Pina Colada Cake (Pineapple Coconut Cake)

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This Pina Colada Cake is loaded with all the amazing flavors you’ll find in a Pina Colada cocktail! Delicious and easy, this pineapple coconut cake recipe starts with a box mix but tastes like it’s from a bakery – so good!

Love pineapple and coconut desserts? Make sure to try my Pineapple Pinwheel Cookies and Coconut Cream Pie!

Pineapple Coconut Cake

Pineapple and coconut are a legendary pairing of flavors that works well beyond the classic cocktail. Baked goods benefit from that delicious combination as well and this Pina Colada Poke Cake is no exception.

We’re adding pineapple and coconut flavor in every place possible in this easy poke cake recipe. While this recipe starts with a box mix, the flavor is unmatched and feels decadent, special and just perfect for spring and summer.

The frosting is similar to the fluff frosting that I’ve used on this Strawberry Pineapple Cake and this amazing Pineapple Cake. It’s quick, easy, light and full of flavor. The perfect topping to this rich and moist pina colada cake.

This cake is a very simple recipe but looks and tastes so amazing that it could easily be served at a multitude of functions.

Why I Love This Pina Colada Cake Recipe

This recipe is a summer time favorite for so many reasons:

Simple to prepare. Although there are three components to this cake (cake, filling, topping) they are assembled so quickly that it hardly takes any time at all.
Can be made in advance. I love that this this cake can be made the day before and assembled before serving. It’s just a matter of spreading on the frosting.
Amazing flavor. I love how the coconut and pineapple flavors are standouts in this cake recipe. You get the pina colada flavor for sure!

Pina Colada Recipes

Love all things pina colada? Us too! Here are some of our favorite pina colada recipes:

Pina Colada Fluff
Pina Colada Banana Bread
No Bake Pina Colada Cream Pie
Piña Colada Magic Bars
Skinny Pina Colada Smoothie

What You’ll Need

This simple and moist Pineapple Coconut Cake really lets the flavors of pineapple and coconut shine through. As always, you can find the full printable recipe with complete instructions in the recipe card at the end of this post. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need…

For the Cake

cake mix – white, vanilla or yellow cake mix will work in this recipe. White cake mix has the least flavor so it tends to taste more pina colada-y than the other options. You’ll need just 1 box.
crushed pineapple – do not drain the pineapple, simple spoon from the can into the measuring cup.
vegetable oil – or canola oil or other cooking oil.
eggs – you’ll need 3 large, room temperature eggs.

Pina Colada Filling

cream of coconut – found online or in the drinks/alcohol section of your grocery store. Different than coconut cream and coconut milk. Can’t find it? Substitute a 14 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk.
pineapple juice – use 100% pineapple juice. If you would like to use rum, see note below.
rum extract – see note below about using real rum for a boozy take on this pina colada cake recipe.

Want to add real rum to the recipe? Easy! Replace the rum extract and two tablespoons of pineapple juice with rum. So you’ll be adding 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons of rum to the mixture. Dark, light or spiced rum can all be used.

Frosting

instant coconut cream pudding mix – french vanilla or vanilla instant pudding mixes are great alternatives if you can’t find the coconut version.
whole milk – I definitely prefer whole milk to lower fat alternatives but low fat can be used here.
whipped topping – needs to be thawed before using.
crushed pineapple – nicely drained and gives great texture and flavor to this fluffy frosting.
toasted coconut – I like to top the cake with a little bit of toasted coconut for a both a color contrast and more coconut flavor.

Make sure you are using Cream of Coconut (can be found in either the beverages or alcohol section of your store). We are not using coconut milk or coconut cream in this recipe.

How To Make Pineapple Coconut Cake

Prepare the Pineapple Coconut Cake

Preheat oven and spray a 9×13 baking dish with baking spray .
Combine the cake mix, crushed pineapple, vegetable oil and eggs. Beat on low speed for about 30 seconds and then on medium speed for 2 minutes.
Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
Bake until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
Cool for 30 minutes and then carefully poke holes all over the top of the cake.

Prepare the Pina Colada Filling

Whisk together the cream of coconut, pineapple juice and rum extract.
Pour over the top of the cake.
Rest until the liquid is fully absorbed and the cake has completely cooled.

Pineapple Coconut Frosting

Combine pudding mix and milk and whisk until it thickens.
Fold in whipped topping.
Add the pineapple and fold into the mixture until evenly combined.
Frost the cake.
Top the cake with toasted coconut.

Storage Information

You can store leftovers of this cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To Freeze: You can also freeze this recipe! Let the cake cool fully then seal in a freezer safe container and store for up to 3 months. Let the cake thaw in the fridge before serving. You can even freeze the cake in individual slices, so you only have to defrost a piece at a time when you’re craving a sweet treat but don’t want a whole cake!

Trish’s Tips and Tricks

Double check to make sure you are using Cream of Coconut (can be found in either the beverages or alcohol section of your store). We are not using coconut milk or coconut cream. Sweetened condensed milk can be substituted for the cream of coconut.
Be sure to cool the cake completely before frosting. If it’s warm, the frosting will melt and run off the sides of the cake.
Want to add real rum to the recipe? Easy! Replace the rum extract and two tablespoons of pineapple juice with rum. So you’ll be adding 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons of rum to the mixture.
This cake is suuuuper moist and on the crumbly side so take care when slicing and serving.

More Delicious Cakes

How To Make Pina Colada Cake

square piece of pina colada cake on a white plate frosted with white frosting and toasted coconut. a pineapple and another piece of cake can be seen in the background.

Print Pin

Pina Colada Cake (Pineapple Coconut Cake)

This Pina Colada Cake is loaded with all the amazing flavors you’ll find in a Pina Colada cocktail! Delicious and easy, this pineapple coconut cake recipe starts with a box mix but tastes like it’s from a bakery – so good!

Keyword pina colada cake, pina colada cake recipe, pina colada poke cake, pineapple coconut cake

Author Trish – Mom On Timeout