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Luau-Perfect Hawaiian Poke Cake

A visually spectacular, stacked Hawaiian poke cake featuring a moist vanilla sponge, vibrant pineapple curd, and a coconut whipped cream topping, garnished with fresh mango and raspberries.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 410

Ingredients
  

The Vanilla Sponge Cake Base
  • 1 box (15.25 oz) white or vanilla cake mix or a stable sponge cake recipe
  • 1 tsp coconut extract optional
  • Required cake mix ingredients e.g., eggs, oil, water
The Pineapple Poke Filling (Curd)
  • 1 cup pineapple juice fresh preferred
  • 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple undrained
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch dissolved in 2 tbsp water
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 0.5 tsp salt
The Coconut Whipped Cream Topping
  • 1.5 cups heavy whipping cream well-chilled
  • 0.75 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp coconut extract
  • 0.5 tsp pure vanilla extract
The Garnish and Stack
  • 1 ripe mango finely diced
  • 2 whole fresh raspberries exactly two
  • 0.25 cup mixed decorative candy shapes white and blue

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • 9x13 Baking Pan
  • Hand or Stand Mixer
  • Wooden spoon or chopstick
  • Saucepan

Method
 

  1. Bake the vanilla cake base in a well-greased 9x13 pan according to the directions on the box. Let cool completely to room temperature.
  2. Once completely cool, poke holes all over the cake using the end of a wooden spoon or a chopstick, pressing down firmly but not all the way.
  3. In a saucepan, combine un-drained crushed pineapple, juice, sugar, lime juice, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Dissolve cornstarch in 2 tbsp water, whisk into the filling, and cook for 1-2 minutes until thick. Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Pour the warm pineapple curd over the cooled, poked cake, ensuring it fills the holes. Let the entire cake chill and set in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight.
  5. In a chilled bowl, whip well-chilled heavy cream, powdered sugar, coconut extract, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Cover and refrigerate until assembly.
  6. To serve, cut the set cake into squares. For a stacked look, place one or two squares on a plate, spread coconut whipped cream on top (and between slices, if stacking). Cover the entire cake with an irregular layer of whipped cream, matching the recipe photo.
  7. Scatter freshly diced mango over the whipped cream, place exactly two fresh raspberries in the center, and add small decorative candy shapes. Serve chilled immediately.

Notes

Chilling the cake base and the assembled cake is essential for the stacked presentation. A warm cake will not poke cleanly and a warm curd will not set properly. Ensure all cream and bowls are well-chilled before whipping.