Coconut Cream Poke

### Instructions:

#### 1. Baking the Cake:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it with butter or non-stick spray. In a large bowl, follow the instructions on your cake mix box. Typically, you’ll combine the cake mix with water (or milk), eggs, and oil. Mix well until smooth and no lumps remain.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake according to the instructions on the box, usually around 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes.

#### 2. Poking the Cake:
After the cake has cooled slightly, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a straw to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Be sure to poke deep enough to create pockets for the coconut filling, but not so deep that the cake falls apart.

#### 3. Preparing the Coconut Filling:
While the cake is cooling, make the coconut filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, and vanilla extract. Once everything is fully combined, fold in the shredded coconut. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thickened, perfect for soaking into the holes of the cake.

#### 4. Filling the Cake:
Slowly pour the coconut filling over the surface of the cake, ensuring it seeps into all the holes. The filling will soak into the cake, creating a moist and flavorful base. Let the cake sit for 20-30 minutes to allow the filling to fully absorb.

#### 5. Adding the Topping:
Once the cake has absorbed the coconut filling, spread the whipped topping over the entire surface of the cake. Use a spatula to create a smooth, even layer. For added texture and flavor, sprinkle sweetened shredded coconut on top, or for an extra tropical touch, top with chopped toasted coconut. To toast the coconut, simply spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown, making sure to stir occasionally to avoid burning.

#### 6. Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible, to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set. The longer the cake chills, the more flavorful and moist it becomes.

### Why You’ll Love Coconut Cream Poke Cake:

This Coconut Cream Poke Cake is a dessert that strikes the perfect balance between creamy, sweet, and refreshing. The cake itself is moist and fluffy, while the coconut filling provides a luscious, tropical flavor. The whipped topping and toasted coconut add a light, airy texture with a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort but delivering a dessert that’s both impressive and delicious.

### Tips & Variations:
– **Use Coconut Flavored Cake Mix:** For an even more coconut-forward flavor, try using a coconut-flavored cake mix in place of a traditional white cake mix.
– **Make it Dairy-Free:** Swap the sweetened condensed milk for a dairy-free version and use coconut cream instead of regular whipped topping to make this a completely dairy-free dessert.
– **Other Toppings:** For a different twist, you could use a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or even drizzle some chocolate syrup over the top of the whipped topping. The combination of coconut and chocolate is always a crowd-pleaser!
– **Use a Homemade Cake Base:** If you prefer to bake your cake from scratch, a homemade vanilla or coconut cake recipe will work wonderfully in place of the boxed mix.

### Final Thoughts:

Coconut Cream Poke Cake is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth while enjoying a tropical escape. Its moist texture, coconut-infused filling, and creamy topping make it a dessert everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it at a special occasion or just as an everyday treat, this cake will undoubtedly be a hit. Simple to prepare, yet so decadent and flavorful, it’s a dessert that guarantees smiles all around. Enjoy the island-inspired delight of Coconut Cream Poke Cake!