quality results that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
We’ve organized our pineapple poke cake ingredients into three simple categories to make your shopping and preparation effortless. Each component works together to create layers of tropical flavor that will transform your ordinary cake into an extraordinary dessert.
For the Cake
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 1 can crushed pineapple in juice (20 oz), drained and juice reserved
For the Pineapple Topping
- Reserved pineapple juice from drained crushed pineapple
- 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz)
- 1 cup cold milk
- Drained crushed pineapple from cake ingredients
For the Whipped Cream Layer
- 1 container frozen whipped topping (8 oz), thawed
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained
- Additional maraschino cherries for garnish
- Extra shredded coconut for garnish
Equipment Needed
Making our tropical pineapple poke cake requires only standard kitchen tools that most home bakers already have on hand. We recommend gathering all equipment before starting to ensure a smooth preparation process.
Essential Baking Tools:
- 9×13-inch baking dish – This rectangular pan provides the perfect size for our poke cake and allows easy serving portions
- Non-stick cooking spray or butter for greasing – Prevents sticking and ensures clean cake removal
- Large mixing bowl – Accommodates our cake batter preparation with room for proper mixing
- Electric or hand mixer – Creates the smooth, well-incorporated batter our recipe demands
Preparation Equipment:
- Small mixing bowl – Perfect for combining our pudding mixture and other toppings
- Fine-mesh strainer – Essential for draining our crushed pineapple while reserving the precious juice
- Rubber spatula – Helps fold ingredients gently and scrape bowls clean
- Wire whisk – Ensures our pudding mixture reaches the perfect consistency
Specialized Poke Cake Tools:
- Wooden spoon handle or skewer – Creates the signature holes that allow our pineapple mixture to penetrate the cake
- Measuring cups and spoons – Guarantees accurate ingredient proportions for consistent results
Our equipment list focuses on accessibility and functionality. Standard kitchen tools work perfectly for this recipe, making it approachable for bakers at any skill level. The wooden spoon handle serves as our primary poking tool, though any similar rounded carry out works equally well for creating those essential cake holes.
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create our tropical pineapple poke cake that delivers maximum flavor and impressive presentation.
Prep the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Combine the yellow cake mix with water, vegetable oil, eggs, and ⅔ cup of the drained crushed pineapple in a large mixing bowl. Mix the ingredients until just combined, avoiding overmixing to maintain the cake’s tender texture. Reserve the remaining crushed pineapple and pineapple juice for later steps.
Bake the Cake
Pour the prepared batter into your greased baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 25-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake surface should appear golden brown and spring back when lightly touched. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before proceeding to the next step.
Create the Poke Holes
Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes across the entire surface of the cooled cake. Space the holes approximately 1 inch apart and push all the way through to the bottom of the pan. These holes will allow our pineapple mixture to penetrate deeply into the cake, creating pockets of tropical flavor throughout each slice.
Prepare the Pineapple Mixture
Whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and reserved pineapple juice in a medium bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and thickened. The consistency should be pourable but not too thin. This mixture will serve as our flavoring agent that seeps into the poked holes.
Add the Pineapple Layer
Pour the prepared pudding mixture evenly over the cake surface, using a rubber spatula to gently spread and ensure the mixture fills all the poke holes. Work quickly as the pudding will begin to set. The mixture should cover the entire cake surface while penetrating the holes you created.
Make the Whipped Cream Topping
Beat the heavy cream and powdered sugar in a large bowl using an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the remaining crushed pineapple, sweetened shredded coconut, and chopped maraschino cherries using a rubber spatula. The topping should maintain its fluffy texture while incorporating all the tropical elements.
Assemble and Chill
Spread the pineapple whipped cream topping evenly over the entire cake surface using a rubber spatula or offset spatula. Garnish with additional maraschino cherries and shredded coconut for an attractive presentation. Refrigerate the completed cake for at least 2 to 4 hours to allow all layers to set properly and flavors to meld together before serving.
Directions for Serving
We recommend serving this pineapple poke cake chilled for optimal flavor and texture. Allow the cake to rest in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving to ensure all layers have properly set.
Preparing Individual Portions
Cut the cake into squares using a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts to maintain neat edges. We suggest creating 12 to 15 generous portions from a standard 9×13-inch cake. Each slice should showcase the distinct layers of moist cake, creamy pineapple filling, and fluffy whipped topping.
Garnishing Options
Enhance each serving with decorative touches that complement the tropical theme. We love adding grilled pineapple slices that caramelize beautifully and provide textural contrast. Dehydrated pineapple rings create an elegant presentation while intensifying the fruit flavor. Fresh mint leaves offer a pop of color and aromatic freshness that balances the sweetness.
Serving Temperature and Timing
Maintain the cake at refrigerator temperature until ready to serve. We find that removing individual slices 5 to 10 minutes before serving allows the flavors to brighten without compromising the structure. This brief warming period makes each bite more enjoyable while preserving the cake’s signature moist texture.
Storage Considerations
Store leftover portions covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. We recommend using plastic wrap or an airtight container to prevent the whipped topping from absorbing other flavors. Individual portions can be plated and covered separately for convenient grab-and-go servings throughout the week.
Make-Ahead Instructions
We love how convenient this pineapple poke cake becomes when prepared in advance. Breaking down our preparation into manageable stages allows us to enjoy stress-free entertaining while maximizing flavor development.
Prepare the Cake Base
Baking and poking our cake a day in advance gives us the perfect foundation for assembly. We can complete the entire cake preparation through the cooling process, then create our signature holes using a wooden spoon handle or skewer. Store the prepared cake covered at room temperature overnight, which actually helps the cake settle and creates better channels for our pineapple mixture.
Timing the Pudding Mixture
Fresh pudding mixture delivers the best texture and flavor absorption. We recommend preparing our vanilla pudding combination with milk and reserved pineapple juice just before assembling the cake. This timing prevents the pudding from becoming too thick or developing an undesirable skin while maintaining optimal pouring consistency.
Strategic Final Assembly
Our whipped cream topping performs best when spread immediately before the final refrigeration period. We fold together our heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, and additional crushed pineapple just before spreading over the assembled cake. This approach preserves the light, airy texture that makes each bite special.
The completed cake requires refrigeration for at least 2 to 4 hours before serving, though overnight chilling produces even better results. Our make-ahead timeline allows the pineapple flavors to fully penetrate the cake while the layers meld together into a cohesive dessert. Planning this preparation schedule means we can focus on enjoying time with our guests rather than rushing through last-minute assembly steps.
Storage Tips
Proper storage ensures our pineapple poke cake maintains its tropical flavor and creamy texture for days after assembly. We recommend storing leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator immediately after serving.
Refrigerator Storage
Our pineapple poke cake stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when properly covered. The whipped cream topping requires consistent cold temperatures to maintain its stability and prevent spoilage. We can safely leave the cake at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours during serving time before returning it to refrigeration.
| Storage Method | Duration | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated with toppings | Up to 4 days | 35-40°F |
| Room temperature serving | 1-2 hours maximum | 68-72°F |
Freezer Storage Options
We can freeze the cake base without pudding and whipped cream toppings for up to 3 months. This method preserves the cake’s texture while allowing us to add fresh toppings later. The frozen cake should thaw completely at room temperature before we assemble it with the pineapple mixture and whipped cream.
Freezing the fully assembled cake with pudding and whipped cream is not recommended. The dairy components break down during freezing and create an undesirable texture when thawed.
Assembly Considerations
We achieve the best results by storing components separately when possible. The cake base can be made ahead and stored covered at room temperature for 24 hours before adding toppings. Our pudding mixture maintains optimal consistency when prepared fresh and used immediately during assembly.
The whipped cream topping should be applied just before final refrigeration to preserve its light and airy texture. We cover the finished cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent absorption of refrigerator odors and maintain moisture levels.
Variations and Substitutions
We love how adaptable pineapple poke cake becomes when you experiment with different ingredients and techniques. The beauty of this dessert lies in its flexibility to accommodate various flavor preferences and dietary needs.
Cake Base Alternatives
Our favorite starting point involves swapping the traditional yellow cake mix for different varieties. White cake mix creates a lighter base that allows the pineapple flavors to shine more prominently. French vanilla cake mix adds depth and richness to each bite. We often combine two different cake mixes for a unique flavor profile that surprises guests.
Pudding Mix Options
The pudding layer offers endless possibilities for customization. Vanilla pudding provides a classic complement to pineapple while cheesecake flavored pudding creates a more decadent dessert experience. We recommend experimenting with different pudding flavors to discover your preferred combination.
Liquid Enhancements
Substituting some of the milk with pineapple juice in the pudding mixture intensifies the tropical flavor throughout the cake. This technique ensures every bite delivers maximum pineapple taste. Sweetened condensed milk can replace the pudding entirely for a tres leches style effect that adds moisture and sweetness to the finished dessert.
Pineapple Choices
Fresh pineapple delivers a brighter and more vibrant taste compared to canned varieties. We prefer this option when pineapples are in season and readily available. Crushed pineapple works well for even distribution while diced pineapple provides more distinct fruit pieces throughout each serving.
Creative Toppings
Cool Whip offers convenience while homemade whipped cream provides superior flavor and texture control. Shredded coconut transforms the dessert into a pineapple coconut poke cake that transports you straight to the tropics. Grilled pineapple slices create an elegant presentation for special occasions while dehydrated pineapple rings add visual appeal and concentrated flavor.
Water Temperature Considerations
Cold water produces a more traditional cake texture while boiling water creates an exceptionally moist and tender crumb. We find that boiling water particularly enhances the cake’s ability to absorb the pineapple mixture more effectively.
Conclusion
We’re confident this pineapple poke cake will become your go-to dessert when you want something that’s both impressive and incredibly easy to make. The combination of moist cake soaked with tropical flavors and topped with fluffy whipped cream creates a dessert that tastes like sunshine in every bite.
What we love most about this recipe is how forgiving it is – whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced one you’ll find success with this straightforward approach. The make-ahead friendly nature means you can prep it without stress and the endless customization options ensure it’ll never get boring.
So grab those ingredients and give this tropical treat a try. We guarantee your family and friends will be asking for the recipe after their first taste!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pineapple poke cake?
Pineapple poke cake is a tropical dessert made using a “poking” technique where holes are created in a baked cake, allowing pineapple filling to seep through. This creates a moist, flavorful treat with layers of cake, pineapple pudding mixture, and whipped cream topping with coconut and cherries.
How long should I chill the pineapple poke cake before serving?
Chill the pineapple poke cake for at least 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the pineapple flavors to fully penetrate the cake and helps set the layers properly. Remove individual slices 5-10 minutes before serving to brighten the flavors.
Can I make pineapple poke cake ahead of time?
Yes, pineapple poke cake is perfect for make-ahead preparation. Prepare the cake base a day in advance, make the pudding mixture just before assembly, and add the whipped cream topping right before refrigeration. This timeline allows flavors to develop while maintaining optimal texture.
How long does pineapple poke cake last in the refrigerator?
Leftover pineapple poke cake stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. The whipped cream topping requires consistent cold temperatures to prevent spoilage. Keep covered to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other flavors.
Can I freeze pineapple poke cake?
The cake base can be frozen without toppings for up to 3 months. However, fully assembled pineapple poke cakes should not be frozen due to texture issues with the whipped cream and pudding layers. For best results, store components separately and assemble after thawing.
What equipment do I need to make pineapple poke cake?
You’ll need standard kitchen tools: a 9×13-inch baking dish, large mixing bowl, electric or hand mixer, small mixing bowl, fine-mesh strainer, rubber spatula, wire whisk, and a wooden spoon handle or skewer for poking holes. Non-stick cooking spray or butter is needed for greasing.
Can I substitute fresh pineapple for canned?
Yes, fresh pineapple can be substituted for canned crushed pineapple and provides a brighter, more vibrant taste. You’ll need to crush or finely chop the fresh pineapple and may need to adjust liquid measurements since fresh pineapple contains less juice than canned varieties.
What cake mix alternatives can I use?
While yellow cake mix is traditional, you can substitute white cake mix or French vanilla cake mix for different flavor profiles. These alternatives work well with the tropical pineapple flavors while maintaining the cake’s ability to absorb the pudding mixture effectively.
