Hawaiian Poke Cake (Hawaiian Cream Cake Recipe)

This easy Hawaiian poke cake (also known as Hawaiian cream cake) is a moist, tropical dessert made with pineapple, coconut, pudding, and whipped topping. A simple doctored cake mix recipe perfect for potlucks and spring gatherings!

Hawaiian Poke Cake (Hawaiian Cream Cake)

If you’re looking for a light, creamy, tropical dessert that’s guaranteed to disappear fast, this Hawaiian poke cake is it!

Made with a simple boxed cake mix, juicy pineapple, creamy pudding, and a fluffy whipped topping, this cake is the perfect blend of easy and impressive. Some folks call it Hawaiian cream cake, others call it a poke cake—either way, it’s a classic for a reason.

And the best part? You can make it with ingredients you probably already have on hand.

The Story Behind This Cake

It's been several months since I first set out to bake this recipe. On the day I planned to bake it, I realized that I didn't have all of the ingredients I needed. So, instead of making a Hawaiian poke cake I created something similar (but unique).

I called it a Strawberry Coconut Poke Cake. Trust me when I say it's completely delicious! But I still had a hankering to make the original recipe, the one I (finally!) baked together.

Light. Bright. Tropical!

This time I had most of the ingredients on hand. A true Hawaiian poke cake calls for vanilla pudding and I only had banana. But I decided to go for it, anyway! And the original recipe also called for crushed pineapple. I only had rings in juice. But, I own a food processor and I know how to use it!

So, in essence, I had the items necessary to build this cake to my liking. You can add whatever flavor of pudding you like, but be sure to use crushed pineapple.

✨ At a Glance

• Skill Level: Easy
• Flavor Profile: Tropical, creamy, coconut-forward
• Options Included: Banana pudding twist, coconut boost
• Best For: Potlucks, spring gatherings, summer desserts

🛒 Ingredients

You will find a full printable recipe card at the bottom of this post but here's a quick peek at what you'll need to make this recipe. These are simple ingredients you can purchase at any grocery store.

• 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box)
  • 3 eggs
  • ½ cup oil
  • 1 cup water (or milk)
• ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut (added to batter)
• 1 cup crushed pineapple
• 1 box instant vanilla (or banana) pudding mix
• 2 cups milk (per pudding package directions)
• 1 container whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
• 1–1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut (for topping)
• Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Hawaiian Poke Cake

This one came together so easily! I'm so glad I finally had the items I needed on-hand. Here's how you're going to do it.

Bake the Cake

Prepare the white cake mix according to package directions. Stir in ½ cup shredded coconut to the batter, then pour into a greased 9x13-inch pan.

Bake as directed until golden brown (about 30 minutes at 350 degrees).

Prepare the Pineapple

If you only have chunks or rings of pineapple, now is the time to process it. You'll only need to use a cup for this project.

Poke & Soak

While the cake is still warm:

• Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake
• Spoon the crushed pineapple over the cake, spreading it evenly.

Prepare the Pudding

Mix the banana pudding according to package directions, but keep it slightly loose (don’t let it fully set).

Spread the pudding over the pineapple layer, allowing it to seep into the holes.

Top with Whipped Topping

Spread the Cool Whip evenly over the cake.

Add Coconut (the star!)

Sprinkle generously with shredded coconut.

👉If you like, you can lightly toast the coconut before adding

Garnish (Optional)

Top with a few maraschino cherries for a pop of color.

Chill

Refrigerate for at least 2–4 hours (overnight is even better).

Serve and enjoy!

It's time to serve up generous slices. Make sure they're ice cold, as this cake is best served cold.

Why I Love This Recipe

I’ve always had a soft spot for these old-fashioned “church cookbook” style desserts—the ones that use simple ingredients but deliver big flavor. This Hawaiian poke cake is one of those tried-and-true recipes that’s been passed around for decades, and for good reason. It's ultra-moist (thanks to the pineapple and the pudding). But somehow it's also light and creamy.

I'm a huge fan of my Mama's Mandarin orange cake, another tropical delight, and this one has a similar tropical vibe. It's absolutely packed full of flavors I love. And I don't even mind that I had to use banana pudding. I preferred it, in fact.

Here's the truth: Over the years, I’ve learned that a few small tweaks—like swapping out flavors—can take a basic version and turn it into something truly special. This version is still incredibly easy, but it has that extra “wow” factor your family and friends will notice right away. Oh, and by the way--it's even better the day after chilling. (Yum!)

Tips for Success

• Go easy on the pineapple liquid to avoid a soggy cake
• Keep pudding slightly runny so it soaks in properly
• Toast the coconut for deeper flavor
• Chill thoroughly before serving for best texture

Variations

As I mentioned above, it's fun to swap out flavors. Here are some suggestions for how you can vary this recipe:

• Use vanilla or coconut pudding instead of banana
• Add coconut extract for extra tropical flavor
• Swap white cake mix for yellow or pineapple cake mix
• Fold a bit of cream cheese into the pudding for richness

More Easy Desserts You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this Hawaiian poke cake, be sure to check out:

• Visit my Cake Mix Creations hub
• Easy coconut desserts
• No-bake treats for warm weather

Final Thoughts

Whether you call it Hawaiian poke cake or Hawaiian cream cake, this is one of those simple, nostalgic desserts that never goes out of style.

It’s easy, flexible, and absolutely delicious—and once you make it, don’t be surprised if people start requesting it again and again!

Thanks for stopping by! If you make this delicious cake and love it, please leave a comment or review. And before you go, why not pin some photos to your Pinterest boards?