Yields: 12 servings Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 30-35 minutes (for cake) + chilling time
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box)
- 1 (13.5 oz) can coconut milk
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional, for topping)
For the Filling:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant coconut cream pudding mix
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries (if using frozen, thaw and drain)
Equipment:
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Long wooden skewer or fork
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Prepare the cake mix according to package directions, substituting the water called for with the coconut milk.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool for 10 minutes in the pan.
- Poke Holes:
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a long skewer, poke holes all over the surface of the cake, about 1 inch apart.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and instant pudding mix until well combined.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping and 1 cup of shredded coconut.
- Fill the Holes:
- Pour the pudding mixture evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
- Spread the mixture to cover the entire surface of the cake.
- Add Raspberries:
- Sprinkle the raspberries evenly over the pudding layer.
- Chill:
- Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the filling to set.
- Garnish (Optional):
- Before serving, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded coconut over the top of the cake.
- Serve:
- Cut into squares and enjoy your Coconut Dream Poke Cake!
Tips and Variations:
- For a stronger coconut flavor, you can add coconut extract to the cake batter or filling.
- You can use other berries, such as strawberries or blueberries, instead of raspberries.
- For a richer flavor, toast the shredded coconut before using it as a topping.
- If you don’t have coconut milk you can use regular milk, but the coconut flavor will not be as strong.
Enjoy your delicious Coconut Dream Poke Cake!