There’s something about a piña colada that just screams summer. That creamy, pineapple and coconut concoction that makes you feel like you’re on vacation, even if you’re just lounging in your own backyard. But since I can’t sip on these tropical beauties every day, I say why not turn those flavors into a dessert? And that’s where the piña colada poke cake comes in! It’s like a little slice of island living right on your plate. For all my fellow busy bees looking for that sweet escape without the hassle, this recipe is a tropical breeze to whip up, and it’s a total crowd-pleaser at potlucks and backyard BBQs.
Serving this delightful piña colada poke cake, I love to plate it up with a little extra garnish of shredded coconut or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side or a dollop of whipped cream makes it extra indulgent. And hey, if it’s an adults-only gathering, why not pair with a small, actual piña colada to keep the theme going strong?

Ingredients
1 box of white cake mix (plus required oil, eggs, and water as directed on box)
1 (14 oz) can of sweetened condensed milk
1 (8 oz) can of cream of coconut
1 (8 oz) can of crushed pineapple, drained
1 (8 oz) tub of whipped topping, thawed
1/2 cup of shredded coconut, toasted
Maraschino cherries, for garnish

Directions
1. Prepare and bake the white cake in a 9×13 inch pan according to the package instructions.
2. Once the cake is baked and still slightly warm, use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top of the cake.
3. Mix together the sweetened condensed milk and cream of coconut. Pour this mixture over the cake, filling the holes.
4. Distribute the crushed pineapple evenly over the top of the cake.
5. Spread the whipped topping over the pineapple layer, covering the cake completely.
6. Sprinkle with toasted coconut and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to let the cake absorb all the flavors.
7. Just before serving, garnish with maraschino cherries. Slice, serve, and watch it disappear!
Variations & Tips

– If you’re looking to save time, toast your coconut in advance and store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to use it.
– For those who want a little extra coconut flavor, mix some shredded coconut right into the batter.
– Love nuts? Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cake for added texture.
– To make this dessert a tad lighter, you can use low-fat whipped topping and low-fat sweetened condensed milk.
– And a fun little tip for the adults: brush some rum over the cake after poking holes for a more authentic piña colada experience—just make sure to keep the kiddos’ slices separate!