Description
Enjoy a taste of the tropics with this easy Sugar-Free Coconut Cream Sundae Cake! Featuring a soft, fluffy coconut cake base, a rich and creamy coconut milk soak, and a light whipped topping finished with golden toasted coconut, this irresistible poke cake delivers bakery-style indulgence without added sugar. Made with a sugar-free cake mix and your favorite zero-sugar sweetener, it is perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, holiday celebrations, or make-ahead family desserts. With just three simple preparation steps, this creamy coconut dessert is easy to make and even easier to love.
Ingredients
For the Cake Base
- 1 box (approximately 13–16 oz) sugar-free white or yellow cake mix
- Eggs, oil, and water or milk as required by the cake mix package
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
For the Coconut Cream Soak
- 1 can (13.5–14 oz) unsweetened full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar-free sweetener, such as allulose or a monk fruit blend
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping
- 1 container (8 oz) sugar-free whipped topping, thawed, or homemade sugar-free whipped cream
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut, toasted
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut chips, toasted (optional)
- Fresh raspberries, optional
- Sugar-free white chocolate curls, optional
- Fresh lime zest, optional
Instructions
Step 1: Bake and Poke the Cake
- Preheat the oven according to the cake mix package instructions. Grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the cake batter according to the package directions, adding 1 teaspoon of coconut extract.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake according to the package instructions, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for approximately 10 minutes.
- Using the handle of a wooden spoon or a large straw, poke holes evenly across the cake, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Step 2: Add the Coconut Soak and Chill
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the unsweetened coconut milk, sugar-free sweetener, and vanilla extract until the sweetener is dissolved as much as possible.
- Slowly pour the coconut mixture evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
- Cover the baking dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the cake absorb the coconut cream mixture.
Step 3: Decorate and Serve
- Spread the sugar-free whipped topping evenly over the chilled cake.
- Sprinkle the toasted shredded coconut and optional toasted coconut chips over the topping.
- Add fresh raspberries, sugar-free white chocolate curls, or lime zest if desired.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 additional hour to allow the layers to set.
- Slice into squares and serve chilled.
Notes
- Toast the coconut carefully: Toast the shredded coconut and coconut chips in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently until golden brown.
- Use canned coconut milk: Full-fat canned coconut milk provides the richest flavor and creamiest texture. Stir or whisk it well before measuring.
- Check your sweetener: Allulose and monk fruit blends vary in sweetness. Taste the coconut soak and adjust the amount to suit your preferred sweetness.
- Allow enough chilling time: The cake needs time to absorb the coconut mixture and set properly. Overnight refrigeration produces an especially moist, flavorful dessert.
- Make it dairy-free: Choose a dairy-free whipped topping and a cake mix that meets your dietary requirements.
- Storage: Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days. Keep the cake chilled until serving.
- Homemade topping option: Whip 1 cup of cold heavy cream with approximately 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar-free sweetener and a splash of vanilla until stiff peaks form. For a dairy-free version, use a suitable coconut-based whipping cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–35 minutes, depending on the cake mix
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: 300–380 kcal
- Fat: 20–27 g
- Carbohydrates: 20–35 g
- Fiber: 2–4 g
- Protein: 3–5 g
