Tropical Paradise Pina Colada Poke Cake
Indulge in a taste of the tropics with this delightful Pina Colada Poke Cake, a refreshing and easy-to-make dessert. Perfect for a summer gathering or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cake combines the moist richness of a classic yellow cake with the creamy, citrusy flavors of pina colada. Topped with dreamy Cool Whip and garnished with toasted coconut, pineapple chunks, and cherries, each bite transports you to a sun-soaked beach. Make this crowd-pleaser for your next event, and watch it disappear in no time!
12
Servings
300
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
yellow cake mix
1 box (as per box instructions)
eggs
3 (or as per box instructions)
oil
1/3 cup (or as per box instructions)
water
1 1/3 cups (or as per box instructions)
pina colada nonalcoholic drink mix
16 ounces (none)
sweetened condensed milk
14 ounces (none)
Cool Whip
8 ounces (thawed)
sweetened flaked coconut
to taste (lightly toasted)
maraschino cherries
to taste (for garnish)
canned pineapple chunks
to taste (patted dry, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Prepare the yellow cake mix according to the box instructions, using the specified amounts of eggs, oil, and water.
2
Pour the batter into a 9x13 inch pan and bake as directed on the package until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3
While the cake is baking, in a medium bowl, mix together the pina colada drink mix and sweetened condensed milk until combined.
4
After baking, remove the cake from the oven and leave it in the original pan. While it's still hot, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke several holes across the surface.
5
Slowly pour the pina colada mixture evenly over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Use a rubber spatula to help spread the mixture if necessary.
6
Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature.
7
Once the cake is cool, spread the thawed Cool Whip evenly over the top.
8
For additional texture and flavor, sprinkle with toasted coconut, and garnish with maraschino cherries and pineapple chunks, if desired.
9
Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
40g
Carbs
3.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Tropical Paradise Pina Colada Poke Cake?
It is a refreshing and easy-to-make tropical dessert featuring a yellow cake base infused with pina colada flavors and topped with Cool Whip and coconut.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 12 servings.
Is this pina colada cake alcoholic?
No, this recipe specifically uses nonalcoholic pina colada drink mix.
What type of cake mix is needed?
The recipe calls for one box of standard yellow cake mix.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What size pan should I use for baking?
A 9x13 inch baking pan is recommended for this recipe.
When should I poke holes in the cake?
You should poke holes in the cake while it is still hot, immediately after removing it from the oven.
What tool is best for poking holes in a poke cake?
The handle of a wooden spoon is ideal for creating the right sized holes for the liquid mixture to seep into.
What is the liquid mixture poured over the cake?
The mixture consists of 16 ounces of nonalcoholic pina colada drink mix and 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk.
How long should the cake chill before serving?
The cake should be refrigerated for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
What are the nutritional macros for a serving?
One serving contains 12.5g of fat, 40g of carbohydrates, and 3.3g of protein.
What ingredients are used for the garnish?
The cake is garnished with toasted sweetened flaked coconut, maraschino cherries, and pineapple chunks.
Does the cake need to be cooled before adding Cool Whip?
Yes, the cake must be completely cooled at room temperature before spreading the thawed Cool Whip over the top.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe calls for 3 eggs, or the amount specified by the cake mix box instructions.
What is the prep time category for this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as taking less than 60 minutes to prepare.
Do I need to toast the coconut?
Yes, the recipe recommends using lightly toasted coconut for better texture and flavor.
How much oil and water is needed for the cake?
Generally 1/3 cup of oil and 1 1/3 cups of water, though you should follow the specific directions on your yellow cake mix box.
What type of pineapple should I use for the topping?
Canned pineapple chunks are used; ensure they are patted dry before placing them on the cake.
Is the Cool Whip used frozen or thawed?
The 8 ounces of Cool Whip should be thawed before spreading it on the cake.
Can I use a rubber spatula during the process?
Yes, a rubber spatula is helpful for spreading the pina colada mixture into the holes and spreading the Cool Whip topping.
What makes this a 'poke' cake?
It is called a poke cake because you poke holes into the surface of the baked cake to allow a liquid filling to soak into the sponge.
Is this dessert suitable for summer?
Yes, its tropical flavors and chilled serving temperature make it a perfect summer gathering dessert.
How much sweetened condensed milk is used?
The recipe uses one 14-ounce container of sweetened condensed milk.
What flavor is the pina colada drink mix?
It provides a creamy, citrusy pineapple and coconut flavor profile.
Can I store leftovers in the fridge?
Yes, due to the dairy and topping, the cake should be kept refrigerated.
How much pina colada mix is in the recipe?
The recipe requires 16 ounces of the nonalcoholic mix.
Are there any fibers or sugars listed in the nutrition?
The nutritional data provided does not specify fiber or sugar amounts, only calories, fat, carbs, and protein.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to prepare and bake the yellow cake mix according to the box instructions.
Should the cherries be garnished whole?
Maraschino cherries are usually added to taste for garnish; they can be placed whole on top of the whipped layer.
Is this recipe considered a crowd-pleaser?
Yes, the description notes it is a crowd-pleaser that is likely to disappear quickly at events.