Samoa Poke Cake Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and love the delightful combination of caramel, coconut, and chocolate, then you are going to adore this Samoa Poke Cake. This cake effortlessly captures the flavors inspired by those beloved Samoa cookies, layering moist buttery cake with luscious caramel, sweetened condensed milk, toasted coconut, and silky chocolate frosting. Every bite melts in your mouth with a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. It’s a dreamy dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for impressing friends or simply treating yourself to an indulgent homemade delight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Samoa Poke Cake lies in its straightforward, well-chosen ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each item plays a vital role, whether it’s the rich cake base, the creamy caramel infusion, or the toasty coconut topping that brings everything to life.

• Butter cake mix (15.25 ounces): The foundation of the cake, providing a soft and tender crumb that’s just right for soaking up the delicious liquids.
• Eggs (3): Essential for structure and moisture, giving the cake a light yet sturdy texture.
• Unsalted butter (1/3 cup, softened): Adds richness and helps the cake stay moist and tender.
• Water (1 cup): Needed to mix with the dry ingredients, ensuring the batter is smooth and perfect for baking.
• Sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces): Adds a creamy sweetness that soaks deep into the cake for that signature poke cake effect.
• Caramel sauce (14 ounces): Brings luscious, buttery notes that marry beautifully with the coconut and chocolate.
• Sweetened coconut flakes (1 cup): Toasted to a golden perfection, they add crunch and that unmistakable tropical flavor.
• Chocolate frosting (16 ounces): Creamy, rich, and spreadable—this frosting is the crowning glory that ties the entire cake together.

How to Make Samoa Poke Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F and getting your baking dish ready by flouring and greasing it. This ensures your cake won’t stick and bakes evenly. Following the directions on your butter cake mix box, combine the cake mix with eggs, butter, and water until you have a smooth batter. Pour this into your prepared dish and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. This step is critical because a perfectly baked, moist cake is the canvas on which all the flavors will come alive. Once done, let it cool for about 20 minutes so you’re ready for the next exciting step.

Step 2: Make the Caramel-Condensed Milk Mixture

While the cake cools, set aside 1/4 cup of caramel sauce—this will be used later for drizzling. In a new bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk with the remaining caramel sauce until they blend into a luscious, smooth mixture. This combination is what really elevates the Samoa Poke Cake, infusing it with creamy sweetness and rich caramel notes.

Step 3: Poke and Pour

This step is where the “poke” in poke cake comes to life. Using the stick end of a wooden spoon, gently poke holes all over the cake about half an inch apart. These holes act like little wells to hold the caramel-condensed milk mixture, soaking deep into the cake layers for moist, sweet pockets in every bite. Pour the mixture evenly over the cake, making sure it seeps into all those holes. Use a rubber spatula to spread it gently, and then refrigerate for two hours so the cake can fully absorb all that goodness.

Step 4: Toast the Coconut

While the cake chills, place your coconut flakes in a large skillet over medium heat. Toast them, stirring frequently for about 5 to 8 minutes, until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. This stage is key because the toasting unlocks rich, nutty flavors and adds a wonderful crunch that will contrast beautifully with the soft, creamy cake layers. Transfer the toasted coconut to a bowl to cool before layering.

Step 5: Frost and Finish

Take your chocolate frosting and warm it briefly in the microwave—about 20 to 30 seconds—to make it easier to drizzle. Remove the cake from the fridge and pour the warm frosting evenly over the top, spreading it out with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Immediately sprinkle the toasted coconut over the frosting until it’s completely covered, then drizzle the reserved caramel sauce on top to finish. Pop the cake back in the fridge for at least two more hours to set everything nicely and marry all the flavors.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

After the final chilling, use a sharp knife to cut your Samoa Poke Cake into 12 generous slices. This is when you can admire all the layered textures and flavors in each piece. Serve chilled for the best taste and texture.

How to Serve Samoa Poke Cake

Garnishes

To make your Samoa Poke Cake truly shine, consider garnishing each slice with a drizzle of extra caramel sauce or a few toasted coconut flakes just before serving. You could also add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts for extra crunch and flair. These simple touches elevate the presentation and add layers of flavor.

Side Dishes

This decadent cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh berry compote, which add brightness and balance out the richness. For a lighter complement, serve it alongside a cup of strong coffee or a refreshing iced tea to cleanse the palate between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try serving this Samoa Poke Cake in individual glass jars or clear cups to showcase the beautiful layers of cake, caramel, and frosting. You can also turn it into cupcakes by preparing the batter in cupcake tins and following the same poke and layering steps. For a fun twist, top with edible gold flakes or toasted macadamia nuts, giving it a festive, tropical vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Samoa Poke Cake keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent it from absorbing any fridge odors. It tastes best when enjoyed chilled, right out of the fridge.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, you can freeze this cake for up to one month. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then in foil to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

This cake is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is generally not recommended as it may affect the frosting and texture. If you’d like to soften it slightly, just let it sit at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake instead of box mix?

Absolutely! If you prefer baking your cake from scratch, go for it. Just make sure it’s a sturdy, moist butter cake to hold up to the poking and soaking process of the Samoa Poke Cake.

What if I don’t have sweetened coconut flakes?

You can substitute with unsweetened coconut flakes, but keep in mind the cake will be less sweet. To compensate, consider adding a bit more caramel sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

With some ingredient swaps, it’s possible. Use dairy-free butter and a dairy-free caramel sauce, and ensure your frosting is also dairy-free. The texture and flavor might vary slightly but it will still be delicious!

What is the best way to poke the cake?

The stick end of a wooden spoon is perfect because it’s sturdy enough to create uniform holes without breaking the cake apart. Space them about half an inch apart for even absorption.

How long should I chill the cake after pouring the caramel mixture?

Chilling the cake for at least two hours allows the sweetened condensed milk and caramel mixture to sink into the holes, making the cake wonderfully moist and flavorful throughout.

Final Thoughts

This Samoa Poke Cake is truly a showstopper dessert that combines ease, indulgence, and nostalgic flavors all in one beautiful dish. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family dinner, or just because you deserve a sweet treat, this cake will not disappoint. Dive into the rich layers of caramel, coconut, and chocolate—once you try this, it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to desserts!

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