Pioneer Woman Piña Colada Cake

Pioneer Woman Piña Colada Cake is made with boxed cake mix, crushed pineapple, coconut cream, and whipped topping. It serves 12 and takes about 1 hour from start to finish, including chilling time. It’s tropical, creamy, and so easy!

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💖 Why You’ll Love This Pioneer Woman Piña Colada Cake

Super easy to make—no fuss or fancy techniques needed: Whether you’re a beginner baker or just short on time, Pioneer Woman Piña Colada Cake is one of the simplest desserts you can make.
Full of tropical flavor in every bite: The mix of crushed pineapple and sweet coconut cream gives this cake its signature island flavor.
No layering, no frosting skills, no problem: You don’t need to be a pro to make this cake look and taste amazing. It’s baked in one pan and topped with whipped cream and shredded coconut.
Perfect for warm-weather parties and special occasions: Pioneer Woman Piña Colada Cake is a hit at BBQs, pool parties, birthday celebrations, Easter brunch, Mother’s Day, or any summer holiday. It’s light, cold, and keeps guests coming back for seconds.
Can be made dairy-free and allergy-friendly: Just use a non-dairy whipped topping and check your cake mix and coconut cream to keep it dairy-free.

🍍 Ingredients

1 box yellow or white cake mix (plus eggs, oil, water as directed)
1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
1 cup cream of coconut (like Coco Lopez)
1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
1/2 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
Optional: maraschino cherries or extra pineapple for garnish

🍰 How To Make Pioneer Woman Piña Colada Cake

Bake the cake Prepare and bake the boxed cake mix in a 9×13-inch pan as directed on the box.
Poke holes While the cake is still warm, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the top.
Pour pineapple and cream Mix the crushed pineapple (with juice) and cream of coconut. Spoon it evenly over the cake so it soaks in.
Cool and chill Let the cake cool completely at room temp, then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
Top and serve Spread whipped topping over the chilled cake. Sprinkle with shredded coconut and garnish as you like. Slice and serve cold!

✅ Recipe Tips

Don’t skip the poking – The holes help the juices soak into every bite.
Chill well – Chilling is key for the creamy texture.
Use good coconut cream – Avoid coconut milk; use sweet cream of coconut like Coco Lopez.
Customize toppings – Add crushed nuts, pineapple slices, or cherries for decoration.
Want it boozy? – Add 1–2 tbsp of rum to the pineapple mix for an adults-only version.

🍸 What To Serve With Piña Colada Cake?

Serve Pioneer Woman Piña Colada Cake with tropical drinks like iced coconut tea, fruit punch or pineapple juice. It also pairs well with grilled chicken or BBQ dishes at summer parties.

🥶 How To Store Leftovers Piña Colada Cake?

In the Fridge: Keep the cake covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. It actually tastes better on day 2!
In the Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving cold.

🥵 How To Reheat Leftover Piña Colada Cake?

Leftover piña colada cake is best cold but if you want to serve it slightly warm:

Microwave (optional): Heat a slice for up 10–15 seconds—just enough to soften it a bit.

❓FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix for Piña Colada Cake?

Yes, while the traditional Piña Colada Cake uses yellow or white boxed cake mix, you can switch it up with a pineapple, vanilla, or even coconut-flavored cake mix. Each option enhances the tropical flavor.

What is the best type of coconut cream for Piña Colada Cake?

The best coconut cream to use in Piña Colada Cake is a sweetened version like Coco Lopez. It gives the cake a rich, sweet coconut flavor. Avoid using coconut milk—it’s thinner and won’t deliver the same creamy texture or sweetness.

Can I use fresh pineapple in Piña Colada Cake instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple can be used in Piña Colada Cake. Just chop it finely and include the juice it releases. However, canned crushed pineapple is easier and gives consistent moisture throughout the cake.

Does Piña Colada Cake contain alcohol?

The original Piña Colada Cake is alcohol-free, making it suitable for all ages. However, you can add 1–2 tablespoons of white rum to the pineapple-coconut mixture for a boozy twist for adults.

How long does Piña Colada Cake need to chill before serving?

Piña Colada Cake should chill for at least 2 hours before serving. Chilling allows the coconut and pineapple mixture to soak fully into the cake, making it extra moist and flavorful.

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