Tropical Nuptial Delight

Hawaiian Wedding Cake is an utterly captivating dessert that effortlessly transports your taste buds to a sun-drenched beach with every bite. This delectable treat perfectly blends the comforting familiarity of a classic yellow cake with the vibrant, exotic flavors reminiscent of a refreshing piña colada. Starting with a simple cake mix, this recipe ingeniously transforms into a moist, tropical delight, crowned with a rich pudding mixture, juicy crushed pineapple, a creamy, tangy frosting, and a generous sprinkle of perfectly toasted coconut. It’s an easy-to-make masterpiece that promises an explosion of island-inspired flavor and texture.

For those who adore pineapple desserts or are simply seeking an impressive yet straightforward cake recipe, this Hawaiian Wedding Cake is an absolute must-try. Its genius lies in utilizing a readily available box cake mix as a convenient foundation, then elevating it with homemade-tasting toppings that truly set it apart. The recipe calls for a few accessible ingredients, yet the resulting cake is consistently spectacular, making it a favorite for both novice and experienced bakers alike.

This tropical sensation has quickly become one of our most celebrated creations, standing proudly alongside other beloved recipes such as our zesty Margarita Poke Cake and the iconic Hula Pie. Each dessert offers a unique celebratory experience, but the Hawaiian Wedding Cake is particularly cherished for its effortless preparation and uniquely captivating island taste that brightens any occasion.

What is Hawaiian Wedding Cake? Unveiling the Tropical Treat

The Hawaiian Wedding Cake is a delectable example of a “poke cake,” a dessert category beloved for its incredible moisture and ease of preparation. The magic of a poke cake lies in its signature technique: once the cake is baked and slightly cooled, small holes are gently poked across its surface. These holes then become channels for a rich, flavorful liquid or pudding mixture, which saturates the cake from within, creating an exceptionally moist and tender crumb that’s bursting with flavor.

In this particular Hawaiian Wedding Cake, the yellow cake acts as a perfect canvas for layers of creamy vanilla pudding, sweet and tangy crushed pineapple, and a smooth, rich cream cheese mixture. This unique combination, allowed to soak deep into the cake, results in a texture that is both wonderfully soft and refreshingly juicy. Prepared in a convenient 9×13-inch sheet pan, this recipe is ideal for effortlessly serving a crowd, making it a fantastic choice for family gatherings, potlucks, or any festive occasion. The cake embodies all the delicious hallmarks of a tropical celebration, offering a harmonious blend of sweetness, tang, and creaminess, crowned with the irresistible aroma and crunch of toasted coconut. While its name might suggest otherwise, it’s a delightful dessert suitable for any day you wish to infuse with a bit of island sunshine.

The Irresistible Ingredients for Your Tropical Cake

Crafting this sensational dessert requires a surprisingly simple list of ingredients. Most of these staples are likely already in your pantry or can be easily found at your local grocery store, making this a fuss-free recipe to bring to life. The true beauty of this cake lies in how these readily available components unite to forge an extraordinary and distinctly tropical flavor experience.

• Yellow Cake Mix: This serves as the convenient cornerstone of our cake. Any preferred brand of yellow cake mix will yield a beautifully light and fluffy base, perfectly poised to absorb the rich tropical infusions that follow. Its subtle flavor allows the other vibrant ingredients to truly shine.
• Whipped Topping: Essential for that characteristic light and airy upper layer, whipped topping (such as Cool Whip) provides a delightful contrast to the denser cake and creamy pudding. For those who prefer a more artisanal touch, preparing homemade whipped cream is a wonderful alternative that adds an extra layer of freshness and richness.
• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: The “instant” variety of vanilla pudding is critical for its rapid setting capabilities, forming the luscious, creamy filling that permeates the cake. This ingredient is pivotal in achieving the desired moistness and flavor depth. While vanilla is traditional, a coconut cream pudding mix could be an exciting substitution for an intensified tropical profile. For a truly bespoke flavor, consider making homemade vanilla pudding if time permits.
• Crushed Pineapple (Not Drained): This is a non-negotiable ingredient for achieving the cake’s signature moistness and vibrant flavor. It is crucial to use crushed pineapple and, emphatically, to retain all its natural juices. These juices are the secret weapon, ensuring every part of the cake is infused with tangy-sweet pineapple essence, creating the ultimate poke cake experience.
• Cream Cheese: When softened to room temperature, cream cheese introduces a delightful tang and velvety richness to the pudding mixture. This helps to balance the sweetness of the other components, adding a sophisticated depth of flavor. Softening it beforehand guarantees a smooth, lump-free blend with minimal effort.
• Milk: Typically, I opt for whole milk to contribute a rich, creamy texture to the pudding mixture. However, 2% milk can also be successfully used, maintaining a good consistency for the topping. The milk is instrumental in bringing the pudding and cream cheese blend to its perfect, pourable state.
• Sweetened Coconut Flakes: These flakes are generously sprinkled over the top, delivering a crucial textural element and an unmistakable tropical aroma. It’s important to select *sweetened* coconut flakes for the best flavor balance. Lightly toasting them before sprinkling is a simple step that amplifies their nutty taste and creates an appealing golden crispness, perfectly completing the cake’s profile.

For a comprehensive list of precise measurements and detailed preparation instructions, please refer to the complete recipe card found further down on this page.

Creative Variations and Additions for Customizing Your Cake

While the classic Hawaiian Wedding Cake is undeniably delicious as is, feel empowered to personalize it with these exciting variations and thoughtful additions. Tailoring the recipe can make it perfectly suited to your specific taste preferences or the unique demands of any special occasion.

• Garnish with Maraschino Cherries: For an immediate visual appeal and an extra touch of retro sweetness, halve some vibrant maraschino cherries and arrange them artfully on top of the cake before serving. Their bright color adds a festive flair reminiscent of tropical cocktails.
• Explore Different Cake Mixes: Beyond the traditional yellow cake mix, consider a white cake mix for a slightly lighter flavor and even brighter appearance. For an intensified tropical experience, a coconut-flavored cake mix can be a superb choice, deepening the cake’s overall island character.
• Introduce Chopped Nuts: To add an appealing crunch and a layer of earthy flavor, sprinkle finely chopped pecans or walnuts over the whipped cream mixture before adding the toasted coconut. This provides a delightful textural contrast and nutty complexity that complements the tropical elements beautifully.
• Enhance with Tropical Extracts: Amplify the “piña colada” essence by incorporating a few drops of rum extract or coconut extract into the pudding and cream cheese mixture. These subtle additions can significantly deepen the tropical aroma and flavor profile without adding alcohol.
• Fresh Fruit for Garnish: Elevate the cake’s presentation and introduce a burst of freshness by adorning individual slices or the entire cake with fresh fruit garnishes. Think delicate pineapple wedges, vibrant kiwi slices, or a scattering of lime zest for a bright, aromatic finish.
• Drizzle a Pineapple Glaze: For an extra layer of pineapple goodness, prepare a simple glaze using powdered sugar mixed with a small amount of the reserved pineapple juice. Drizzle this concoction over the cooled cake before adding the whipped topping, or even over individual servings for a glossy, flavorful sheen.
• Mastering Toasted Coconut: While sweetened coconut flakes are tasty, toasting them is a transformative step. This process brings out a rich, nutty depth of flavor and creates a wonderfully crisp texture. You can achieve this by spreading the flakes in a single layer on a dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until golden, or on a baking sheet in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes. Always monitor them closely, as coconut can burn very quickly.

Step-By-Step Guide to Hawaiian Wedding Cake Perfection

Crafting this tropical poke cake is a straightforward and truly enjoyable culinary endeavor. By meticulously following these detailed steps, you are guaranteed to achieve a perfectly moist, incredibly flavorful, and beautifully presented Hawaiian Wedding Cake every single time. Prepare to impress with minimal fuss!

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter. Begin by preheating your oven to the temperature indicated on your yellow cake mix package. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix with any additional ingredients (like eggs, oil, and water) precisely according to the box instructions. Mix just until the batter is smooth and no dry streaks remain; avoid overmixing, as this can result in a tougher, denser cake texture.

Step 2: Bake the Cake. Once your cake batter is thoroughly prepared, pour it evenly into a lightly greased and floured 9×13-inch baking pan. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for the duration specified on the cake mix package, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the very center of the cake comes out perfectly clean. After baking, transfer the cake pan to a wire rack and allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature. This complete cooling is crucial for the subsequent layers to set correctly.

Step 3: Prepare the Pudding Mixture. While your cake is in the oven and then cooling, shift your focus to preparing the delectable topping. In a generously sized mixing bowl, combine the dry instant vanilla pudding mix, along with the specified amount of cold milk and the softened cream cheese. Using an electric beater or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat these ingredients together until the mixture is exceptionally smooth, completely lump-free, and well-blended. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure thorough mixing.

Step 4: Fold in Whipped Topping and Chill. With your pudding and cream cheese mixture prepared, it’s time to incorporate the whipped topping. Using a spatula, gently fold the rich pudding mixture into the whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade). The key here is a light hand to maintain the airy, fluffy texture of the whipped topping. Once fully and evenly combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place this luscious topping mixture in the refrigerator. Chilling allows the pudding to set further and intensifies the flavors while your cake continues to cool.

Step 5: Poke the Cake. Once your baked cake has completely cooled to room temperature, it’s time for the signature “poke” step! Take the round end of a wooden spoon handle – this tool creates the ideal size holes – and gently poke holes evenly all over the top surface of the cake. Aim for holes that extend about ¾ of the way through the cake’s depth, spaced approximately 1 inch apart. These strategically placed holes will act as perfect reservoirs for the flavorful liquid and pudding mixture.

Step 6: Add the Crushed Pineapple. Open the can of crushed pineapple. Without draining any of the precious juice, spoon the entire contents, including all the glorious liquid, over the poked cake. Using a spatula, gently spread the pineapple evenly across the entire surface, making sure that the juice thoroughly seeps into all the holes you’ve created. This crucial step is what infuses the cake with its extraordinary moistness and bright, tangy-sweet tropical flavor.

Step 7: Apply the Whipped Cream Mixture. Retrieve your chilled whipped cream and pudding mixture from the refrigerator. With careful, even strokes, spread this luxurious, creamy concoction in a thick, uniform layer over the pineapple-covered cake. Take your time to ensure the top is perfectly smooth and completely covered, creating an inviting white canvas ready for its final, delicious garnish.

Step 8: Garnish and Chill. The grand finale! Generously sprinkle the entire surface of the cake with beautifully toasted shredded coconut. For optimal flavor and texture, I highly recommend toasting your coconut beforehand (refer to our Pro Tips for detailed instructions on how to achieve this). Once adorned, lightly cover the cake with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This crucial chilling period allows all the wonderful flavors to meld together harmoniously and ensures the cake sets perfectly for clean, easy slicing.

Expert Pro Tips for Ensuring Hawaiian Wedding Cake Success

Crafting the perfect Hawaiian Wedding Cake is incredibly simple, especially when you keep these expert tips in mind. They are designed to help you transform your dessert from merely delicious to truly unforgettable, ensuring a moist, flavorful, and perfectly textured cake every time.

• Always Use Crushed Pineapple (Undrained): This is arguably the most vital tip for achieving the signature moistness and rich flavor of this poke cake. The fine texture of crushed pineapple, combined with its natural juices (which you must not drain!), allows it to seep deep into the poked holes, saturating every bit of the cake with its tangy-sweet tropical essence. Using pineapple tidbits or chunks will not provide the same level of moisture penetration or flavor distribution.
• Avoid Overmixing the Cake Batter: When you’re preparing your yellow cake mix, adhere strictly to the package instructions and mix only until the ingredients are just barely combined. Excessive mixing overdevelops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tough, dense cake rather than the light, airy, and absorbent texture that is ideal for a poke cake.
• Ensure Even Topping Distribution: Take a moment to meticulously spread both the crushed pineapple and the whipped cream mixture in even layers. Consistent distribution ensures that every single slice of cake receives a generous and balanced portion of these delightful toppings, and, crucially, that the pineapple juice effectively penetrates all the poked holes for maximum flavor infusion.
• Toast Your Coconut for Enhanced Flavor: While plain sweetened coconut flakes are certainly enjoyable, taking the extra step to toast them elevates their flavor profile dramatically. Toasting brings out a deep, nutty richness and creates a wonderfully crisp texture that provides a delightful contrast to the soft cake and creamy topping. You can toast coconut quickly in a dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until golden, or spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes, always watching it closely as it can burn very quickly.
• Chill Thoroughly Before Serving: It’s tempting to cut into this delicious cake right away, but allowing your Hawaiian Wedding Cake to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (preferably a few hours, or even overnight) before serving is highly recommended. This cooling period is essential: it allows the pudding layer to fully set, enables all the tropical flavors to meld together more deeply, and ensures the cake becomes perfectly firm for clean, beautiful slicing.
• Softened Cream Cheese is Key: For a flawlessly smooth, lump-free pudding and cream cheese mixture, it is absolutely essential that your cream cheese is completely softened to room temperature before you begin mixing. This crucial step allows it to blend seamlessly and effortlessly with the other ingredients, resulting in a velvety, creamy consistency that is a hallmark of this cake’s topping.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) About Hawaiian Wedding Cake

More Delightful Poke Cakes to Explore

If you’ve discovered a newfound love for the irresistible moistness and straightforward preparation of poke cakes, then you’re in for a real treat! There’s a wonderful world of these fun and flavorful desserts awaiting your exploration. Here are a few more highly recommended poke cake recipes that are just as simple to make and deliciously satisfying as our beloved Hawaiian Wedding Cake:

• Strawberry Poke Cake: A vibrant and incredibly fruity classic, this cake is bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, making it absolutely perfect for spring and summer celebrations.
• Banana Pudding Poke Cake: Indulge in all the comforting, nostalgic flavors of traditional banana pudding, seamlessly transformed into an incredibly easy and moist cake form.
• Pineapple Poke Cake: For true pineapple enthusiasts, this is another fantastic pineapple-infused option that delivers an abundance of tropical sweetness and juicy goodness in every bite.
• Tornado Cake: A rich and deeply indulgent chocolate cake that features a luscious, creamy filling swirling through its layers, promising a decadent experience for chocolate lovers.

We warmly invite you to try this incredible recipe for Hawaiian Wedding Cake and immerse yourself in its delightful tropical flavors. Your culinary adventures and feedback are incredibly valuable to us! Please feel free to share your thoughts and experience by leaving a comment below. We genuinely love hearing from you!