Pina Colada Poke Cake - one fantastic cake with all of the flavors of your favorite Summer drink! Coconut, pineapple and rum make it truly irresistible!
I had this crazy idea of making a cake inspired by my favorite summer cocktail: Pina Colada. What's not to be crazy about? Coconut, pineapple and rum - this desserts is screaming Summer!
Best idea ever! And you won't believe how easy it is to make! I will even let you use a box cake mix for a shortcut!
It all starts with a super simple yellow vanilla cake (you can use a box cake mix as a time saver) that's baked in a 13" x 9" pan. After the cake cools, you poke it with a back of a wooden spoon or a wooden dowel so the toppings can saturate the cake. It's a genius idea and helps all the flavors mingle! So good! For the toppings, I mixed crushed pineapple with it's juice and cream of coconut (I used the same product as in this coconut latte). This mixture fills the holes in cake. The last thing you need to do is to mix whipped cream of Cool Whip (hello, another time saver!) with rum or rum extract for one glorious finish! Spread it on top and chill the cake for at least 2 hours. It will help all the flavors come through and I personally think that this cake tastes better cold. Just like the cocktail!
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For garnish, I used large coconut flakes but you can use shredded coconut as well. Maraschino cherries make for the perfect final touch on top of each slice.
This cake looks festive which makes it a great dessert for get-togethers and celebrations. But take the first bite and it will make you swoon with all of the flavors! Crazy delicious!
Pina Colada Poke Cake
Ingredients
- 1.5 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1.5 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1.5 cup crushed pineapple with juice
- ¾ cup cream of coconut
- 1 cups tub of Cool Whip OR 1 and ½ of heavy whipping cream whipped to stiff peaks
- 2 Tablespoons rum or 1 teaspoon of rum extract
Instructions
to make the cake (if using cake mix - use instructions on the box):
- Grease and flour a 13" x 9" baking pan. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, salt, sugar, baking powder, baking soda).
- In another mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, vanilla and oil.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth. No need for an electric mixer here - I used just a whisk!
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Tap the pan gently against the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Bake the cake for 20 to 22 minutes or until golden brown on top and the toothpick inserted in few places comes out clean.
- Cool completely in the pan in room temperature.
- When the cake is cool, poke the surface with the round end of a wooden spoon or a wooden dowel.
- Pour half of the cream of coconut over the cake, spreading all over the top.
- Top with crushed pineapple and spread evenly, gently pressing the mixture into the holes.
- Top with remaining cream of coconut.
- Add rum or rum extract to the whipped cream of Cool Whip and gently stir in. Spread the topping over the cake.
- Chill the cake in the fridge for at least 2 hours or even overnight. This cake is better served cold.
- Garnish with large coconut flakes or shredded coconut and Maraschino cherries.
- Store covered in fridge for up to 3 days.
Notes
Nutrition
If you like this recipe and make it in your kitchen, snap a photo and share in on social media! Tag me on Instagram #crunchycreamysweet or @crunchycreamysweet I'd love to see it!
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Maureen says
I love the idea of Pina Colada in a cake. The best summer drinks are all combined to create this amazing cake. Wow. This is such a summer dessert. Coconut, pineapple and rum are great flavors!
Serena says
I love, love, love poke cakes and pina colada's so I know this cake has my name all over it! Great flavors!
Kristen says
Well, I'm kind of a huge fan of pina coladas so I imagine I'd be just as big of fan of this gorgeous cake! Love it!
Amanda says
This looks so yummy!!!
June says
That looks great! Such a summery cake flavor 🙂
Medha says
Poke cakes are so fun and I love how you've transplanted the lovely pina colada flavors into a cake 🙂