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    Pina Colada Poke Cake

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    Pina Colada Poke Cake is the perfect Memorial Day dessert, or serve it at any summertime potluck or picnic. With flavors of coconut, pineapple, lime, and rum, it’s refreshing chilled and serves a crowd!

    Here it is! My go-to dessert for Summer 2024. It’s a refreshing chilled confection that tastes like a tropical vacation. It is uncomplicated, baked in a 13×9-inch pan from which you’ll also serve it. Poke cakes are all about perforating the cake all over with a fork, then adding a flavorful soaking syrup that keeps the sponge moist and delicious. This cake’s syrup is a sweet coconut-lime drench, with a touch of rum flavor (extract or the real thing – you choose!). Just as the title implies, it is inspired by the classic piña colada cocktail.

    Make the Pineapple Cake Batter
    First, whisk together flour, leaven, and salt in mixing bowl. Then, combine some eggs, sugar, vanilla, and oil in the bowl of an electric mixer. Alternate the flour mixture with a 20 oz. can of crushed pineapple (in its own juice), until a consistent batter forms.
    If you’re a studied cake baker, then you already know how moist oil-based cakes can be. And with the addition of crushed pineapple? This is one moist and tender cake!

    Pay Attention to the Bake Times
    Bake this cake for 45 minutes, then tent the cake with foil. This helps the cake bake through without over-browning the top. Bake 10-15 minutes longer, or until a toothpick tester comes out clean.
    Tip: Spritz the foil with a little cooking spray in case it touches the top of the cake. My foil tent sagged onto the cake’s surface and pulled a little of the browned top away when I removed it (see following image). Not that it matters, because it does get covered up. But if you have perfectionist tendencies, you’ll be happier with the end result.

    Poke Holes in the Baked Cake
    Use a fork or the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the warm cake. The fork is my preference, as it perforates the cake’s crumb all over, and helps every single square inch soak up some delicious coconut-lime syrup. Now. About that syrup.

    Put the Lime in the Coconut
    It’s SO flavorful and delicious! And this is thanks to Cream of Coconut, a product specifically for Pina Colada cocktails and wet cakes such as this one. I used and recommend Coco Lopez brand. It is a sweet syrupy canned coconut product that should not be confused with coconut cream or coconut milk. Be sure to get the right canned coconut!
    Combine the cream of coconut, the juice of one lime, and rum extract (or rum) in a bowl. Whisk together until well combined and then slowly spoon or pour the mixture over the warm cake.

    Make the Coconut Pudding Layer
    In a large mixing bowl, beat together vanilla instant pudding mix, heavy cream, and coconut extract. Whip until well combined and thickened. The mixture may look slightly grainy – this is normal.
    This creates a thick, billowy topping for the cake. Get it on there immediately, as the starch in the pudding mix will begin to firm quickly. Spread evenly with a rubber spatula.

    Follow up with some sweetened whipped cream. Which is just heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract. Spread it evenly over the coconut pudding topping. Refrigerate until the pudding and whipped cream are set, at least 2 hours. All those layers of tropical flavor? Just, wonderful!

    Make it Pretty
    Add some maraschino cherries with stems, coconut chips (or flake coconut) and some fresh lime slices before serving. The cake can be made a few days ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator without the garnishes. Or, if you must decorate the cake ahead of time, add only the cherries and coconut. The lime slices will weep juices and the rinds will dry out, so add them just before serving.

    This Pina Colada Poke Cake just screams summertime! I love how simple it is to bake up and assemble in a 13×9 inch dish. Everyone that tastes it loves it – and it makes a big cake! So if you have a summer family reunion or potluck, this may serve you (and your guests) well.
    Related recipe: Pina Colada Cupcakes

    Pina Colada Poke Cake

    Heather Baird

    The flavors of pineapple, coconut, lime, and rum all come together in this chilled sheet cake. Pineapple cake is soaked with sweet coconut-lime syrup with just a touch of rum. It’s layered with coconut pudding and sweetened whipped cream. Cream of Coconut, such as Coco Lopez brand, is a sweet syrupy canned coconut product that should not be confused with coconut cream or coconut milk. Be sure to get the right canned coconut! You can most often find it in the cocktail mixers aisle at the grocery store.As written, this cake does not have alcohol. If you prefer real rum in the soaking syrup, replace the rum extract with 2 tablespoons of rum.

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    Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 55 minutes mins2 hours chill time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 3 hours hrs 25 minutes mins

    Course DessertCuisine American

    Servings 12

    Equipment13×9 baking dishColorful cocktail umbrella picks (1-2)
    Ingredients US CustomaryMetric Pineapple CakeNonstick cooking spray for the baking dish3 cups all-purpose flour2 teaspoons baking powder1/2 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon fine grain salt2 cups granulated sugar3 large eggs2 teaspoons vanilla extract1 cup vegetable oil I like sunflower oil20 oz. crushed canned pineapple in juice 1 large canCoconut Soaking Syrup15 oz. cream of coconut 1 can such as Coco Lopez3 tablespoons fresh lime juice from 1 lime1 teaspoon rum extractCoconut Pudding Layer3.4 oz. vanilla instant pudding mix 1 small box1 1/2 cups heavy cream2 teaspoons coconut extractWhipped Cream Layer and Garnishes1 1/2 cups heavy cream1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extract10 maraschino cherries with stems patted dry1/3 cup thick cut coconut chips or sweetened flake coconut toasted6 lime slices optional
    Instructions Pineapple CakePreheat the oven to 350F. Lightly spray a 13×9 baking dish with nonstick cooking sprayIn a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, add the sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and oil. Mix well to combine.Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture in 3 additions, alternating with the canned pineapple in juice. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and mix again briefly until well combined. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan.Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes, until well browned on top but not yet set in the middle.Tent the cake with a large piece of aluminum foil to prevent over-browning, the bake again for 15 additional minutes, until the cake tests done with a toothpick inserted near the center.Remove the cake from the oven and remove the foil. Poke holes all over the cake using the tines of a fork. Let cool until warm, about 20 minutes.Coconut Soaking SyrupPlace the cream of coconut in a large bowl. If it has separated in the can, stir it together until consistently creamy (a few lumps are okay, or see notes for removing lumps).Add the lime juice and rum extract. Whisk together until well combined.Spoon or pour the syrup over the warm cake slowly, so that the syrup penetrates into the perforations. Set aside.Coconut Pudding LayerIn the large bowl of an electric mixer (I used a hand mixer) add the dry pudding mix and the heavy cream. Beat on low speed until combined, then increase the speed to whip the mixture to soft peaks. Add the coconut extract. Beat again until thick and billowy. (Mixture may appear slightly grainy – this is normal).Immediately scoop the pudding onto the cake and spread evenly. Refrigerate while you prepare the whipped cream topping.Whipped Cream Topping and GarnishesPlace the whipped cream in the large bowl of an electric mixer (again, I used a hand mixer for this). Whip until slightly thickened. Sprinkle in the confectioners’ sugar as you mix. Add the vanilla extract and beat until stiff peaks form.Dollop the whipped cream over the coconut pudding layer and spread evenly, leaving about 1/2 inch of the coconut pudding layer showing around the edges. Chill the cake in the refrigerator until ready to serve.Before serving, add the maraschino cherries and coconut. Arrange the lime slices on top, if using.Add a fun drink umbrella to complete the theme! Serve during warm weather months for picnics and potlucks – or anytime you crave a tropical treat.
    NotesWhat to Expect: This is a moist, tropical-tasting cake that is twice topped with cold creamy coconut pudding and whipped cream. It tastes fantastic chilled and improves upon refrigeration, so it can be made a couple of days ahead of serving. It has 13×9 pan simplicity and feeds a crowd!
    Get the Right Pineapple: Be sure to get the canned crushed pineapple in its own juice, and not in heavy syrup.
    Get the Right Coconut: Also, a second reminder to get the right canned coconut product. The Cream of Coconut product is often found in the beverage aisle at the grocery store near the cocktail mixers. It is sweet and syrupy.
    Separated Cream of Coconut: Upon opening the can, it may be separated, which is normal separation of fat solids from liquid. Just stir it together before using in this recipe. You may also microwave it for 30 seconds to 1 minute to melt any lumps of fat back into the liquid

    Keyword 13×9 cake, butter rum extract, Coco Lopez, coconut whipped cream, cream of coconut, crushed pineapple, fresh lime juice, instant pudding mix, July Fourth desserts, lime slices, maraschino cherries, Memorial Day dessert, pina colada cake, poke cake, summer cake, tropical cake

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    • in Recipes

      Caribbean Rum Cake

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      Caribbean Rum Cake has a soft, tender crumb, delightful rummy flavor, and billowy coconut cream topping. It’s a slice of paradise!

      Hi friends, – it’s been a while! I took an unintentional break from blogging and social media for most of July and half of August. It wasn’t a vacation- quite the opposite! It’s a busy time of year, where content creators are hard at work collaborating with brands for holiday content. I cannot wait to share all the things I’ve cooked up, baked up, and styled for spooky season, Thanksgiving, and beyond!
      In the meantime, summer is still very present. This recipe fits right into this in-between time. It offers tropical flavors to help prolong the magic of summer. But, Caribbean Rum Cake is also a staple for the holiday season. You can find these cakes lining the shelves gourmet and specialty shops during November and December, because they are often gifted at Christmastime.

      Historians suggest that the roots of rum cake can be traced back to the 18th century when British colonists established themselves on the islands. These settlers brought along a tradition of rum-soaked steamed Christmas puddings, which is believed to have laid the foundation for the rum cakes we know today. This, along with the fact that rum and sugar are great preservers, could be why it’s so popular at Christmas. (However, I’m game for a slice year-round!)

      Reverse creaming.
      First, we should talk about reverse creaming. Cake recipes usually begin with creaming butter and sugar together in a stand mixer. Not this one. For this technique, you beat the fat (in this case oil and butter) directly into all the dry ingredients until a dry, crumbly mixture is formed. Next, you beat in the liquid ingredients and magically, the sandy-cornmeal-y stuff turns into a thick, cohesive batter.

      Why use this method? Cakes have a more velvety texture with reverse creaming, and they don’t rise quite as much during baking. This means you won’t have to level the cake before plating it.

      Pudding in the mix.
      This batter has instant pudding added to the dry ingredients. Don’t be tempted to skip this ingredient. I almost did due to lots of box mixes on the market using ‘pudding in the mix’ as a marketing ploy. It truly makes a huge difference in the softness and moistness of this cake. Texturally, it’s one of the best bundt cake recipes I’ve ever made.

      Rum syrup.
      Here’s the good stuff. It’s pretty much the standard for rum syrups, except I swapped in brown sugar for half of the white sugar in the recipe. This tastes really great along with the golden rum I used in the recipe. Speaking of rum! You can use plain rum, coconut rum, golden rum – but for the holidays spiced rum is where it’s at!

      Begin a day ahead.
      After the syrup is cooked, poke holes in the cake. Then gradually pour the syrup over it. Lightly cover the cake with plastic wrap. Then let it stand overnight to infuse.

      Toppings are optional.
      Whip up some easy coconut flavored whipped cream for a summer-appropriate topping. This cake is delicious both cold and at room temperature. I added some shaved coconut, which makes it look extra tropical and it adds another layer of texture. You can find the dried coconut chips with edible brown rind that I used right here.
      If you plan to serve or give this for the holidays, it needs no topping. However, a sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar for holiday spice and crunch is nice and the cake still travels well.

      I’m so happy I made this cake, after years of it being on my (lengthy) baking bucket list. It’s a great recipe that I adapted from the trustworthy King Arthur Baking website – totally holiday worthy, and it’s not shy with the booze. However, if you’re avoiding alcohol but would still like to make this rum cake, see the recipe notes for a no-alcohol version made with rum extract.

      Related recipe: Spiced Rum Cake Trifles

      Caribbean Rum Cake

      Heather Baird

      This cake is adapted from King Arthur Baking’s excellent recipe “Caribbean-Style Rum Cake”. The cake portion of the recipe remains largely the same, however I’ve added brown sugar to the rum syrup for a molasses note (my southern slant). Another addition is the coconut whipped cream topping, which is cold and satisfying – really nice in hot weather months. Plus, with the coconut shavings on top, it looks pretty and tastes tropical. However, this cake is also beloved Christmas tradition for many. The rum preserves it well and it’s sturdy enough to travel or ship for holiday gifting.This recipe uses a box of instant vanilla pudding. If you’re on the fence about using it – I’d ask you to make a concession this once. Yes, the cake can be made without it but the texture is firmer and drier. This addition makes a big difference in the tenderness of this cake. Begin a day ahead, the rum syrup needs to soak overnight.

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      Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 55 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

      Course DessertCuisine American, British, Caribbean

      Servings 16

      Equipmentbundt pan 10-12 cup
      Ingredients US CustomaryMetric Cake2 cups all-purpose flour1 ½ cups granulated sugar3.4 oz. instant vanilla pudding mix 1 box2 teaspoons baking powder1 teaspoon fine grain salt½ cup unsalted butter softened½ cup vegetable oil I like grapeseed oil½ cup whole milk at room temperature4 large eggs at room temperature½ cup rum I like golden rum2 teaspoons vanilla extractRum soaking syrup½ cup unsalted butter¼ cup water½ cup granulated sugar½ cup brown sugar¼ teaspoon fine grain salt½ cup rum½ teaspoon vanilla extractCoconut whipped cream¾ cup heavy whipping cream2 tablespoons granulated sugar1 teaspoon coconut extract½ cup dried coconut shavings for garnish
      Instructions CakePreheat the oven to 325F.In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the four, sugar, pudding mix, baking powder, and salt. Whisk well to combine. Add the butter and oil. Mix until thoroughly combined and the mixture has a sandy cornmeal appearance.With the mixer on low speed, add the milk, then the eggs one at a time. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and mix again. Add the rum and vanilla. Mix until well combined.Spray a 10 or 12 cup bundt pan with flour-based baking spray (or grease and flour). Pour the batter into the pan and even the top with a rubber spatula.Bake the cake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick tester inserted near the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and leave the cake in the pan while you make the rum syrup.Rum soaking syrupPlace the butter, water, sugars, salt, and rum in a saucepan and bring to a boil on the stove top. Reduce to a simmer and cook about 8 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.Poke many holes in the top of the cake using a skewer. Gradually pour over the syrup a little at a time, pausing to allow the syrup to soak into the cake before adding more. When the all of the syrup is used, lightly cover the cake with plastic wrap and allow it to stand overnight.Turn the cake out onto a serving plate.Coconut whipped creamPlace the heavy cream in a stand mixer fitted with the whip attachment. Beat until the mixture thickens slightly, then gradually add in the granulated sugar. Beat until thick and fluffy. Add the coconut extract and mix briefly. Top the rum cake with a crown of the billowy coconut whipped cream. Arrange dried coconut shavings on top.Loosely wrapped, the whipped cream-topped cake will store in the refrigerator for several days. Without whipped cream, tightly wrapped, it will keep for several days at room temperature.
      NotesWhat to expect: This cake is so tender, moist, and deliciously rummy. Its soft texture makes it 10/10 a special occasion cake.
      Help! My cake is stuck: If you have trouble turning the cake out, don’t try to pry it out. Instead, place the cake in the pan in a preheated 350F oven and warm for 10 minutes. This will loosen the cake and you should have no problem turning it out.
      No alcohol version: Replace the rum in the cake recipe with ½ cup of water with 2 teaspoons rum extract added to it. Do the same for the rum in the syrup.
      Holiday flavor: Use spiced rum for extra warmth and holiday spirit. The cake can also be dusted with ¼ cup cinnamon-sugar mixture (1/4 cup granulated sugar + 2 teaspoons cinnamon).

      Keyword caribbean rum cake, golden rum cake, golden rum syrup, instant vanilla pudding, mini bundt cakes

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