Coconut Cream Poke Cake

Wednesday, September 21, 2022
This tropical-style Coconut Cream Poke Cake is a delicious made-from-scratch cake filled with a fabulous coconut cream pudding and topped with whipped cream plus so addicting for all coconut lovers out there!

Each slice of cake is loaded with oozing coconut creamy pudding and making this tender cake moist and delicious in every bite.

Then the topping is freshly whipped cream with toasted coconut so every part of this cake is a special treat.

For those of you not fond of baking, this cake can be made easily just with a cake mix, instant pudding, and whipped topping if you're in a real hurry also!

Our recipe is super easy to make from scratch using all the fresh ingredients that you have in the pantry.

The cake is elegant enough for hosting a dinner party, all your friends and guests will love this cake.

We also have suggestions below for other delicious poke cake flavor combinations you won't want to miss.

Not a coconut fan? Try our Chocolate Peanut Butter Filled Poke Cake, it's scrumptious!

Just scroll down to the recipe card to print this easy dreamy delicious coconut cream poke cake.



This is a  slice of coconut cake with coconut cream pudding that is called poke cakes because you poke holes in the cakes and the coconut cream pudding is throughout the cake then piled high with whipped cream and toasted coconut on top this recipe shows how to make poke cake





What's a Poke Cake?


Poke Cake is can be any kind of cake baked you like in flavors.

After it's baked, holes are punched randomly throughout the top of the cake then the pudding of choice is slathered on top to fill the holes which is pretty simple to do.

The pudding can be made from scratch or by using a boxed brand you prefer found in a supermarket aisle with other like items.

Our pudding is rich with coconut milk, and egg yolks are the perfect filling we make this coconut cake throughout the summer months, and perfect for a backyard barbecue.


This is a  slice of coconut cake with coconut cream pudding that is called poke cakes because you poke holes in the cakes and the coconut cream pudding is throughout the cake then piled high with whipped cream and toasted coconut on top


Other Flavor Fun Poke Cake Ideas (using cake mixed fruits and instant pudding)

  • chocolate cake with chocolate pudding
  • vanilla cake with vanilla pudding
  • strawberry cake with vanilla pudding and chopped fresh strawberries
  • lemon cake with lemon pudding
  • pecan cake with butterscotch pudding
  • coconut cake with chocolate pudding
  • Cherry cake with vanilla pudding and chopped cherries
  • vanilla cake with vanilla pudding and chopped peaches
  • Note: do you have a favorite cake and pudding? 
  • adapt away folks these are the easiest ways to make poke cakes in any kind of combination you prefer
  • all cakes need to be baked to package instructions, as well as the pudding, following the same method except whipped topping instead of whipped real heavy cream can be used also


poked cake using the back of a wooden spoon before filling with pudding


Best Cake Pan Options for Poke Cakes

  1. sheet baking pans are the best in 13 x 9 sizes either disposable for taking to picnics or cake pans
  2. bundt pans will work but you will need to hollow out the ring, fill it with pudding and replace the cutout top of the cake, then frost it with whipped cream
  3. 2-9 inch cake pans as a layer cake will also work adding the filling between layers and then frosting with whipped cream


whipped cream frosting coconut cake collage


Tips

  • don't overmix the batter
  • make sure the cake is cooled completely before adding filling
  • don't poke holes too close together
  • leftover poke cakes need to be refrigerated
  • poke cakes will last up to two days in the refrigerator
  • poke cakes can be assembled and frozen for up to 3 months only thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using

This is a coconut cake with coconut cream pudding that is called poke cakes because you poke holes in the cakes and the coconut cream pudding is throughout the cake then piled high with whipped cream and toasted coconut on top


Ingredients You Will Need (recipe card below has all the measurements)


  • flour
  • sugar
  • baking powder
  • salt
  • milk
  • canola oil
  • coconut extract
  • eggs
  • water
  • unsweetened coconut milk
  • cornstarch
  • egg yolks
  • flaked, unsweetened coconut toasted
  • vanilla extract
  • butter
  • heavy cream


step by step poke cake


Easy Step by Step for Poke Cake Recipes

  1. preheat the oven and bake the cake in the shape you prefer and follow my suggestions for cake pan sizes
  2. cool the cake
  3. while cooling make the pudding
  4. poke the holes in the cake (I use a cake dowel rod or you can use the back of a wooden spoon
  5. make sure the cooked pudding is cool before filling (or if using instant pudding and cake mixes just cool the cake and fill with instant pudding)
  6. frost with whipped cream or whipped topping for cake mix versions


This is a coconut cake with coconut cream pudding that is called poke cakes because you poke holes in the cakes and the coconut cream pudding is throughout the cake then piled high with whipped cream and toasted coconut on top


Love Coconut? Try Some of These Recipes!



Coconut Cream Raspberry Tart


Coconut Macaroons


Coconut Cream Martini


Raspberry Coconut Cheesecake Bars


This is a  slice of coconut cake with coconut cream pudding that is called poke cakes because you poke holes in the cakes and the coconut cream pudding is throughout the cake then piled high with whipped cream and toasted coconut on top


Coconut Cream Poke Cake Pin for later



pin for later poke cake coconut with pudding recipe


Poke Cakes Pudding and Cake Best of Both Worlds Combination



This Coconut Cream Poke Cake really gives you the taste of the Island Tropics.


It is just full of rich delicious coconut cream, and the pudding and delicate cake with a dreamy creamy topping is pure tropical heaven on a plate.


If you ever have been on a tropical vacation, this will bring you to that warm place in the sun as you eat every bite.


Coconut Cream Poke Cake

Coconut Cream Poke Cake

Yield: 20
Author: Claudia Lamascolo
Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 40 MinTotal time: 55 Min
This is an all homemade coconut cream pudding-filled poke cake. All made from scratch cake, pudding, real whipped cream, and toasted coconut

Ingredients

  • Cake:
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 2 cups of sugar
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk or coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons coconut extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup hot water
  • Pudding
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened coconut milk
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 5 egg yolks
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup flaked, unsweetened coconut toasted
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Topping:
  • Toasted Coconut around 1/2 cup or more
  • 2 cups Heavy Cream (Whipped sweetened with sugar)

Instructions

  1. Cake Batter:
  2. Place all dry ingredients in one bowl, and all wet ingredients in another.
  3. Combine the two slowly.
  4. Add the hot water using an electric mixer and beat scrapping the sides down until well blended around 3 minutes.
  5. Pour into a greased 13 x 9 pan and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean in the center.
  6. Remove the cake from the oven and poke holes evenly with the back of a wooden spoon.
  7. Make the pudding:
  8. Directions: In a nonstick 1-quart saucepan, combine 3/4 cup sugar, coconut milk, and 1 cup milk.
  9. Scald mixture. In a small mixing bowl, whisk the remaining 1/2 cup of milk and cornstarch together to make a slurry.
  10. Whisk egg yolks with salt in a medium bowl.
  11. Temper yolks by adding 1/2 cup scalded milk mixture to yolks and whisk well.
  12. Add yolk mixture and put back into milk mixture and whisk vigorously over medium heat until thickened, about 2 minutes.
  13. Remove from heat and add coconut, vanilla, and butter. Whisk until uniformly incorporated.
  14. Toasted Coconut:
  15. To toast coconut, spread it in an ungreased pan and bake in a 350-degree F (175 degrees C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes, or until golden brown, stirring occasionally.
  16. Whipped Cream:
  17. 2 cups heavy cream
  18. sugar to taste
  19. Whip the cream until light and fluffy and holds on to the beaters
  20. Assembly:
  21. Pour the cooked cooled pudding over the coconut cake with poked holes.
  22. Spread with whipped cream and garnish with toasted coconut.
  23. Refer to notes for tips.

Notes

Other Flavor Fun Poke Cake Ideas (using cake mixes fruits and instant pudding)

  • chocolate cake with chocolate pudding
  • vanilla cake with vanilla pudding
  • strawberry cake with vanilla pudding and chopped fresh strawberries
  • lemon cake with lemon pudding
  • pecan cake with butterscotch pudding
  • coconut cake with chocolate pudding
  • Cherry cake with vanilla pudding and chopped cherries
  • vanilla cake with vanilla pudding and chopped peaches
  • Note: all cakes need to be baked to package instructions, as well as the pudding, mixes also you can use whipped topping instead of whipped real heavy cream



Best Cake Pan Options for Poke Cakes

  1. sheet baking pans are the best in 13 x 9 sizes either disposable for taking to picnics or cake pans
  2. bundt pans will work but you will need to hollow out the ring, fill it with pudding and replace the cutout top of the cake, then frost it with whipped cream
  3. 2-9 inch cake pans as a layer cake will also work adding the filling between layers and then frosting with whipped cream



Tips

  • don't overmix the batter
  • make sure the cake is cooled completely before adding filling
  • don't poke holes too close together
  • leftover poke cakes need to be refrigerated
  • poke cakes will last up to two days in the refrigerator
  • poke cakes can be assembled and frozen for up to 3 months only thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using


Nutrition Facts

Calories

429.04

Fat (grams)

25.47

Sat. Fat (grams)

14.29

Carbs (grams)

46.56

Fiber (grams)

1.79

Net carbs

44.76

Sugar (grams)

31.55

Protein (grams)

5.61

Sodium (milligrams)

246.93

Cholesterol (grams)

99.25
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American, French


Coconut Cream Poke Cake Pin for later





More Recipes To Try:



1960s Pistachio Cake Mix Pound Cake
Easy Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Cookies
Cake Mix Blueberry Muffins
Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies
4 Ingredient Pumpkin Cake Mix Cake


This is a coconut cream poke cake. The cake has holes in it and filled with coconut cream pudding and topped with whipped cream and toasted coconut

Disclaimer: This recipe has been revised and update in 2022 originally posted in 2018.

34 comments

  1. Oh my! I think I just gave up my diet. I have a weakness for coconut!

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  2. I do love coconut, so yes, this would be right up my alley and I haven't made a poke cake in a coon's age!

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  3. This cake looks stunning and perfect for my tastebuds! Can't wait to make it!

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  4. This cake looks so tempting! I love poke cake and anything coconut, must give it a try soon.

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  5. This sounds so good! We love coconut cream pie! A cake version sounds amazing!

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  6. YES! I'm one of those coconut lovers and this cake looks terrific!

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  7. Man, oh, man, this is totally scratch, but I'm LOVING all the options you've provided, Claudia! You can still get this cake (maybe not as GOOD as from scratch), w/some modifications and shortcuts. Busy people want this!

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  8. Oh, Claudia!This is a beautiful cake! I would happily eat the whole thing by myself! I just love the coconut custard you made from scratch with the whipped cream and toasted coconut on top!

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  9. Would you believe that I've never had a poke cake but I think that is about to change. Do you serve the cake right away or is it better to let it sit a while?

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    Replies
    1. Ha no one gives me that opportunity, they eat it as soon as it's cooled and so good! Usually none left over with this crowd...

      Delete
  10. I love coconut and this sounds delicious. I'm all over your homemade version!

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  11. Yum! I love poke cake and your coconut cream version looks absolutely delicious! It looks so moist and perfect!

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  12. I love a good poke cake and this one seems PERFECT for summer! Delicious!

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  13. Mmmmm like pie and cake together! Love coconut cream anything and everything.

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  14. I have a newer love of coconut especially toasted coconut so this cake is just amazing to me!

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  15. That coconut pudding sounds so good! The cake looks rich and yummy!
    p.s didn't get any of your updates last month, then today suddenly 14 posts all together!

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  16. A slice of this cake would be perfect with my afternoon cuppa!

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  17. This poke cake looks delicious! The pudding looks delicious enough to make on its own as well!

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  18. I love coconut desserts and this cake looks and sounds so delicious! Poke cakes are such a genius idea!

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  19. I made my first poke cake last week and my wife loved it, must make this soon it sounds wonderful.

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  20. What a deliciously indulgent cake. Great for feeding a crowd.

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  21. OMG! I love coconut. This looks and sounds super good. I am willing to give it a try and let my 5 year old poke the holes :)

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  22. This sounds sooo good! I will be making this!

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  23. We sure have enjoyed featuring your awesome post at Full Plate Thursday, 585 this past week! Hope you are having a great week and come back to see us real soon!
    Miz Helen

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  24. This cake is such a dream! So light and fluffy and the coconut flavor is just right!

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  25. Love the coconut flavour in this cake and I will definitely make it again. The flavours are perfect.

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  26. This is a coconut lovers dream! Big coconut flavor and easy to make.

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  27. I love a good poke cake, and this coconut cream version is my absolute favorite. Thanks so much for sharing the recipe.

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  28. The best part of the coconut pudding coming out. So tastyy

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  29. Yum this cake is so good, love that coconut flavour!

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  30. Un dolce bellissimo e goloso, complimenti!!!

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  31. Love a poke cake! This looks light and delicious...perfect for summer!

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Remember to use the search option for a recipe you're looking for and thanks for all your kind words and support. We love our readers all the best Claudia