Tropical Pineapple Poke Cake

Welcome to the delightful world of easy desserts! This Easy Pineapple Poke Cake recipe is a tropical dream come true, crafted with the simplicity of a boxed cake mix, succulent pineapple slices, creamy vanilla pudding, and fluffy whipped topping. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this utterly delicious and effortlessly charming dessert.

Discover the Magic of Poke Cakes: A Simple Path to Dessert Heaven

Poke cakes hold a special place in the hearts of dessert lovers for their incredible versatility and undeniable ease of preparation. As an avid baker, I can attest to the endless flavor combinations and the sheer joy they bring. The concept is wonderfully straightforward: bake a cake, poke holes in it, then infuse it with a delicious liquid or creamy filling, allowing every bite to be moist and bursting with flavor. This ingenious method ensures a consistently tender crumb and an unforgettable taste experience. My site features numerous poke cake recipes, each a testament to how simple steps can lead to remarkably delicious results. This Pineapple Pudding Poke Cake is certainly no exception, offering a vibrant, summery flavor that transports you straight to a sun-drenched beach with every forkful.

Why Pineapple Poke Cake is Your Next Go-To Dessert

There’s something inherently inviting about pineapple, especially when paired with the comforting flavors of vanilla and cake. This recipe masterfully combines these elements to create a dessert that is both refreshing and deeply satisfying. The sweetness of the pineapple, enhanced by the creamy vanilla pudding, creates a harmonious balance that isn’t overly heavy, making it perfect for any occasion – from casual weeknight dinners to festive summer gatherings. The beauty of this cake lies not only in its taste but also in its minimal ingredient list: just a yellow cake mix, instant vanilla pudding, luscious whipped topping, and, of course, plenty of pineapple.

Elevate Your Cake: Creative Variations and Topping Ideas

While this Pineapple Poke Cake is fantastic as is, it also serves as an excellent canvas for culinary creativity. One popular enhancement is to sprinkle the top with sweetened shredded coconut, adding a delightful texture and an extra layer of tropical flavor that perfectly complements the pineapple. For those seeking an adult twist, consider stirring a splash of rum into the pudding mixture before pouring it over the cake. A coconut rum would be especially fitting, lending an exotic, cocktail-inspired note to your dessert. But don’t stop there! Imagine adding a drizzle of caramel sauce for a sweet contrast, or a sprinkle of toasted macadamia nuts for a buttery crunch.

The inclusion of pineapple slices directly into the cake batter is a crucial step you won’t want to skip. Baking the cake directly on top of these slices caramelizes them slightly, infusing the cake with a deeper, richer pineapple flavor and creating a beautifully moist bottom layer. This simple addition truly elevates the cake from good to truly special, providing bursts of juicy fruit in every bite. Other exciting variations could include:

• Different Pudding Flavors: Swap vanilla pudding for coconut cream, banana, or even a citrus-flavored pudding for a unique twist.
• Fruit Medley: In addition to pineapple, consider adding diced mango or passion fruit to the topping for an even more vibrant tropical experience.
• Toasted Nuts: A sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts can add a pleasant crunch and nutty depth.
• Zest Appeal: Grate some lime or orange zest over the whipped topping for a bright, aromatic finish.
• Spiced Up: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the cake batter can add a subtle warmth that surprisingly complements the pineapple.

Essential Ingredients for Your Tropical Treat

Crafting this delightful Pineapple Poke Cake requires just a handful of readily available ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and accessibility, making it a perfect choice for bakers of all skill levels. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few tips for selection:

INGREDIENTS NEEDED:

• Pineapple Slices: We recommend using canned pineapple slices for convenience. Be sure to drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the cake.
• Yellow Cake Mix: A standard 15.25-ounce box of yellow cake mix forms the convenient base of our cake. Any preferred brand will work beautifully.
• Eggs, Oil, and Water: These are typically required by most boxed cake mixes. Always check your specific box for the exact quantities, as they can sometimes vary slightly.
• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: A 3.4-ounce box of instant vanilla pudding is key to the creamy, luscious filling. Ensure it’s ‘instant’ for the best results in this recipe.
• Milk: Used to prepare the instant pudding. Whole milk will yield a richer, creamier pudding, but any milk you have on hand will work.
• Whipped Topping (Cool Whip): An 8-ounce tub of thawed whipped topping provides a light, airy finish. You can substitute with homemade whipped cream if you prefer, for an even fresher taste.
• Pineapple Chunks: A smaller can of drained pineapple chunks is perfect for garnishing the top of your finished cake, adding visual appeal and extra pineapple flavor.

Choosing good quality ingredients, even for a simple recipe like this, can make a difference in the final flavor. For instance, ensure your pineapple is sweet and ripe (if using fresh) or of a trusted brand (if canned). Fresh, cold milk for the pudding will help it set perfectly, and using a good quality vanilla pudding mix will give you a superior flavor foundation.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make the Perfect Pineapple Poke Cake

Creating this Pineapple Poke Cake is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a perfectly moist, flavorful, and beautiful dessert every time.

1. Prepare Your Baking Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×13-inch baking pan and lightly spray it with a non-stick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents the cake from sticking. Next, arrange your drained pineapple slices neatly across the bottom of the pan. This will give your cake a lovely caramelized pineapple bottom, similar to an upside-down cake.
2. Mix the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix with the eggs, oil, and water as directed by the specific instructions on your cake mix package. Whisk or beat until the batter is smooth and well-combined, being careful not to overmix, which can lead to a dry cake. Once the batter is ready, carefully pour it evenly over the pineapple slices in your prepared baking pan.

3. Bake and Cool the Cake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake according to the directions on your boxed cake mix. Baking times typically range from 25-30 minutes, but always check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool *completely* on a wire rack. This step is absolutely essential; if the cake is warm when you add the pudding, the pudding will not set properly and will just seep through.
4. Poke the Holes: Once the cake has cooled entirely, it’s time for the signature “poke” cake step! Using the end of a wooden spoon (or the handle of a spatual, or even a large fork for smaller holes), evenly poke about 12-16 holes across the entire surface of the cake. These holes will act as little channels for the pudding to seep into, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.

5. Prepare and Pour the Pudding: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix with the cold milk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken slightly. Be sure to mix thoroughly to avoid any lumps. Immediately pour this creamy pudding mixture over the cooled, poked cake. Use a knife or spatula to gently spread the pudding evenly across the top, ensuring it flows down into all the holes you created. This creates a beautifully moist and flavor-packed cake interior.

6. Top and Chill: Finally, gently spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer. Scatter the drained pineapple chunks artfully over the whipped topping for a beautiful garnish and an extra touch of tropical sweetness. Once topped, refrigerate the cake for at least a few hours. Chilling is vital as it allows the pudding to fully set and the flavors to meld beautifully. This cake actually improves with time, so making it the day before you plan to serve it is highly recommended. Just keep it stored in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy!

The waiting period while the cake chills is perhaps the hardest part, but it’s well worth it. The longer it sits, the more the pudding permeates the cake, creating an incredibly moist and flavorful dessert. Plan ahead and make this cake the day before your event for optimal taste and texture. Simply cover it loosely with plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator.

Tips for the Best Pineapple Poke Cake

• Thorough Draining is Key: Ensure both the pineapple slices and chunks are very well-drained. Excess liquid can make your cake soggy. You can even pat them dry with paper towels.
• Cool Completely: Do not rush the cooling process. A warm cake will melt the pudding, preventing it from properly setting and infusing the cake.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until the cake batter is combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, leading to a tougher cake texture.
• Even Poking: Try to poke holes evenly across the cake surface to ensure consistent pudding distribution in every slice.
• Chill Time is Crucial: The refrigeration period is essential for the pudding to set and for all the flavors to deepen and meld together beautifully.
• Make Ahead Friendly: This cake is perfect for making a day in advance, as the flavors develop even further with time.

Serving Suggestions

This Pineapple Poke Cake is a showstopper on its own, but it can be made even more special with a few thoughtful serving touches. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of extra whipped cream on the side can be a lovely addition. For a morning-after treat, it pairs wonderfully with a fresh cup of coffee or a tropical fruit smoothie. It’s also an excellent choice for potlucks, BBQs, or any occasion where you need a crowd-pleasing dessert that holds up well.

CRAVING MORE RECIPES?

If you loved this Pineapple Poke Cake, you’re in for a treat! We have a wide array of delicious and easy recipes that celebrate the joy of simple baking and tropical flavors. Explore these other fantastic options to satisfy your sweet tooth:

• Pineapple Fluff
• Pina Colada Poke Cake
• Pineapple Upside Down Bundt Cake
• Pineapple Crumb Cake
• Hawaiian Poke Cake
• Orange Poke Cake
• The Best Poke Cake Recipes

Pineapple Poke Cake

This Easy Pineapple Poke Cake recipe is made with a boxed cake mix, pineapple slices, vanilla pudding, and Cool Whip, creating a moist and delicious tropical dessert.

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes (plus chilling)

Servings: 12

Author: Brandie Skibinski

Average Rating: 5/5 stars (11 Reviews)

Print Recipe | Pin Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 (8 ounce) cans pineapple slices, drained
• 15.25 ounce box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients called for on box: eggs, oil, water)
• 3.4 ounce box Jell-O instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 ½ cups milk
• 8 ounce tub whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
• 8 ounce can pineapple chunks, drained

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F degrees (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray and then line the bottom of it with the drained pineapple slices.
2. Mix together the yellow cake mix according to its package instructions (using eggs, oil, and water as specified). Pour the prepared batter evenly over the pineapple slices in the pan.
3. Bake the cake according to boxed cake directions (typically 25-30 minutes), or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool *completely* on a wire rack. This is crucial for the pudding to set properly.
4. Once the cake is fully cooled, use the end of a wooden spoon (or similar utensil) to poke approximately 12-16 holes evenly into the cake’s surface.
5. In a bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix with 1 ½ cups of cold milk until smooth and slightly thickened. Immediately pour this mixture onto the cooled cake, spreading it gently with a knife or spatula to ensure the pudding seeps down into all the poked holes.
6. Evenly top the cake with the thawed whipped topping. Scatter the drained pineapple chunks over the whipped topping for garnish.
7. Refrigerate the cake for a minimum of a few hours (preferably overnight) prior to serving. This allows the pudding to fully set and the flavors to meld beautifully. The cake tastes even better the longer it sits in the fridge.

Video

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 253kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 4g | Sodium: 341mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 32g

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

Did you make this recipe?

Share it on Instagram @thecountrycook and mention us #thecountrycook!